Statement by TUV South Belfast representative Andrew Girvin:
“The widespread offence caused to Unionism by Congressman Neal’s employment of the word planter to describe people whose families have been here for hundreds of years has been well rehearsed. Yet when asked if the used of the term was archaic and offensive today the Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland was dismissive and dodged the issue.
“It is important to remember that the Republican campaign of ethnic cleansing in border areas of Northern Ireland was often pretexted on the idea that certain people didn’t belong there because of their religion and allegiance to the U.K. This thinking was what motivated many Provo murders. In failing to condemn the use of the term planter Sinn Fein are perpetuating the idea that Unionists are other, outsiders and blow ins. So much for their talk of “an agreed Ireland”!
“Her refusal today to reject the planter slur underscore the reality that she is total unsuited for the post of First Minister of Northern Ireland. Unionist political parties should unitedly make it clear that they will refuse to provide a stooge deputy to someone who has failed to appreciate the offence caused by Congressman Neal.”