Menu
04/08/2004
MLA hits out at US envoy marching comments
An Ulster Unionist MLA has hit out at alleged comments made by US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Mitchell Reiss concerning Loyal Order parades in Northern Ireland.
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Mid-Ulster, Billy Armstrong claims that Mr Reiss, in a letter to Irish American lobbyist Father Sean McManus, said that “Contentious loyal order parades are designed to provoke, intimidate and champion superiority".
Mr Armstrong said: “What Mr Reiss is advocating is that Northern Ireland’s citizens should not be afforded the same rights enshrined within the US Constitution, namely, the 1st Amendment; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
“Mr Reiss offers no insight into why parades are “contentious”," he added.
Mr Armstrong said he regretted that the US special envoy had "aligned himself with the Brits-out lobby".
“I am publicly requesting that the US Special envoy to Northern Ireland Mitchell Reiss retracts his comments, which are grossly mis-informed, potentially sectarian and deeply damaging at a time when the Northern Ireland political progress remains ‘fragile’, to say the least," he concluded.
(MB)
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Mid-Ulster, Billy Armstrong claims that Mr Reiss, in a letter to Irish American lobbyist Father Sean McManus, said that “Contentious loyal order parades are designed to provoke, intimidate and champion superiority".
Mr Armstrong said: “What Mr Reiss is advocating is that Northern Ireland’s citizens should not be afforded the same rights enshrined within the US Constitution, namely, the 1st Amendment; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
“Mr Reiss offers no insight into why parades are “contentious”," he added.
Mr Armstrong said he regretted that the US special envoy had "aligned himself with the Brits-out lobby".
“I am publicly requesting that the US Special envoy to Northern Ireland Mitchell Reiss retracts his comments, which are grossly mis-informed, potentially sectarian and deeply damaging at a time when the Northern Ireland political progress remains ‘fragile’, to say the least," he concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 December 2003
US appoint new special envoy to NI
The United States have appointed a new special envoy to Northern Ireland to replace outgoing Richard Haass. Mitchell B Reiss, described as a US government official with extensive experience on nuclear disarmament, will succeed Mr Haass in the beginning of the New Year.
US appoint new special envoy to NI
The United States have appointed a new special envoy to Northern Ireland to replace outgoing Richard Haass. Mitchell B Reiss, described as a US government official with extensive experience on nuclear disarmament, will succeed Mr Haass in the beginning of the New Year.
07 June 2021
Special Envoy To The US On Northern Ireland Appointed
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of a Special Envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland. Trevor Ringland MBE will be the first Special Envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland and will be responsible for promoting Northern Ireland interests across the US.
Special Envoy To The US On Northern Ireland Appointed
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of a Special Envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland. Trevor Ringland MBE will be the first Special Envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland and will be responsible for promoting Northern Ireland interests across the US.
09 February 2007
Policing Board pays tribute to US Special Envoy
Chairman of the Policing Board Professor Sir Desmond Rea has paid tribute to US Special Envoy Dr Mitchell Reiss as he prepares to step down from the post later this month.
Policing Board pays tribute to US Special Envoy
Chairman of the Policing Board Professor Sir Desmond Rea has paid tribute to US Special Envoy Dr Mitchell Reiss as he prepares to step down from the post later this month.
22 June 2001
US ENVOY SAYS: FUTURE OF PROVINCE RESTS WITH POLITICIANS
US special envoy Richard Haass has said that the future of the peace process in Northern Ireland is in the hands of the region’s politicians and the two governments.
US ENVOY SAYS: FUTURE OF PROVINCE RESTS WITH POLITICIANS
US special envoy Richard Haass has said that the future of the peace process in Northern Ireland is in the hands of the region’s politicians and the two governments.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
