DUP issue warning to Sinn Fein

DUP Issue Warning to Sinn Fein

Statement from Peter Robinson MP MLA (party leader), Nelson McCausland MLA, Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA and Stephen Moutray MLA (members of the parades working group) 

“We are deeply disappointed by the statements made yesterday by Gerry Adams in relation to parades. His comments were crass, irresponsible and extremely unhelpful.

They are contrary to what was agreed to by Sinn Fein at Hillsborough and indicate a move back to the old republican stance.

Gerry Adams has stated that the right of public assembly is dependent on the consent of residents but that is Sinn Fein speak for cultural apartheid. Where is the vision for a shared and better future, with shared roads and shared public space?

His comments also breach both the spirit and the letter of the principles set out in the Hillsborough Agreement.

Gerry Adams is looking over his shoulders at dissidents and the most extreme elements in his own ranks. This is not a time for political retreat; it is a time for leadership and a time for progress. 

The core principles agreed at Hillsborough form the remit of the parades working group. Any move away from what was agreed at Hillsborough will be an act of bad faith and would stymie progress.  

The DUP is committed to finding a resolution to this issue and we will not be party to any report which falls short of the principles agreed at Hillsborough.”