Irish Government making the most of direct rule by pushing existing and further cross-border activities, says UUP MLA
UUP MLA for South Belfast Michael McGimpsey today said the Irish Government were making the most of direct rule and pushing ahead with the promotion of cross-border activities.
Mr McGimpsey was responding to the forthcoming launch of the Border Ireland website by Irish Finance Minister Brian Cowen due to take place next week.
In a statement Mr McGimpsey said,
“The decision by Irish Finance Minister Brian Cowen to launch a new website called Border Ireland next week is further proof that the Irish Government is making the most of Direct Rule to actively promote and encourage existing and further cross border activities and co-operation.
The website will list information on over 8,000 activities, publications and contacts, all related to cross border activity and co-operation.
This launch follows on from Dermot Ahern’s announcement that £100 billion is to be spent on infrastructure over 10 years on an all Ireland basis. The Garda Siochana are openly recruiting in Belfast.
The Dublin Government is being fundamentally dishonest with this new approach and is breaching the existing rules. It should be remembered that the existing North-South bodies, in the absence of the devolved Institutions, are only to be run on a ‘care and maintenance’ basis. In short this means No Stormont – No North-South bodies.
This new beginning by Dublin proves conclusively that claims by other unionists that they are setting the political agenda are groundless.”