Allister slams Stormont at TUV event

Published Saturday, 19 November 2011
Comments
Toggle font size
Print

The Traditional Unionist Voice's sole MLA, Jim Allister, has said he would rather be a "lone voice" in Stormont than be prevented from asking difficult questions.

Video available to UK viewers only.
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.

"If all I can do is bring discomfort to those who have so abandoned their principles then it's a job worth doing, but I believe I have and can do much more," the TUV leader said during the party's annual conference.

The party oppose power-sharing with Sinn Féin.

Mr Allister said the continuing trial of two men accused of killing two soldiers at the Massereene Barracks in Antrim in 2009 illustrates how decommissioning was "a con".

"Here we have Provo weaponry and Provo bullets, supposedly decommissioned, but very much on active service in the murder of two soldiers. Yet, not a squeak from those who once demanded not just decommissioning, but photographic evidence.

"Well, here - not for the first time - we have indisputable forensic evidence that it was a con and, suddenly, it doesn't matter. Why, because preserving Provos, and thus themselves, in government is more important than the truth," said Mr Allister.

The TUV leader also referred to the recent challenge over the proposed removal of the crown symbol from Prison Service uniforms, saying a "supposedly irrelevant MLA, to whom they say no one listens, unearthed the machinations that were afoot, that the DUP woke up... TUV set the agenda this week".

He also called for the SDLP and the UUP to form an opposition and not act as "fodder for" the DUP and Sinn Féin, "who when it suits uses them and when it suits abuses them".

"How long can they put up with the humiliation to which they are subjected?" He asked.

Mr Allister also described current politicians as "self-servers who will pay any price to cling to office, any office, even that with those who butchered our kith and kin".

The former DUP member said he had "special advisers in surprising places" and would act as a catalyst for change at Stormont.

"This one-man band has shown the stir just one can sustain. Think what a whole orchestra of opposition could do," he told party delegates.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
22 Comments
A in Ballymena wrote (183 days ago):
Well done Jim you are the only sensible man in storming. Tuv will get my vote
Police Lover in Bangor wrote (183 days ago):
@Realist, I couldn't agree with you more. The sad truth is, that most of what Mr Allister states is true. I like you wouldn't ever vote for him, I prefer to spoil my vote, however there is no denying the mans integrity and honesty. The same cannot be said for those who represent the majority of Unionists/Nationalists/Loyalists and Republicans. I also believe that if the man was used correctly in West Minster, he could do a great deal of good for us all. Sadly narrow-minded and blinkered people cannot see past their own bigoted view of Northern Irish politics.
Michael H in Belfast wrote (184 days ago):
Well said Jim. I have never voted for the TUV and would have said I was a DUP man but I think I will be voting for Jim's TUV next time. It is seriously about time we had someone who tells it like it is. Well done.
Realist in N''Ards wrote (184 days ago):
Regardless of the cheap non thinking attacks on Jim Allister, a man I don't vote for, at least he is consistant, honest and above all principled. Nothing he has said this weekend justifies the criticism on here. He is a very effective MLA and neither the modern forms of nationalism nor repubicanism has anything to fear from him, but those who seek to perpetuate the nonsense at Stormont that saw 4 wasted years and a very shaky new start, have everything to fear. those who have delivered no legislation, the worst employment figures in 10 years and the shambles of both education and health, should have something to fear. So a fair assessment, you mightn't agree with him but he is the most impressive politician we currently have at Stormont and used properly he will do NI a great deal of good!
MIKE2011LURGAN in Lurgan wrote (184 days ago):
I have never read so many BIGOTED COMMENTS the only truthful one is @rob 0021 20 Nov no wonder were such turmoil yes crime and terrorism does pay it get u in Government and look at the Mary Travers murderer now on a massive pay sitting in government UTV I thought you were to monitor such bigoted comments clearly not ,COPY to BBC NI ,CNN,EURONEWS, RTE 1,Fox news .SKY NEWS Because UTV wont post MY TRUTHFUL comments
POST A COMMENT:
Name:  
Email address*:    
Location:  
Validation:
House Rules:  
Your Comment:  
[All comments are moderated and will not appear immediately. Your name, location and comment will be displayed on this page if your post passes moderation.]
MOST POPULAR GALLERIES