Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“The disingenuous spin by the DUP to mask its monumental climbdown on Irish language legislation has begun.
“The pretence that a DUP First Minister can veto the work of the Irish Language Commissioner is for the birds.
“The key statutory provision and setting for all the Commissioner’s work is Clause 78H. It sets in stone his/her function as enhancing the use of Irish in and by all public authorities. Any standards which the First Ministers must approve are for this purpose and, therefore, within this statutory framework there would not be the liberty to refuse to approve standards.
“Even if there were such a real veto, the fact that the same would apply in reverse for Sinn Fein, through the ‘veto’ of the deputy First Minister, to standards for the Ulster Scots Commissioner and the Identity Commissioner, means any such veto is unlikely to be exercised but nullified by the quid pro quo that characterises the operation of the joint First Ministers.
“The DUP can’t hoodwink the people by pretending a veto on the operation of the Irish Language Commissioner but glossing over the Sinn Fein veto on what the DUP wants to big up, namely, the supposed British identity protections.
“The irreducible truth is that the DUP has rolled over spectacularly in embracing Irish language legislation. If that is not so, then, of course, let them join in activating a Petition of Concern to block the language legislation. But will they? No, even though I will ensure they are given that opportunity.
“The DUP has sold out, despite all the raucous assurances about crocodiles and such things not happening on Mrs Foster’s watch.”