Daily
Dispatch 11th August 2006
DIPLOCKS
- NICE SPIN SHAME ABOUT THE PROPOSALS
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has criticised the
government's position on Diplock courts as "confused".
Speaking after the Government announced new proposals for consultation
on Diplock courts Mr Maginness stated:
"Whilst this may be a step forward it does not go nearly
far enough. The fact is that Diplock courts are not being abolished.
What the British Government is actually attempting is pretending
to abolish Diplock courts whilst at the same time creating a mechanism
to keep them. It seems to be an example of ‘now you see
it now you don’t’ spin.
It is clear that this announcement is not enough. It does not
make Diplock courts a thing of the past. What the SDLP wants is
the complete abolition of the Diplock court system which we believe
has been damaging to the overall perception and working of the
justice system in the North.”
MAGINNESS
- DUP PLAN TO ABOLISH PARADES COMMISSION ‘RIDICULOUS’
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA today rejected proposals
by the DUP to scrap the Parades Commission a naked attempt to
turn the clock back on change. Mr Maginness stated:
“Earlier this week Councillor Tosh of the DUP told us that
they wanted to abolish the Equality Commission. In this latest
instalment of their demolition derby they told us that they wanted
to abolish the Parades Commission too. Instead they want a legal
tribunal to decide. Although myself a barrister I would never
suggest that the best way forward is to fork out a fortune calling
in the lawyers over every parade. That is no way to solve such
disputes. Indeed it is simply a reheated rehash of the Quigley
report which political parties and the police rejected. It didn’t
even find favour with the Orange Order.
What we need is dialogue not costly courtroom battles. What the
DUP should be doing is encouraging that dialogue instead of trying
to demolish the commission. The fact is since it was founded the
Parades Commission has taken the dispute out of many parades.
It has encouraged dialogue and by avoiding lengthy legal process
it has saved us money. The SDLP’s message is simple - if
it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
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