Robinson hypocritical

With the arrest of the leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams, TD, it was interesting to hear the Democratic Unionist Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson, accuse leading Sinn Féin figures of using "bully boy" tactics in relation to the party’s future support of the PSNI.

Would Mr Robinson not agree that he used “bully boy” tactics on August 7, 1986, in protest against the Anglo-Irish Agreement, when he led 500 loyalists into Clontibret, Co Monaghan, where they attacked the garda station and daubed loyalist slogans on the walls.

After a quasi-military parade — two gardaí were attacked — Mr Robinson was arrested. Following a conviction and fine of IR£17,500 at a Drogheda court, Mr Robinson was described by the judge as a “senior extremist politician”.