Robinson warns against return of direct rule

Collapsing power-sharing and returning to direct rule from London would consign unionists to second class citizenship, the leader of the DUP said today.

Collapsing power-sharing and returning to direct rule from London would consign unionists to second class citizenship, the leader of the DUP said today.

Peter Robinson said alleged Sinn Féin threats to the devolved institutions were destabilising and promised he would not walk away from the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The power-sharing partners have been negotiating the transfer of policing and justice powers from London to Belfast once the DUP is satisfied community confidence exists.

And the East Belfast MP said the vision of hardline unionist Jim Allister of politics free from Sinn Féin would be a step backwards.

“It was we in the DUP who secured devolution on terms acceptable to unionists and who finally scattered those birds of passage, the Direct Rule ministers, for so long the public face of a colonial system of government that consigned us all to the status of second-class citizens,” he said.

Mr Allister has vowed to oppose power-sharing with Sinn Féin whom he views as terrorists.

The DUP leader also faces a threat from a combined Ulster Unionist and Conservative Party electoral ticket advocating closer ties with London.

Mr Robinson said: “And I warn those unionist cave dwellers who seek to wreck our achievements that they had better be prepared to come clean and explain to the people of Northern Ireland how on earth they think the return of Direct Rule, which is all they have to offer, represents a safer choice or a better way.”

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

President Michael D Higgins condemns attacks on aid convoys in Gaza President Michael D Higgins condemns attacks on aid convoys in Gaza
Live stream portal Dublin portal to close again with hopes of being switched back on later this week 
Covid-19 pandemic inquiry Minutes show Foster saying she ‘can’t stand’ with O’Neill after Storey funeral
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited