Statement by TUV Comber Councillor Stephen Cooper:
“Somewhat bizarrely, the latest document from Sinn Fein/IRA was launched in both Belfast and Dublin, with statements from the absent party president, Gerry Adams.
“Bizarre, in that Adams deemed it more important to be in Cuba to commemorate the death of another individual linked to multiple murders, and who in common with the republican movement, spent a life refusing to respect the democratic will of their electorate. Comfortable bedfellows no doubt.
“The document comes hot on the heels of more revelations of IRA/Sinn Fein visiting Hamas, amid increasing evidence of a global network of terrorism entangling the movement, from Colombia, to Cuba, Spain and now unsurprisingly, Israel.
“The Trojan horse is once again wheeled out with an outlandish claim that ‘some young and liberal unionists are willing to explore the potential of a united Ireland’ following the EU referendum – despite the obvious paradox this presents.
“The refusal to accept Northern Ireland’s position within the UK is again to the fore as Adams complains about having ‘one part of Ireland in the EU and one part outside.’
“This goes to the very heart of IRA/Sinn Fein strategy and position on the Belfast Agreement, viewed clearly as a transitional phase and never a settlement.
“This document is yet another reminder that Sinn Fein/IRA are in the government of Northern Ireland to destroy the state. As such it should cause those who partner them to once again consider the damage their undemocratic form of devolution is doing to the Union. We also have cause to reflect upon the fact that when Republicans talk about “reconciliation” they mean reconciliation of the island of Ireland into a single socialist Republic.”