Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay responding to Jim Allister’s interview with the Newsletter on Wednesday has called Jim’s Unionist credentials into question. In an interview with the Newsletter Jim Allister set out his manifesto, a manifesto which suggests he intends to bring down the Assembly and with it Unionism.
John said:
“Jim Allister is seeking to divide and conquer Unionism. Whose side is he on? Does Jim want to see Martin McGuinness become First Minister and represent Northern Ireland? I know I don’t, and the people I represent definitely don’t.
Unionists’ should remember the days before devolution. Republican’s ran to the government at every opportunity. Republicans dictated the agenda. Unionists are much better off with devolution. Thanks to the NI Assembly we stopped the Irish language Act, a move that would have seen street signs and government publications appear in Irish. We stopped Water charges and rates rises. Does Jim want to see Sinn Fein like under direct rule run to the British or Irish government for everything they want something and get it? The DUP have stopped the rise and rule of Sinn Fein. Republicans are locked down into a Unionist-led Assembly, working under the power of the House’s of Parliament and where all bills passed by the NI Assembly receive Royal ascent.
Unionism has a choice: Jim Allister’s way of divide and conquer Unionism, something Sinn Fein would like to see him do or the DUP way in advancing the Unionist cause through the NI Assembly.” the DUP Councillor said.
