INA STATEMENTS
November 20, 2008
Irish Northern Aid Welcomes Breakthrough on Policing and Justice.
Irish Northern Aid President, Paul Doris today gave a guarded welcome to the breakthrough on the devolution of Policing and Justice powers brokered in the North of Ireland between Sinn Fein and the DUP and called on the incoming US Administration to exert its influence to persuade loyalist paramilitaries to disarm.
“Irish America welcomes the announcement of an agreed formula between Sinn Fein and the DUP for delivering the devolution of policing and justice powers to Irish politicians on the island of Ireland. The people that have suffered most from a turbulent and bloody past deserve nothing less than independent policing and justice powers that command the confidence of both sides of the community. It is imperative that the new Justice Minister be chosen soon, the laws administered fairly, and all held accountable to those they serve as envisioned in the St Andrews and Good Friday Agreements.
“While we acknowledge the significant progress being made, many outstanding issues remain unresolved including the development of the Long Kesh site, entitlements for Irish Language speakers, and the future of academic selection. Irish Republicans recognize the sensitivities of these matters and have engaged fully with Unionists in an attempt to reach consensus. For partnership government to work, it is necessary for all the political leaders to demonstrate respect for the differing cultural and political aspirations on the island. Unionists need not oppose the obvious benefits from equality simply because these issues are of importance to nationalists. The DUP should demonstrate that sectarian politics are a thing of the past by finding an accommodation with Irish Republicans on these issues so that the politics of democracy can be seen to work.
“It is imperative that incoming President -elect Barack Obama’s administration continues the good work of its predecessors and builds on this latest positive development. It is incumbent that future US policy on Ireland be directed toward pressuring Unionist paramilitaries to follow the lead of the IRA and put their vast military apparatus beyond use so that Irish citizens can live in peace without the constant threat of terrorist violence.”
