Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“The deputy First Minister’s comments on the upcoming centenary of Northern Ireland underscore the fact that while Sinn Fein likes to talk about equality and respect they have no intention of ever granting either to those who do not share their political objective of Irish unity.
“Those who suffered at the hands of the IRA’s murderous campaign will take no lectures from the leader of Sinn Fein. How dare she accuse anyone of sectarianism on the 45th anniversary of the Bayardo Bar gun and bomb attack when five people were murdered on the Shankill Road by the IRA she continues to defend for no other reason than that they were Protestants?
“The people of Northern Ireland have lots to celebrate next year as we mark our first 100 years and it is but right that the anniversary is recognised across the UK as the birth of Northern Ireland also marked the creation of the United Kingdom as presently constituted. When I met with the NIO recently to discuss this historic occasion, I put forward a range of ideas as to how this significant anniversary could be celebrated both in Northern Ireland and across the UK as a whole. I also stressed that it was important that the UK Government took the lead in organising the celebrations as leaving it up to Stormont would mean everything was subject to the Republican veto.
“I would urge the Prime Minister to disregard the comments of Ms O’Neill and press ahead with marking a date which deserves to be celebrated.
“Across Northern Ireland people, whatever their constitutional outlook, have been only too happy to avail of the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom whether that be the National Health Service, the furlough scheme or the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Republican dogma prevents Sinn Fein from ever acknowledging this obvious reality.
“Today should also cause Unionists to reflect on the wisdom of sharing power with those who are dedicated not to the welfare and advancement of Northern Ireland but to its destruction.”