Archives For richard

Allister Comments on Rasharkin Parade Determination

Admin —  August 5, 2013

Condemning the Parades Commission’s decision to yet again impose restrictions on the return parade of the local Apprentice Boys Club in Rasharkin Jim Allister said:

“This determination denies the Rasharkin Apprentice Boys the right to walk their traditional route through Sunnyside Drive on their return parade and is yet another attack on Unionist and Protestant culture.

“The dismay felt within the Unionists and Protestant community in Rasharkin is palpable. Repeated attacks upon the Unionist community in recent years and even a bomb scare at the local Orange Hall on the night of a parade have, it will seem to many, been rewarded while Republicans are given the green light to parade in Castlederg, a town they repeatedly attacked.

“This parade has nothing to do with the celebration of murder and terrorism and yet the Commission has decided to impose restrictions. Continue Reading…

In Newsroom, Parades ,
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Charging of Ruth Patterson

Admin —  August 3, 2013
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
 
“Ruth Patterson made comments on Facebook which she quickly withdrew and issued a fulsome apology for.
 
“It is unfortunate that they have, with the help of certain media outlets, allowed the focus to be taken off the Sinn Fein/IRA terror fest in a town they repeatedly blew to bits.
 
“That said, the PSNI action in arresting and charging Councillor Patterson is completely uncalled for, particularly when contrasted with the kid glove approached adopted when dealing with Gerry Kelly – a convicted bomber who is still out on licence and very publicly obstructed a police land rover  – or convicted bank robber Alex Maskey – who defended stone throwing on television when tensions in Belfast were already running dangerously high. Continue Reading…
In Justice, Newsroom, Terrorism
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Robinson’s Belated Interest in WPFG Flags and Anthem Snub Welcome

Admin —  August 1, 2013

Responding to Peter Robinson’s comments today as reported in the News Letter in relation to flags and anthems at the World Police and Fire Games, TUV Leader Jim Allister has stated:

“While I welcome and agree with Peter Robinson’s comments that athletes competing in the World Police and Fire Games should be proud to walk or stand under the flag of their nation, I would ask him this: why has he at the 11th hour suddenly become interested?

“In March this year I raised the issue with Minister Cullen, who provided elusive and non-committal answers as one would expect. I have also raised it with the Chief Executive of the World Police and Fire Games and made my concerns public in the lead up to the games. Continue Reading…

In Newsroom, NI Politics ,
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World Police and Fire Games Anthems Snub

Admin —  July 30, 2013

Statement by Jim Allister MLA:

“I have been in pursuit of answers from Minister Cullen and the organisers of the World Police and Fire Games for a number of months on the issue of anthems and flags to be displayed at the World Police and Fire Games.

“Having suspected that the Minister simply could not have the National flag or National Anthem it comes as no surprise that there has been a complete fudge which brings the whole situation in to disrepute.

“It has been reported that no anthems for any country will be played at the medal ceremonies, instead they will be subjected to a specially composed piece by the PSNI Pipe Band. At the opening ceremony where athletes usually parade under the flag of their home country they will instead parade under a banner with their country’s name. Continue Reading…

In Newsroom, NI Politics
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Complaint Against Phil Flanagan MLA to Progress

Admin —  July 30, 2013

TUV Leader Jim Allister has welcomed confirmation from the Assembly Commissioner for Standards which acknowledges that his complaint against Phil Flanagan MLA (Sinn Fein, Fermanagh and South Tyrone), is to proceed.

The letter from Mr Bane can be found here:http://jimallister.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5975-Phil-Flanagan.pdf

Mr Allister’s complaint can be found here: http://jimallister.org/wordpress/2013/07/allister-makes-formal-complaint-to-assembly-commissioner-for-standards-on-phil-flanagan/

In Newsroom, NI Politics ,
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Allister makes Formal Complaint to Assembly Commissioner for Standards on Phil Flanagan

Admin —  July 25, 2013

Statement by Jim Allister MLA:

“As the UK was rejoicing in the news of the birth of Prince George it did not take long for the Sinn Fein mask to slip yet again. This time it was the turn of Phil Flanagan MLA who retweeted a crude and offensive comment in relation to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

“While hardly surprising it is nonetheless unwarranted and I would argue it was a breach of the Code of Conduct that all MLAs are bound by. Therefore, I have today sent a letter of formal complaint to the Assembly Commissioner for investigation.”

Below is the text of a letter TUV leader Jim Allister MLA has today sent to the Northern Ireland Assembly Commissioner for Standards following the conduct of Sinn Fein MLA Phil Flanagan. Continue Reading…

In Newsroom, NI Politics
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Additional Policing Support for PSNI Shows Folly of Axing PSNI Full Time Reserve

Admin —  July 24, 2013

Responding to the announcement that the PSNI Chief Constable will be drafting in additional policing support for the World Police and Fire Games, TUV Leader Jim Allister said:

“While I am supportive of utilising experienced police officers from other UK forces, the PSNI reliance during the G8, 12th July Parades and now the World Police and Fire Games raises serious questions about PSNI operational capability.

“The reduced capability of the PSNI can be traced back to the disastrous implementation of the Patten Report and the abolition of the Full Time Reserve. Jeffrey Donaldson once claimed the retention of the Full Time Reserve was a pre-condition for the devolution of Policing and Justice “because not only will the DUP not agree to it but the public confidence will not be there to make it happen. That is absolutely clear”. In his words it categorically was a ‘deal-breaker’. But like so many other “deal-breakers” the pledge to retain the FTR was quickly abandoned by the DUP as they fell over themselves to accommodate the demands of Sinn Fein. Continue Reading…

In Newsroom, Policing and Security
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Royal Birth Shows Urgent Need to Address the Issue of Flying Union Flag at Stormont

Admin —  July 23, 2013

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:

“I have previously highlighted the fact that Stormont failed to fly the Union Flag to mark the Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday (see here http://www.tuv.org.uk/press-releases/view/1729/tuv-leader-blasts-stormont-failure-to-fly-flag-for-royal-birthday- )

“Again today while the Union Flag flew at City Hall the flag pole at Stormont was empty.

“In recent times, Unionists at Stormont have come together to attempt to progress this issue. I hope that the TUV suggestion that Stormont follow the example of the Welsh Assembly and Westminster and fly the Union Flag 365 days a year. Continue Reading…

In Newsroom, NI Politics ,
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Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Admin —  July 23, 2013

Expressing his delight at the birth of a Royal Prince TUV Leader Jim Allister said:

“The birth of any child is a happy occasion for any family – I had personal experience of this just a few months ago when I became a grandfather for the second time. But the birth of a Prince is something special. It is, of course, a joyous occasion for the Royal family but it is also something the entire nation feels part of.

“Celebrations will not be limited to the House of Windsor but will take place across the United Kingdom from London to Leeds and from Birmingham to Ballymena and indeed across the Commonwealth. Continue Reading…

In General, Newsroom ,
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Allister Hails Orange Order’s Peaceful Protest and Warns Against Resurrection of DUP – SF Plans

Admin —  July 20, 2013

Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:

“The peaceful and dignified protest by the Orange Order is to be commended. In the face of provocation and a farcical Parades Commission decision the Orange Order were able to channel Unionist anger into a peaceful protest.

“The huge turnout today demonstrated the strength of feeling within the Unionist community. It is time the powers that be took note of Unionist concerns rather than seeking to dismiss them or demonise those who express them.

“The presence of many Orange marshals and the production of literature making the Order’s intentions clear to all those who attended the parade and protest was an initiative which should be praised by people across the community.

Continue Reading…

In Newsroom, Parades ,
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