McGimpsey rubbishes DUP claims of victory on MI5 issue
UUP MLA Michael McGimpsey today refuted DUP claims that MI5 taking over from Special Branch in Northern Ireland was a victory.
In a statement Mr McGimpsey said,
“For Sammy Wilson to claim that MI5 taking over from Special Branch in Northern Ireland is a victory for Unionism beggars belief.
Republicans will not be quaking in their boots at this move. Special Branch on the other hand have successfully infiltrated the IRA and have played an extremely significant role in bringing Republicans to where they are now.
Special Branch have consistently been the first line of defence in stopping Republican terrorism. Week in, week out Republicans have called for Special Branch to go.
What Sammy Wilson is trying to hide is yet another concession to Republicans. The decision to replace Special Branch with MI5 is an act of political expediency.
Anyone with an ounce of common sense can see that the demise of Special Branch’s intelligence gathering capabilities is not a victory.”