Alister: DUP change of ‘mind’ is ‘politics at play’
Jim Allister’s been quick to get a statement out on Minister Foster’s statement on the Causeway:
“The abandonment by Minister Foster of her foolish support for the Sweeney project at the Causeway is welcome. Her volte face demonstrates that public opposition and distaste for what was going on has won through. The timing in the run up to the Dromore by-election suggests that politics is still at play, as the DUP seeks to undo some of the damage caused by the antics of Ian junior.
What the Minister has not adequately explained is how she got herself into this mess, given what she ought to have known the integration requirements of planning policy and about the parameters and requirements set by UNESCO.”
Of course, having a TUV candidate in that same election, Allister has his own interest in that by election too. But of course, there is that awkward question of the committee’s Section 44 request to see the all the documentation around the Minister’s previous more positive position.
Very disappointing that Jim Allister has adopted this pseudo-American form of address, namely “Minister Foster”.
It really grates.
Who has come out of this worse: Arlene or Junior? Either way, this backtrack does little to undo the embarrassment already faced by the Party.
“The timing in the run up to the Dromore by-election suggests that politics is still at play, as the DUP seeks to undo some of the damage caused by the antics of Ian junior.”
I think the timing was probably ‘forced’ by Margaret Hodge, the DCMS minister with special responsibility for the protection of all UK WHSs. Hodge, I understand, has to submit a report to UNESCO by February 1.
The antics of IPjr include lobbying for a drift net licence for someone who didn’t, er, own a boat or a drift net; a licence transferred soon afterwards to – you’re probably ahead of me – his old chum, Seymour Henry Sweeney.
Who exactly does Jim Allister think he is?
Whatever the reason for the U-turn (actual or otherwise) its not some bloody by-election in Dromore.
Cant agree more on the “Minister Foster” stuff. Its like nails up a blackboard to me…
It’s out of control, interested:
“Minister Foster also ruled out any public inquiry ..” .. RTE
“Minister Foster faces European scrutiny ..” .. Friends of the Earth
“I welcome the fact that Minister Foster has made her views known on the private sector application for a new visitor centre.” .. Minister Dodds, Ballymoney Times
“The DUP’s Minister Foster will be ‘minded’ to grant permission under ‘Permitted Development’.” .. Mark Devenport
“Not only did Minister Ruane make an absolute mockery of the DUPs much mooted improved ministerial accountability ..” .. Basil McCrea
I’m glad that Jim Allister is standing up for true Unionist values instead of the corrupt antics of the DUP.
Apparently Robbo likes to refer to himself as Minister Robinson. I enjoyed the story about a DUP employeee who took a telephone call not long after the Assembly was set up.
Robbo: “Minister Robinson here.”
Employee: “oh. What church did you say?”