Unionists 'will block Irish language bid'

The Democratic Unionists will block any bid to have an Irish Language Act passed in the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Rev Ian Paisley insisted today.

In a two-page letter to colleagues marking the first 100 days of the Stormont executive, Mr Paisley assured Democratic Unionists the party’s three Privy Council members were also using their position to assess the republican movement’s commitment to the rule of law.

“Under DUP stewardship, unionists are now confident that the Union is secure,” the North Antrim MP said.

“We have transformed the political landscape despite many of our opponents saying it was impossible. Some even attempt to rubbish the significant gains we have made but we have defeated terrorist objectives and safeguarded unionist interests.”

He added: “The DUP will not support the creation of any such legislation (an act enshrining the rights of Irish speakers).

“This was a proposal made by the two governments (British and Irish at the St Andrews talks) and was never agreed to or even discussed with us.

“As a result of the changes we secured on the decision-making process in the Assembly, the Irish language legislation would require unionist support in the Executive.”

The past 100 days have been remarkable for the public camaraderie that Dr Paisley and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have shown at the head of the new power-sharing government.

While the DUP and Sinn Féin insist their parties are not engaged in a love-in at Stormont, political allies and opponents have been struck at the good humour both leaders have shown towards each other during public appearances.

There have also been a number of successes for the executive – most notably significant job announcements by the Bank of Ireland and Aer Lingus and the securing of an exemption for the North's beef and dairy industry from the ban on UK food exports following the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

However, the executive is also facing a number of crucial decisions in the autumn on the future of water charges, domestic rates, a proposed stadium and conflict transformation centre on the site of the former Maze Prison, academic selection for post-primary schools and the shape of local government.

Stormont ministers are also under pressure to secure government approval for a generous financial package and meaningful economic incentives to bolster devolution.

Mr Paisley faced criticism last night from a former colleague, independent unionist MEP Jim Allister who claimed republicans had got more out of power-sharing than the DUP, with little headway being made on the dismantling of the IRA Army Council.

He also argued there was no discernible difference between the way devolved ministers ran their departments and their Northern Ireland Office predecessors during direct rule.

“Generally the pattern continues of evasive replies drafted by civil servants and merely rubber stamped by the minister,” he observed.

“The fact the minister is local hasn’t improved the quality of response. Evidence of hands-on ministerial control of the civil service is hard to come by.”

Sinn Féin’s Assembly Group leader John O’Dowd, however, insisted devolved ministers had made a real difference.

He said: “No one would argue that without Michelle Gildernew in charge we would have moved so quickly on that Friday night to respond to the threat of foot and mouth disease or react with such cohesion to the flooding that has devastated so many homes.

“Would British direct rule ministers at home in England or Wales reacted as swiftly to protect our farming industry?

“Do people believe that direct rule ministers would have reacted as quickly as (finance minister) Peter Robinson and (regional development minister) Conor Murphy to the flooding?

“In addressing key issues such as water charges and the housing crisis the executive has shown that there must be a new approach.

“It is not just that each and every minister has been able to take decisions. They have also been open to proper scrutiny.”