de Brún calls on DUP to respond positively

31 January, 2007

Speaking during a debate in the European Parliament Sin Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún called on the DUP to ‘respond positively by the weekends Ard Fheis by Sinn Fein.’

Ms de Brún said:

‘The last week has seen significant developments in the Irish peace process.

‘Following the historic decision by last Sunday’s Sinn Féin Ard Fheis (National Conference) to support the new police service in the north of Ireland a considerable opportunity now exists for further progress.

‘I would call on all Irish political parties, including the DUP and UUP to work with Sinn Féin to ensure the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

‘In particular I would call on Jim Allister MEP to fully play a full and constructive role in the peace process.

‘Last week also witnessed further confirmation of the existence of collusion between unionist paramilitaries and the British state. The Police Ombudsman’s report released on January 22nd confirms what the families of the hundreds bereaved by collusion between British state forces and unionist death squads have been saying for years.

‘This report is only the tip of the iceberg. It is clear from the seniority of those involved within the old Royal Ulster Constabulary and referred to in this investigation that collusion was a matter of political and administrative practice which existed at all levels of the RUC and of the British government.