Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“In the introduction to the policy document launched today Sinn Fein/IRA claim that “sectarianism is the antithesis of republicanism.”
“They go on to list a number of bullet points spelling out how this allegedly anti-sectarian party would deal with sectarianism including:
1) The right to employment free from sectarian discrimination, intimidation or attack.
This will come as news to the families of 10 Protestant workmen lined up and shot beside their van while on their way home from work.
2) The right to housing and to live in your home free from sectarian attack, intimidation or other discrimination.
Families the length and breadth of Northern Ireland were intimidated out of their homes and sometimes even the Province by the IRA with some, like Frank Hegarty, returned home only to be murdered.
3) The right to free association, recreation and to socialize at places of choice free from sectarian attack, intimidation or other discrimination.
How ironic that Sinn Fein should claim this on the anniversary of the Walker’s Bar attack when the IRA gunned down three people because they were Protestants!
4) The right to practice religious faith and worship free from sectarian attack, intimidation or other discrimination.
Words which will sound hollow to the Travers family after the IRA murdered young Mary Travers on her way home from mass.
5) The duty to report or challenge sectarian speech, attack, intimidation or other discrimination when witnessed or heard.
Again deeply ironic given the IRA conduct towards those who informed on their sectarian attacks
“Every word in this document drips with hypocrisy. Non-gullible Unionists will treat it with the contempt it deserves.”