Menu
11/10/2002
Heated exchange at first-ever DUP/Sinn Fein TV face off
The first-ever live debate between a member of the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein descended into a shouting match during UTV's Insight programme last night.
Sitting several feet apart, the debate between the DUP's Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness got so heated that presenter Mike Nesbitt had to appeal to both men to calm down, saying viewers "can't make out a blind word what is being said".
The robust exchange of views came to a head when Mr Robinson referred to the Education Minister as "the former IRA commander in Londonderry".
However, Mr McGuinness hit back telling Mr Robinson to stop "acting like a bigot".
But, in one of his more eloquent remarks, Mr Robinson conceded that he had to live up to the fact that Sinn Fein are the largest nationalist party in Northern Ireland.
Despite this however, he said people could not expect a party with paramilitary links to be involved in a democratic government.
Following the raids on Sinn Fein offices in Belfast last week, the show was expected to concentrate on the political fall-out since then.
However, it seems that both guests misunderstood their role in the programme.
Mr McGuinness claimed he had waited two hours for Mr Robinson to enter the studio for a debate. However Mr Robinson told he was to be interviewed separately and that he reluctantly took part in the debate after being told otherwise.
Earlier in the evening Mr McGuinness also took part in a studio debate with the Ulster Unionist Party's Jeffrey Donaldson.
During a more sedate BBC 'Hearts and Minds' discussion, Mr McGuinness claimed that unionism was infatuated with the IRA, constantly using the organisation as a "bogey man".
Mr Donaldson, however, said that the IRA was not a bogey man as it was very much a part of the "real" world.
(MB)
Sitting several feet apart, the debate between the DUP's Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness got so heated that presenter Mike Nesbitt had to appeal to both men to calm down, saying viewers "can't make out a blind word what is being said".
The robust exchange of views came to a head when Mr Robinson referred to the Education Minister as "the former IRA commander in Londonderry".
However, Mr McGuinness hit back telling Mr Robinson to stop "acting like a bigot".
But, in one of his more eloquent remarks, Mr Robinson conceded that he had to live up to the fact that Sinn Fein are the largest nationalist party in Northern Ireland.
Despite this however, he said people could not expect a party with paramilitary links to be involved in a democratic government.
Following the raids on Sinn Fein offices in Belfast last week, the show was expected to concentrate on the political fall-out since then.
However, it seems that both guests misunderstood their role in the programme.
Mr McGuinness claimed he had waited two hours for Mr Robinson to enter the studio for a debate. However Mr Robinson told he was to be interviewed separately and that he reluctantly took part in the debate after being told otherwise.
Earlier in the evening Mr McGuinness also took part in a studio debate with the Ulster Unionist Party's Jeffrey Donaldson.
During a more sedate BBC 'Hearts and Minds' discussion, Mr McGuinness claimed that unionism was infatuated with the IRA, constantly using the organisation as a "bogey man".
Mr Donaldson, however, said that the IRA was not a bogey man as it was very much a part of the "real" world.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 January 2004
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
18 November 2011
DUP Angry As Kenny Lobbies Over Finucane
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has used a visit to Belfast on Thursday for several engagements and to make a controversial announcement.
DUP Angry As Kenny Lobbies Over Finucane
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has used a visit to Belfast on Thursday for several engagements and to make a controversial announcement.
18 November 2011
A5 'Roadblock' On North-South Agenda
NI's top political team are to again confront the leader of the Irish Republic over recent news that a multi-million pound cross border road project would have to be 'shelved' after the Dáil government performed a U-turn on funding.
A5 'Roadblock' On North-South Agenda
NI's top political team are to again confront the leader of the Irish Republic over recent news that a multi-million pound cross border road project would have to be 'shelved' after the Dáil government performed a U-turn on funding.
11 November 2011
DUP & Sinn Fein Ministers On 'One Road'
NI's top political team have today travelled south today to confront the leaders of the Irish Republic on yesterday's news that a multi-million cross border road project would have to be shelved after the Dáil government performed a U-turn on funding.
DUP & Sinn Fein Ministers On 'One Road'
NI's top political team have today travelled south today to confront the leaders of the Irish Republic on yesterday's news that a multi-million cross border road project would have to be shelved after the Dáil government performed a U-turn on funding.
18 October 2011
'Roadblock' On Agenda For North-South Summit
NI's top political team are to again confront the leader of the Irish Republic over recent news that a multi-million pound cross border road project would have to be 'shelved' after the Dáil government performed a U-turn on funding.
'Roadblock' On Agenda For North-South Summit
NI's top political team are to again confront the leader of the Irish Republic over recent news that a multi-million pound cross border road project would have to be 'shelved' after the Dáil government performed a U-turn on funding.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
