Robinson hits out at SF threat over pull-out

THE north’s first minister, Peter Robinson, said there would be “serious consequences” if Sinn Féin fulfilled its threat to pull ministers out of the executive because of a lack of progress in devolving policing powers.

Wed, 27 Aug, 2008 - 01:00

The DUP leader said Sinn Féin has “endangered” the process with the threats made at the weekend by SF TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.

Mr Robinson said any progress on the issue would not be solved by the issuing of threats: “Sinn Féin must recognise that the days when they could use the threat of terrorism to force the British government to meet their demands are gone.

“Gone are the days when republicans could sell their guns for concessions. Gone are the days when they could rely on weak unionists to roll over and work to a republican agenda. Now they must gain cross-community support for any change and that requires the support of the DUP.”

Mr Robinson said the system of government at Stormont is “far from perfect” but was “a fair deal but not our final destination”.

After he returned from holidays on Monday to find the new row between his party and Sinn Féin, Mr Robinson said: “Let me make it clear the DUP will not respond to threats such as that which Sinn Féin has made. If we were to do so on this issue, we would be vulnerable to having the republican threat of bringing the institutions down used again and again in order that we would comply with other Sinn Féin demands.”

The executive is due to sit on September 18 and Mr Robinson said Sinn Féin is legally obliged to attend.

Mr Robinson said without a statement of correction by Sinn Féin he had to assume this was the party’s official position. But he said he would be pleased if it proved otherwise.

Sinn Féin assembly member Alex Maskey said: “In June this year in Downing Street, the DUP committed themselves to entering into a period of intensive dialogue with Sinn Féin to resolve these issues.

“This process of intensive engagement has not materialised satisfactorily. Now that Mr Robinson has returned from his holidays it is vital that he brings a focus to the DUP approach and that the process necessary to resolve outstanding issues now finally gets under way in a serious way.”