Menu
04/03/2002
DUP leads assembly motion to exclude Sinn Féin
The Democratic Unionist Party has led a motion called for the republican party Sinn Féin to be excluded from the Northern Ireland executive for a year.
The motion, which has gathered 30 signatures from anti-agreement unionists, is to be debated at a special session on Wednesday March 6.
The motion, in the names of the Democratic Unionist Party's Ian Paisley and William McCrea, United Unionist Denis Watson and UK Unionist Robert McCartney, states that Sinn Féin should be excluded because of the IRA's retention of weapons.
It also cites "continuing IRA engagement in murder and violence" and that it is inextricably linked to Sinn Fein.
DUP chief whip Maurice Morrow said his party was tabling the motion because they believe Sinn Féin are unfit to be in government. He said: “We have been told SF are good partners in government and that they are wedded to peace and the political process. However we still have no transparent decommissioning. The events surrounding Coalisland surely highlights this.”
Four men were arrested in Coalisland two weeks ago following a police raid which uncovered a fully primed warhead and a rocket launcher. The four men were charged with possession of a grenade launcher and warhead with intent to endanger life and conspiring to murder members of the security forces. The men denied the charges and were remanded in custody until March 19.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White said the find had undoubtedly saved lives and represented a significant success against dissident republican terrorists.
Mr Morrow said this event; taken together with the murder of Matthew Burns (26) which has also been blamed on dissident republicans in Castlewellan on February 22 highlighted how inappropriate it was for Sinn Féin to be in government.
“It is quite clear they still have arms and they ready for action,” he said.
Mr Morrow said that ideally the best outcome of the motion would be to gather support from the Ulster Unionist Party for Sinn Féin’s ejection.
However, comments made in the Assembly chamber on Monday from Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has indicated that this is will be highly unlikely.
Mr Trimble said: “The sole reason for this activity is just a stunt with regard to the annual meeting of our party.
“If the people who put the motion in were serious, they wouldn't be sitting sharing power with Sinn Fein. They wouldn't be sitting in committees with Sinn Féin”. (AMcE)
The motion, which has gathered 30 signatures from anti-agreement unionists, is to be debated at a special session on Wednesday March 6.
The motion, in the names of the Democratic Unionist Party's Ian Paisley and William McCrea, United Unionist Denis Watson and UK Unionist Robert McCartney, states that Sinn Féin should be excluded because of the IRA's retention of weapons.
It also cites "continuing IRA engagement in murder and violence" and that it is inextricably linked to Sinn Fein.
DUP chief whip Maurice Morrow said his party was tabling the motion because they believe Sinn Féin are unfit to be in government. He said: “We have been told SF are good partners in government and that they are wedded to peace and the political process. However we still have no transparent decommissioning. The events surrounding Coalisland surely highlights this.”
Four men were arrested in Coalisland two weeks ago following a police raid which uncovered a fully primed warhead and a rocket launcher. The four men were charged with possession of a grenade launcher and warhead with intent to endanger life and conspiring to murder members of the security forces. The men denied the charges and were remanded in custody until March 19.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White said the find had undoubtedly saved lives and represented a significant success against dissident republican terrorists.
Mr Morrow said this event; taken together with the murder of Matthew Burns (26) which has also been blamed on dissident republicans in Castlewellan on February 22 highlighted how inappropriate it was for Sinn Féin to be in government.
“It is quite clear they still have arms and they ready for action,” he said.
Mr Morrow said that ideally the best outcome of the motion would be to gather support from the Ulster Unionist Party for Sinn Féin’s ejection.
However, comments made in the Assembly chamber on Monday from Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has indicated that this is will be highly unlikely.
Mr Trimble said: “The sole reason for this activity is just a stunt with regard to the annual meeting of our party.
“If the people who put the motion in were serious, they wouldn't be sitting sharing power with Sinn Fein. They wouldn't be sitting in committees with Sinn Féin”. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
24 September 2001
Unionists draw up Sinn Féin exclusion motion
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has begun drawing up a motion to exclude Sinn Féin from the Northern Ireland power-sharing executive. The motion, which was tabled to be debated on Monday September 24, is expected to take up to three weeks before it reaches the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Unionists draw up Sinn Féin exclusion motion
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has begun drawing up a motion to exclude Sinn Féin from the Northern Ireland power-sharing executive. The motion, which was tabled to be debated on Monday September 24, is expected to take up to three weeks before it reaches the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
19 August 2024
Doug Beattie Resigns As UUP Leader
Doug Beattie has announced his resignation as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers.
Doug Beattie Resigns As UUP Leader
Doug Beattie has announced his resignation as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
