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MAGINNESS - SINN FEIN BETRAYING AGREEMENT AND THREATENING
EQUALITY SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has said that Sinn Fein have failed to protect the principle of powersharing in the North and have boxed themselves into a position where their own negotiating failure has stunted all Ireland growth and development. Speaking today Mr Maginness stated: “The hypocrisy of Sinn Fein’s position has been highlighted and exposed for all to see in recent days. After railing against Margaret Ritchie’s decision to meet with some of her Executive colleagues last week to see what progress could be made on issue such as fuel poverty and suicide prevention, Sinn Fein are happy to indulge in solo runs and meetings with the DUP. Far from being the meat in a unionist sandwich, Sinn Fein simply continue to serve up treats on a plate for the DUP. It seems the only party Sinn Fein want to meet with is the DUP. Their fixation with digging themselves further into a hole means they don’t want to proceed with business with the UUP or SDLP, or the Irish Government as part of the all Ireland framework for that matter. That is what the Agreement specifies. That is what equality in practice means. Rather than being a strong counter balance to the DUP, representing nationalist interests and promoting equality for all in Government, Sinn Fein have only succeeded in doing the DUPs work for them. No proper powersharing in the North. No working all Ireland institutions. What a damning indictment of Sinn Fein’s leadership and vision for the future. Indeed, Sinn Fein has succeeded in marking forty years of civil rights by endangering all that movement stood for. From systematic gerrymandering by the Unionist Party then, we have only moved to systematic gerry - pandering to the DUP now. Sinn Feins absolute failure on the devolution of policing and justice powers and concession of a triple lock veto to the DUP means that once again ‘No nationalist need apply’ hangs over government in the North. People across this island want to see politicians represent them in working institutions which guarantee their rights and meet their aspirations. It is clear for all to see that on both these counts Sinn Fein are falling way short of the mark.” |
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