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29/08/2003
Paisley calls for election date
DUP leader Dr Ian Paisley has urged the Government to name the date for an Assembly election.
Dr Paisley said: “When the Prime Minister arbitrarily aborted the Assembly election in May, we were told it would be the autumn when the Northern Ireland electorate could have their say on the failed political process. Autumn is nearly upon us and I now look forward to the naming of an election date."
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October, 2002 when it was revealed that the IRA had been conducting a Spy ring operation in Government offices at Stormont.
The North Antrim MP added: "Whilst the government clings on to the fantasy that the Belfast Agreement can be resurrected and the elections can be delayed to facilitate this, they are heading down a cul-de-sac. Only fresh elections and negotiations can deliver the kind of agreement that unionists as well as nationalists can support."
Dr Paisley said his party's was clear in that elections and negotiations could only to a new and democratic deal and that the Belfast Agreement was, in effect, dead.
"While Mr Trimble hides behind tough talk, it is clear he is not prepared to stand up to Sinn Fein/IRA having continually supported them in government. The Ulster Unionist Party is disintegrating before our eyes and the unionist people have turned their back on them and the Belfast Agreement. I look forward to the next Assembly elections and urge the Secretary of State to name the date now," he concluded.
(MB)
Dr Paisley said: “When the Prime Minister arbitrarily aborted the Assembly election in May, we were told it would be the autumn when the Northern Ireland electorate could have their say on the failed political process. Autumn is nearly upon us and I now look forward to the naming of an election date."
The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended on 14 October, 2002 when it was revealed that the IRA had been conducting a Spy ring operation in Government offices at Stormont.
The North Antrim MP added: "Whilst the government clings on to the fantasy that the Belfast Agreement can be resurrected and the elections can be delayed to facilitate this, they are heading down a cul-de-sac. Only fresh elections and negotiations can deliver the kind of agreement that unionists as well as nationalists can support."
Dr Paisley said his party's was clear in that elections and negotiations could only to a new and democratic deal and that the Belfast Agreement was, in effect, dead.
"While Mr Trimble hides behind tough talk, it is clear he is not prepared to stand up to Sinn Fein/IRA having continually supported them in government. The Ulster Unionist Party is disintegrating before our eyes and the unionist people have turned their back on them and the Belfast Agreement. I look forward to the next Assembly elections and urge the Secretary of State to name the date now," he concluded.
(MB)
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