Menu
30/04/2002
Temperatures elevated as debate rages on IRA ceasefire
Political temperatures have remained elevated following the failed Ulster Unionist motion calling for the Secretary of State to make a determination on the status of the IRA ceasefire.
Alliance party leader David Ford accused the SDLP of "sitting on their hands" for their refusal to back an amended motion put forward by Alliance, and Ulster Unionists angrily described the DUP’s decision to vote with Sinn Fein as an "unholy alliance.” PUP leader David Ervine said the process was clearly in "trouble".
UUP leader David Trimble said the DUP had "elected to let Sinn Fein / IRA off the hook, driven purely by bitter callousness. In fact they hate us more than they hate Sinn Fein.”
A spokesman for the UUP Assembly Group said: “There is no reason why the DUP could not have supported the UUP motion. Instead they decided to get into bed with Sinn Fein / IRA. They have demonstrated to the electorate that they are not interested in Unionist unity. It is obvious they simply wanted to use the occasion to attack David Trimble and the UUP.
“Then they made a total laughing stock of themselves by walking into the lobby hand in hand with Sinn Fein.
Last week, the US Foreign Relations Committee Hearing in Washington heard evidence that alleged links between the IRA and the FARC rebels in Colombia. Unionists also pointed to "intelligence sources" that indicate possible republican links to the Castlereagh break-in.
Alliance leader David Ford has criticised the SDLP for failing to work with other parties and for not backing a compromise motion on the status of the IRA ceasefire on Monday. He said: "It would appear that the SDLP is prepared to criticise terrorism, but actions speak louder than words, and the SDLP's action in the Assembly has been hard to see.
The proposed Alliance's amendment would have removed the implicit UUP suggestion of guilt on the IRA's part, and also taken into account loyalist violence.
However, prior to the vote SDLP leader Mark Durkan was adamant that his party would not be supporting the Ulster Unionist motion.
Speaking on Radio Ulster Mr Durkan said that in Northern Ireland turbulence was to be expected, but was no reason for threatening to "crash land" the political process.
(SP)
Alliance party leader David Ford accused the SDLP of "sitting on their hands" for their refusal to back an amended motion put forward by Alliance, and Ulster Unionists angrily described the DUP’s decision to vote with Sinn Fein as an "unholy alliance.” PUP leader David Ervine said the process was clearly in "trouble".
UUP leader David Trimble said the DUP had "elected to let Sinn Fein / IRA off the hook, driven purely by bitter callousness. In fact they hate us more than they hate Sinn Fein.”
A spokesman for the UUP Assembly Group said: “There is no reason why the DUP could not have supported the UUP motion. Instead they decided to get into bed with Sinn Fein / IRA. They have demonstrated to the electorate that they are not interested in Unionist unity. It is obvious they simply wanted to use the occasion to attack David Trimble and the UUP.
“Then they made a total laughing stock of themselves by walking into the lobby hand in hand with Sinn Fein.
Last week, the US Foreign Relations Committee Hearing in Washington heard evidence that alleged links between the IRA and the FARC rebels in Colombia. Unionists also pointed to "intelligence sources" that indicate possible republican links to the Castlereagh break-in.
Alliance leader David Ford has criticised the SDLP for failing to work with other parties and for not backing a compromise motion on the status of the IRA ceasefire on Monday. He said: "It would appear that the SDLP is prepared to criticise terrorism, but actions speak louder than words, and the SDLP's action in the Assembly has been hard to see.
The proposed Alliance's amendment would have removed the implicit UUP suggestion of guilt on the IRA's part, and also taken into account loyalist violence.
However, prior to the vote SDLP leader Mark Durkan was adamant that his party would not be supporting the Ulster Unionist motion.
Speaking on Radio Ulster Mr Durkan said that in Northern Ireland turbulence was to be expected, but was no reason for threatening to "crash land" the political process.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 June 2019
Billy McKee Dies Aged 97
A former IRA leader has died at the age of 97. Billy McKee died at his home in Belfast on Tuesday, 11 June. He is believed to have joined the IRA in the 1930s. He left and joined Sinn Féin in the 1980s.
Billy McKee Dies Aged 97
A former IRA leader has died at the age of 97. Billy McKee died at his home in Belfast on Tuesday, 11 June. He is believed to have joined the IRA in the 1930s. He left and joined Sinn Féin in the 1980s.
10 March 2006
Political leaders receive invite to White House
The leaders of the main political parties in Northern Ireland have today been invited to the White House for St Patrick's Day celebrations. An official announcement is expected from the White House later, however it is understood that the politicians will not meet with US President, George Bush.
Political leaders receive invite to White House
The leaders of the main political parties in Northern Ireland have today been invited to the White House for St Patrick's Day celebrations. An official announcement is expected from the White House later, however it is understood that the politicians will not meet with US President, George Bush.
11 January 2013
Omagh Bomb Men Seek To Overturn Ruling
Two men held responsible for the Omagh bombing in 1998 are seeking to have the ruling overturned by the European Court of Human Rights. Jailed Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell are to challenge the ruling, due reportedly to their lawyers’ inability to cross-examine an FBI spy whose evidence was central to the case against them.
Omagh Bomb Men Seek To Overturn Ruling
Two men held responsible for the Omagh bombing in 1998 are seeking to have the ruling overturned by the European Court of Human Rights. Jailed Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell are to challenge the ruling, due reportedly to their lawyers’ inability to cross-examine an FBI spy whose evidence was central to the case against them.
08 October 2002
Court hears RIRA and CIRA conspired in Omagh bomb
The Omagh bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 29 people in August 1998, was a joint operation between the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA, a Dublin court heard today.
Court hears RIRA and CIRA conspired in Omagh bomb
The Omagh bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 29 people in August 1998, was a joint operation between the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA, a Dublin court heard today.
09 October 2002
Sinn Fein seeks Dail motion objecting to assembly suspension
As the power-sharing assembly nears closer to direct rule, Sinn Fein has tabled a motion in the Irish parliament, the Dail, calling for all-party opposition to any move by the British government to suspend the Stormont assembly.
Sinn Fein seeks Dail motion objecting to assembly suspension
As the power-sharing assembly nears closer to direct rule, Sinn Fein has tabled a motion in the Irish parliament, the Dail, calling for all-party opposition to any move by the British government to suspend the Stormont assembly.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
