Paisley: Irish Government has more say over North than people of the North

DEMOCRATIC Unionist leader Ian Paisley yesterday claimed the Irish Government had given itself a role in running Northern Ireland.

“This part of the UK is not really a part of the UK, but is a part of the UK where a foreign government has more say over Northern Ireland than the people of Northern Ireland,” the North Antrim MP said.

He warned London and Dublin: “In any talks or negotiations, our decisions will be based solely on our manifesto commitments and not on anyone’s definition of our mandate. The DUP will not be forced, rushed or bullied into accepting IRA criminality. “Currently there is no evidence Sinn Féin/IRA will be any further advanced in giving up criminality in November. Given the reality that there will be no executive formed for the foreseeable future, the best way forward is to get working in the Assembly.”