Unionist parties furious at Taoiseach’s proposed committee

Deputy leader of the DUP Peter Robinson has warned the Taoiseach that if he gives Northern MPs the right to membership of a Dáil committee, it will be considered an unfriendly act of aggression.

Mr Robinson was responding to a letter sent by the Taoiseach to the other party leaders in Dublin requesting their views on the proposal.

Bertie Ahern yesterday proposed the body through which Sinn Féin representatives could address members of the Dáil, but which would not sit in Leinster House or involve speaking rights in the Dáil, and would be restricted to discussing Northern matters.

Mr Robinson said his party would examine the proposals in detail, but warned the Dáil against jeopardising a constructive relationship with the DUP.

The UUP reacted furiously to the proposal. The party’s Dermot Nesbitt has sought an urgent meeting with Bertie Ahern, and has accused him of acceding to aggressive republican demands.

He said the Taoiseach was seeking a united Ireland by stealth and that he was a Sinn Féin accomplice.