“the sooner we have delivery, the better for us all.”

The BBC report on DUP leader Ian Paisley’s new year speech picks up on his comments on delivery on support for policing, which echo the recent comments by deputy leader Peter Robinson. From the BBC report. Adds More here And Sheila spotted the full text

“Quality support for the police, the courts and the rule of law would do much to change the mistrust and suspicion held by the unionist electorate and the sooner we have delivery, the better for us all.”

The rest of the quotes from the BBC report

“This year can be a year of delivery,” he said.

“Quality support for the police, the courts and the rule of law would do much to change the mistrust and suspicion held by the unionist electorate and the sooner we have delivery, the better for us all.

“Unionism has not been found wanting in its desire to see a flourishing and full administration restored to Stormont which will allow local men and women to run this country effectively.

“It is only with real, substantive and quality delivery that this process can and will move forward in 2007.”

Update And from the Irish Times

“Sinn Féin’s begrudging movement will only serve to delay opportunities available to us in the incoming months of 2007,” Dr Paisley said.

“This process is not about deadlines or dates. Indeed at times, against my advice, the government has set unrealistic deadlines which have had to be broken. Neither is it about the DUP selecting dates for progress which can only be realised if and when there is delivery.

“Gerry Adams has asked that the government and unionists respond to Sinn Féin’s latest ‘initiative’ positively. Unionists stand ready to respond but have been denied opportunity because we must have something of substance to which we can respond,” Dr Paisley said.