Commenting on the Grand Lodge statement following last night’s meeting Jim Allister said:
“The perceptive statement from Grand Lodge on the New Decade New Approach document should give all Unionists pause for thought.
“Why did both main Unionist parties permit the Republic to have a key role in matters relating exclusively to the internal affairs of this part of the United Kingdom? The role of Dublin was so central that the document was even presented as one produced by both our own sovereign government and that of the Republic.
“The statement also reflects the widespread fears across grassroots Unionism when it comes to the Irish language element of the deal. The powers of the Irish Language Commissioner and the duty placed on statutory bodies to enhance and promote Irish are correctly identified as key dangers for Unionism in the years ahead.
“The Institution is reflecting the views of the Unionist vote base and the fact that ordinary Unionists can see through the spin of the media and politicians with a vested interest in getting back into government with Sinn Fein/IRA.”