Statement by TUV vice-chair Richard Cairns:
“Today’s allegations in the Sun newspaper that three members of Sinn Fein – including a prominent elected politician – are members of the IRA Army Council demand immediate action.
“The DUP claim that the release of Bobby Storey – Sinn Fein/IRA’s Northern chairman – justified their return to government with the IRA’s political wing. However, if today’s report is accurate that same man should be behind bars not just for membership of an illegal organisation but for directing its operations.
“Law abiding citizens will doubtless be appalled by the suggestion that Sean “Spike” Murry, who recently met the Chief Constable as part of a Sinn Fein/IRA delegation, is a member of the Army Council.
“TUV will be writing to both the Secretary of Sate and the Chief Constable demanding clarity as to the accuracy of the claims and the immediate arrest of those who the security and intelligence forces believe oversee the most murderous terrorist organisation in Europe.
“Is the senior Sinn Fein/IRA politician a member of the executive? Does he serve on the Policing Board?
“Until these questions are answered no Unionist should be sitting on either the executive (where the DUP are the only Unionist party) or the Policing Board – where the UUP continue to sit alongside Sinn Fein/IRA representatives.
“If nothing changes before these questions are answered the Unionist electorate will doubtless ask another question – do our elected representatives care?
“Those who speak about the need to move Northern Ireland on from the dark days of the past need to stop appeasing those who visited death and destruction upon Northern Ireland and who remain inextricably linked to terrorism.
“Furthermore, the people deserve clarity as to who exactly it is who holds office in what remains an organisation which is remains illegal. Absolute honesty about this matter is what is needed immediately”.