Anger over McCartney’s ‘terrorists’ remark

UK Unionist Bob McCartney was today accused of putting the lives of innocent Catholics at risk by describing Sinn Fein as terrorists.

Mr McCartney (UK Unionist, North Down) made the remark while responding to the resignation of First Minister David Trimble and the statement from former Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon.

He said: ‘‘Unless we begin to recognise the basic principles of democracy, unless Seamus Mallon is now prepared to do what he said he would do in November 1998 and put these terrorists out of business there will be no future prospects of any value for this Assembly.’’

But John Kelly (Sinn Fein, Mid Ulster) complained to the Speaker Lord Alderdice that such language used in the House at a time when nationalists were under attack from loyalist paramilitaries could lead to the deaths of innocent Catholics.

Lord Alderdice told him: ‘‘It is not possible for me to rule on what may or may not be the effect of speeches outside the House but of course he is right to draw attention to the House that what is said and done here may have an untoward effect.’’

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Fein, Foyle) asked the Speaker to study Mr McCartney’s comments and make a ruling whether they were in order.

To howls of derision from anti-agreement unionists, Mr McLaughlin added: ‘‘Could you when making your judgement bear in mind that those who listen in on these proceedings and in some cases very very dangerous people indeed, may take a particular lead from the ill-advised comments.’’

Lord Alderdice said he would consider the matter but added that comments were not usually deemed unparliamentary when directed towards groups.

He added that where comments were directed to a group that included people who had been convicted of terror offences, it would be extremely difficult to rule them out of order.

Mr McCartney said that he was acutely aware that he had offended some sensitivities and said he was willing to amend his description to ‘‘political representatives of terrorists’’.

‘‘I really do not wish any of these wicked ill-advised people who might hear things outside to do any injury to terrorists, former terrorists, political representatives of terrorists or any other person of any description,’’ he said.