Menu
27/04/2005
Mallon launches attack on SF and DUP
Former SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon has launched a scathing attack on Sinn Fein and the DUP ahead of next months elections.
The former deputy first minister said he was tired of waiting for the “complete peace” promised by Sinn Fein 17 years ago and that the DUP was only interested in their "half-truths and sectarian flag waving".
Referring to Sinn Fein's first promise of peace to his party, the outgoing MP for Newry and Armagh said: "In 1994 the ceasefire. Remember it? The vision? The idealism that we all thought was going to come? Ah, broken legs, kneecaps blown off, fellows getting their throats cut.
"You know if we saw it happening elsewhere we would be screaming. If we saw it happening elsewhere we would be going in delegations to look at, investigate it and see what was going wrong."
In an attack on Ian Paisley’s party, Mr Mallon said he was dismayed at the rise of the DUP.
"Those who led people to the top of hills waving gun licences, invaded Clontibret, were at the heart of Harryville, Drumcree and every sectarian confrontation might well now be the largest party in Northern Ireland, might well be holding the most senior positions in Northern Ireland along with those who have played with peace since 1988,” he said.
Sinn Féin’s Westminster candidate for Foyle, Mitchel McLaughlin hit back saying his party was not interested in negative politics.
“What we are doing is offering the people an alternative. We are setting out how we believe the process can be put on track,” he said.
“We now have an unprecedented opportunity to make progress, to finally and conclusively deal with the outstanding issues and to see the Good Friday
Agreement realised in full.
“But instead of supporting such decisive action or putting forward other proposals, the outgoing MP falls back on the easy option and engages in negative politics.”
(MB/SP)
The former deputy first minister said he was tired of waiting for the “complete peace” promised by Sinn Fein 17 years ago and that the DUP was only interested in their "half-truths and sectarian flag waving".
Referring to Sinn Fein's first promise of peace to his party, the outgoing MP for Newry and Armagh said: "In 1994 the ceasefire. Remember it? The vision? The idealism that we all thought was going to come? Ah, broken legs, kneecaps blown off, fellows getting their throats cut.
"You know if we saw it happening elsewhere we would be screaming. If we saw it happening elsewhere we would be going in delegations to look at, investigate it and see what was going wrong."
In an attack on Ian Paisley’s party, Mr Mallon said he was dismayed at the rise of the DUP.
"Those who led people to the top of hills waving gun licences, invaded Clontibret, were at the heart of Harryville, Drumcree and every sectarian confrontation might well now be the largest party in Northern Ireland, might well be holding the most senior positions in Northern Ireland along with those who have played with peace since 1988,” he said.
Sinn Féin’s Westminster candidate for Foyle, Mitchel McLaughlin hit back saying his party was not interested in negative politics.
“What we are doing is offering the people an alternative. We are setting out how we believe the process can be put on track,” he said.
“We now have an unprecedented opportunity to make progress, to finally and conclusively deal with the outstanding issues and to see the Good Friday
Agreement realised in full.
“But instead of supporting such decisive action or putting forward other proposals, the outgoing MP falls back on the easy option and engages in negative politics.”
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
27 September 2006
Former DUP mayor admits electoral fraud
Dessie Stewart, a former DUP mayor of Coleraine, has admitted six charges of electoral fraud. The charges relate to the last general and local government elections in May 2005, when Mr Stewart was elected to the post.
Former DUP mayor admits electoral fraud
Dessie Stewart, a former DUP mayor of Coleraine, has admitted six charges of electoral fraud. The charges relate to the last general and local government elections in May 2005, when Mr Stewart was elected to the post.
28 November 2003
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
16 October 2017
Reaching An Agreement With Sinn Fein Is 'Not Going To Be Easy' - DUP
The DUP have said reaching an agreement with Sinn Fein to restore a power sharing government in NI is "not going to be easy". MP Gregory Campbell said Sinn Fein, have put themselves in such a predicament by declaring absolute preconditions at the outset and therefore have much further to travel to come within the boundaries of a possible agreement.
Reaching An Agreement With Sinn Fein Is 'Not Going To Be Easy' - DUP
The DUP have said reaching an agreement with Sinn Fein to restore a power sharing government in NI is "not going to be easy". MP Gregory Campbell said Sinn Fein, have put themselves in such a predicament by declaring absolute preconditions at the outset and therefore have much further to travel to come within the boundaries of a possible agreement.
29 November 2004
Historic meeting between Adams and Orde is 'useful'
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the first ever face-to-face meeting between the Sinn Féin leadership and the Chief Constable of the Police Service for Northern Ireland as "useful".
Historic meeting between Adams and Orde is 'useful'
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the first ever face-to-face meeting between the Sinn Féin leadership and the Chief Constable of the Police Service for Northern Ireland as "useful".
-
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.
