Date Posted:Thu, Sep 11 2003, 12:57:07 GMT Author: Liam Subject: Republicans to blame for stalemate'
A Chairde
The UUP row must be at end as they've returned to attack mode on SF. To blame republicans for no elections by saying SF are responsible for UUP made-up lies is paramount to blaming slaves for the US Civil War.
Egad! And they do it with a stright face.
Slán
Liam
Republicans to blame for stalemate'
By Chris Thornton
cthornton@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 September 2003
THE focus of future moves in the peace process must be on republicans, the UUP said today, as speculation grew around an autumn Assembly election.
Responding to Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness' call for an autumn election, former Stormont Minister Michael McGimpsey said republican actions had led to the "current paralysis in the political process".
The vote had been due to be held in May but was postponed twice as London and Dublin waited for republican "acts of completion".
Sinn Fein said this week that republicans will not move until a date for an election has been set - a topic due to be discussed when Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Aherne meet at Chequers on Saturday.
But Mr McGimpsey said: "Mr Adams and Mr Mc- Guinness are in no position to dictate terms for elections.
"It is not by some freak accident that we no longer have an Assembly or Executive. It was the republican movement's actions - spying, gun-running, alleged guerrilla training and their obstinate refusal to wind up their private army that has led to where we are today.
He said Sinn Fein is "gravely mistaken if they believe they can have any say in any future devolved institution before their private army stands down and dumps arms.
"Rather than attempting to divert attention with calls for an election they should focus on the necessary actions they need to take to restore devolution."
Earlier Mr McGuinness said setting of a date for the poll would create "a new dynamic" in the process and that it was a "matter of political principle".
"There is a growing view that British Prime Minister Tony Blair's position on elections is untenable. If he were to cancel elections again, like he did in May, it would be disastrous."
