Menu
05/01/2004
Paisley Jnr hits out at Ahern's comments
North Antrim DUP MLA, Ian Paisley Jnr has today accused the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern of being “out of touch with reality”.
Mr Paisley was reacting to comments made by the Irish prime minister during a television interview on the BBC on Sunday.
Speaking on the BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme Mr Ahern said he was willing to work with all the parties to restore the power-sharing executive and the fulfilment of the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Ahern said he believed the Agreement could still survive despite the suspension of the Northern Ireland Executive in October 2002 amid allegations of IRA intelligence-gathering in the Stormont government.
"If you were to have that kind of frustrated period and rejectionist period that I hope we do not see, then the future would be bleak and you would inevitably get back into some kind of conflict, let us hope it would not be violence," he said.
However, Mr Paisley said the Good Friday Agreement was now dead: “Bertie Ahern’s comments show that he is out of touch with reality. The Assembly election result showed clearly that a majority of unionists, almost two thirds in fact, do not support the Belfast Agreement.
"By the Belfast Agreement’s own rules, that it must have the support of a majority of the majority community as well as a majority of the minority community, the old Agreement is dead. Mr Ahern needs to awaken from this bout of denial.
"The people have spoken and they want a new agreement not the old, failed Agreement," he concluded.
(MB)
Mr Paisley was reacting to comments made by the Irish prime minister during a television interview on the BBC on Sunday.
Speaking on the BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme Mr Ahern said he was willing to work with all the parties to restore the power-sharing executive and the fulfilment of the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Ahern said he believed the Agreement could still survive despite the suspension of the Northern Ireland Executive in October 2002 amid allegations of IRA intelligence-gathering in the Stormont government.
"If you were to have that kind of frustrated period and rejectionist period that I hope we do not see, then the future would be bleak and you would inevitably get back into some kind of conflict, let us hope it would not be violence," he said.
However, Mr Paisley said the Good Friday Agreement was now dead: “Bertie Ahern’s comments show that he is out of touch with reality. The Assembly election result showed clearly that a majority of unionists, almost two thirds in fact, do not support the Belfast Agreement.
"By the Belfast Agreement’s own rules, that it must have the support of a majority of the majority community as well as a majority of the minority community, the old Agreement is dead. Mr Ahern needs to awaken from this bout of denial.
"The people have spoken and they want a new agreement not the old, failed Agreement," he concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
20 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
22 January 2004
Ministerial Agreement review talks held in Dublin
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowan will meet in Dublin today for talks on the direction taken in the impending review of the Good Friday Agreement.
Ministerial Agreement review talks held in Dublin
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowan will meet in Dublin today for talks on the direction taken in the impending review of the Good Friday Agreement.
19 January 2004
Paisley will not seek re-election as MEP
DUP leader Ian Paisley has announced that he is to step down as a member of the European Parliament this June. The poll-topping 77-year-old Euro MP has said that he will not seek re-election and will step down prior to this year's election. The DUP leader's decision will end his, occasionally controversial, 25-year stint as an MEP.
Paisley will not seek re-election as MEP
DUP leader Ian Paisley has announced that he is to step down as a member of the European Parliament this June. The poll-topping 77-year-old Euro MP has said that he will not seek re-election and will step down prior to this year's election. The DUP leader's decision will end his, occasionally controversial, 25-year stint as an MEP.
15 November 2021
Irish Sea Border Is 'Polluting Our Politics' - DUP
The Irish Sea Border is "polluting our politics and distracting us all from focusing on issues which are pressing down on communities", this was the message of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as he met with people across L'Derry.
Irish Sea Border Is 'Polluting Our Politics' - DUP
The Irish Sea Border is "polluting our politics and distracting us all from focusing on issues which are pressing down on communities", this was the message of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as he met with people across L'Derry.
-
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.
