Simpson: Sinn Fein in no state to do a deal…

Here’s a classic ‘let’s move on’ statement from David Simpson:

“Given that we are likely to see many other dissident candidates stand against Sinn Fein/IRA’s internal purge, accelerated splintering and the now inevitable challenge to (Gerry) Adams`s leadership it is clear that Sinn Fein cannot or will not democratise any time soon,” the Upper Bann MP argued. “There is now a clear onus on the government to move on without them. Let’s bring an end to the numerous delays and false dawns.

“Let the Prime Minister now show leadership and put in place legislation that will allow for the devolution of powers to democratic parties to establish an executive free from the taint of those who still refuse to break free of the morality of a terrorist organisation.

That, of course, would be a collapse back to a long heralded Plan B of the DUP’s: the voluntary coalition. Hardly a new position, but it is more likely an attempt at tit for tat over internal party tensions within Sinn Fein than a threat to collapse the game.

Mick Fealty

Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty