“That this Assembly condemns the murder of Mr Paul Quinn..”
The NI Assembly today debated a motion on the murder of Paul Quinn proposed by SDLP MLAs Dominic Bradley and Alex Atwood. BBC report here [RealPlayer file]. The transcript will be available tomorrow but for now the BBC report, and this UTV report, carries some of the quotes from the contributors. I’ll just add that Conor Murphy left the chamber after he had spoken and I don’t believe he returned for the vote. On that vote, no MLAs opposed the motion, but none of the SF members voiced their assent, and the Assembly therefore resolved
That this Assembly condemns the murder of Mr Paul Quinn; notes the clarification by the British and Irish Governments that they do not hold the view that the victim was involved in criminality of any kind; further notes the assessments of Sir Hugh Orde and the Independent Monitoring Commission regarding the involvement in this crime of persons who are current or former members of the Provisional IRA, or who have associations with members or former members of the Provisional IRA; and calls upon everyone to encourage people to come forward and assist the police investigations being carried out by the PSNI and an Garda Síochána.
Adds Transcript available via TheyWorkForYou.And from a UTV report
Mr Storey asked Deputy Speaker John Dallat: “Given that this Executive minister, we believe, has met with an outlawed, illegal terrorist organisation which is in direct opposition to the legitimate security forces of this state, and given that that minister in question knew that to be the case before he met with them, and given that he went to discuss with that illegal terrorist organisation their possible involvement in this brutal murder, can I ask you either for a ruling on the possible breach of the ministerial code and pledge of office and would you take this matter to the Speaker as a matter of urgency so that a full report can be given to the House on this particular matter?”
Mr Dallat told the DUP Assembly member his query had been noted and he had no doubt the Assembly Speaker would report back.
That would be in relation to these comments by the Northern Ireland Regional Development minister.
It’s worth noting, again, that Conor Murphy’s previous assessment still appears to contradict the clarification offered by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, of his remarks, in a letter to the Quinn family.
However, [in the letter] Adams continued: “I note from some press reports that Paul’s father is reported as accusing me of ‘blackening’ your son’s name with allegations of criminality. I wish to assure you that at no point have I said anything which should be misconstrued in this way.”
Although, as I noted at the time, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams’ statement from the 22 October, less than 48 hours after Paul Quinn was killed is, however, still there.
[Gerry Adams on 22 October] “I do not believe that there was any republican involvement in this murder.
“This murder is in our view linked to fuel smuggling involving criminals.”
Once again then, “It’s far better people tell the truth on the thing..”
Of course, that requires some clarity of vision..
And, as has been mentioned in connection to another recent event – “Justice is the glue that holds society together.”
So O`loan I don`t speak for the SDLP, why haven`t the SDLP who you don`t speak for but seem to know a bit about, raised the issue of debates for the other murder victims? As has already been noted, no political mileage.
This is my final post, as it seems clear that it won’t be accepted that I can speak as an individual.
Its my view that Alex Attwood has been campaigning for years on behalf of all the victims of collusion, between state and all paramilitaries, and paramilitary violence generally.
Check the facts and you will find this to be the case. Not to claim some final word, but clearly we’re having different conversations, and I’m not comfortable continuing with your version.
To get back to the point:
“The party [SF] is obliged to agree to this [providing information to the investigations]. It places the DUP on thin ice, in my opinion, to accept its failure to support this and the first element of the motion [outright condemnation of the murder]. And these failings would appear to be the price SF are willing to pay to maintain the allegation that a criminal was murdered in this particular manner. Which makes me question their priorities, on a human level, and less importantly, their strategy, on a realpolitik level.”
“Its my view that Alex Attwood has been campaigning for years on behalf of all the victims of collusion”
Complete and utter rubbish. Ask any one associated with the Groups who have been dealing with and trying in vain to bring to light the British Governments, “dirty war” and those campaigning for plastic bullets to be banned, how they have been ignored by not only Attwood but by the SDLP.
Don`t let facts or the truth get in the way of your ill conceivedideasor as some would say, pack of lies.
Westminster yesterday
From PMQs yesterday.
Mr. Nigel Dodds (Belfast, North) (DUP): The Prime Minister will be aware that the horrific murder of Paul Quinn casts a serious shadow over the stability of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. Serious allegations have been made about the involvement of current members of the Provisional IRA in that murder. Will the Prime Minister reiterate the commitment given that if any party—in this case, Sinn Fein—is found to be in default, he will not punish all the parties in Northern Ireland but ensure that devolution continues and that only the party in default is punished? It is absolutely vital to send a clear message to the people of Northern Ireland, who are growing increasingly concerned about the seriousness of the allegations.
The Prime Minister: I share the hon. Gentleman’s concern that the Quinn murder should be properly investigated. I have reason to believe that that is exactly what is happening, and there is co-operation on both sides of the border for that to happen. There is no evidence that IRA people are involved, but of course that must be investigated in full. Once that is investigated, we will know the full results. I hope the hon. Gentleman would agree that no criminals should be allowed to derail a peace process that has the support of millions of people in Northern Ireland, which he and others have played a great part in moving forward, so let us send out a message that no criminals will be allowed to derail the peace process.
I have just got a transcript of Tuesday’s debate in Stormont on Paul Quinn. An interesting piece, apart from Murphy’s cowardly walk out was John O’Dowd’s contribution during which he said” The Quinn murder has produced a set of circumstances that are not unique but that require a response because of their political implications, That is why Sinn Fein proposes an alternative view to that stated by the other parties.” Nothing to do with criminals, or proof, just a response to circumstances. He went on to accuse others of using the situation and then said, “Therefore, Sinn Fein, has submitted a scenario, or an option, that the killing might be related to something else.”
This, for me, makes it clear that S.F. know well who killed Paul and are in panic mode and so inventing’scenarios’ and ‘options. in case the truth catches them out and impacts on their project!