Government must play by the rules, and stand up to Sinn Fein’s “Aggressive Nationalism” - Nesbitt
Speaking at today’s plenary session in Stormont, Senior Ulster Unionist Dermot Nesbitt has called on government to play by the rules, respect the law-abiding people of Northern Ireland and stand up to Sinn Fein’s brand of “aggressive nationalism”.
The South Down MLA said that despite right-on statements from Gerry Adams about rights and equality, “the core of Sinn Fein’s policy is a form of aggressive nationalism… that has long been rejected by modern democracies”. He went on to hit out at the government for abdicating its responsibilities to the law-abiding people of Northern Ireland and called on Ministers to take Gordon Brown’s advice – and “play by the rules”.
Addressing the Chamber, Mr Nesbitt said: “During the past few months some of the key players in the up-coming talks have been lecturing people in the Middle East on how they must subscribe to international human rights law. Tony Blair said Iran should comply with international obligations: The Irish Government and Sinn Fein state that Israel must act in strict accordance with international law. Only last week in New York Gerry Adams even said that the basis for progress here was a “rights based inclusive dispensation based on equality.”
“I repeatedly challenged Sinn Fein in the Preparation for Government Committee: do you subscribe to all international standards when considering the way forward in Northern Ireland. They refused to give a clear answer.
“Reality is that Sinn Fein, on the world stage, gives the impression of being both modern and moderate. Yet the core of its policy is a form of aggressive nationalism - including non-acceptance of the institutions of the country - that has long been rejected by modern democracies.”
He added: “And what of the UK Government? Peter Hain has suggested that Sinn Fein “draw a distinction between ‘constitutional’ endorsement of the structures of policing, and support for the practical service of policing.” At one stroke the Government has abdicated, not respected, its international obligations to all law abiding people in Northern Ireland.
“The question is stark: how can Government, in the context of democratic values, expect unionism - and nationalism - to form a government with Sinn Fein when Government’s own action has undermined the conditions necessary for such a government to be formed?
“Further, how can Government, in the context of democratic values, penalise unionism - and nationalism - if it is Sinn Fein that is not fully respecting such democratic values?
“And in the context of international standards and democracy I regret very much that the carefully worded statement from Archbishop Brady of yesterday does not live up to such standards.”
Concluding he said: “I note that Gordon Brown in his speech at the labour party conference said that: ‘All in our country are to play by the rules.’ That applies as much to Government as it does to individuals.”