DUP’s democratic credentials queried

I WISH to respond to the letter from Dr JE Hazlett-Lynch (Irish Examiner, November 20) concerning the DUP’s stance on the St Andrews Agreement.

Clearly, Dr Lynch is very concerned at the prospect of the DUP sharing power with Sinn Féin.

As he is a unionist, I understand his concerns which obviously arise from personal experience and heartfelt conviction.

However, I feel it would be remiss not to point out the potential problems that republicans would have with sharing power with the DUP.

I’m sure Dr Lynch is aware that Dr Ian Paisley and his supporters stringently opposed what can only be described as moderate civil rights provisions for nationalists and brought down an administration in the process?

No doubt he is also aware of the strong support Dr Paisley and other DUP members such as Peter Robinson gave to Ulster Resistance in the 1980s — this was an organisation with no qualms about using force. Rev Willie McCrea’s sharing of a platform with LVF leader Billy Wright may also ring a bell.

These are just some of the factors that should be taken into account when considering whether or not to regard the DUP as a democratic party.

I think it’s fair to say that sharing power with the DUP poses just as big a moral dilemma for Sinn Féin as sharing power with what Dr Lynch describes as SF/IRA does for Dr Paisley.

Donal O’Driscoll

21 Casement Street

Clonakilty

Co Cork.