Daily Dispatch Wednesday 17th & 18th May 2006

MAGINNESS: SYLVIA HERMON UNDERLINES UUP HYPOCRISY

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness said Lady Sylvia Hermon’s negative reaction to the alliance with the PUP underlines the outrageous hypocrisy of the Ulster Unionist Party.

He said: “Sylvia Hermon spoke in the Commons of her deep distress on hearing that her party was going into partnership with the political wing of the Ulster Volunteer Force. She then covered herself by saying that after speaking to Reg Empey, she was satisfied it was justified if it would help bring UVF decommissioning.

“This is a tiny, transparent fig leaf. There is no evidence whatsoever that the UVF has any intention of decommissioning and there are plenty of indications to the contrary.

“The UUP would not govern with Sinn Fein on a vague promise of future decommissioning by their armed wing. Why is it different with Loyalist killers?

“Sylvia Hermon’s distaste with this shoddy deal is doubtless shared by many in the UUP. The whole party is now hostage to the next turf war incident, the next racist attack, the next warlord settling scores, the next falling out over drugs and extortion money. Their motivation of getting another ministerial post on the right side of the sectarian dividing line is pathetic. Their attempt at justification on the basis of a UVF ceasefire is ludicrous.”

MAGINNESS COMMENTS ON COURT DELAYS REPORT

SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has reacted to today’s report by the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice which criticises court delays in Northern Ireland which are clogging up the court system here.
Mr Maginness stated:
”The SDLP notes with disappointment the fact that this report has indicated that there is too much delay in dealing with court cases, whether in the Crown Court or in the Magistrates Court. This does everybody a grave disservice and it is important that all the legal agencies coordinate their efforts to substantially reduce delay in the criminal justice system. It is unacceptable that people here have to wait a third longer for trial than is done in Britain. It is also unacceptable that people her have to wait twice as long for trial in the Magistrates court. In addition, dealing with young persons cases is also delayed in comparison with Britain. The problems have been clearly identified by Kit Chivers and the Criminal Justice Inspectorate and they have rightly pointed to a culture of adjournments in our courts, which is not serving the public interest. Justice delayed is justice denied. This must be remembered every step of the way in redressing the shortcomings highlighted in the Criminal Justice Inspectorate’s report”

 

Return to Communications Page