DUP is Not in Control - McCallister

Responding to comments made by Simon Hamilton, DUP MLA in yesterday's Newsletter saying that the 'DUP was in control and on top at Stormont' Ulster Unionist MLA John McCallister has been quick identify the failings and ongoing weaknesses of a party who claim to be in charge of their own affairs in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the DUP position at Stormont, the South Down MLA said: "It is unsurprising that the DUP protest loudly about being in control. With Martin McGuinness as joint First Minister, Gerry Kelly as Jeffrey Donaldson's colleague also in OFMdFM, and the Marxist Catriona Ruane in charge of Education, this is a somewhat strange definition of being 'in control'.

"Add to this the fact that only two weeks ago Sinn Fein brought Peter Robinson scurrying over to 10 Downing Street to discuss concessions on the Irish language and the devolution of policing and justice powers."

"Surely it would be better for Simon Hamilton to be honest, rather than engage in vain boasts. His party is partners with Sinn Fein in OFMdFM - that is the harsh reality. While Simon is obviously worried about the threat posed by Jim Allister's TUV, it really doesn't advance politics in Northern Ireland or help the institutions for untruths to be told. Simply because the Paisley-McGuinness 'chuckle brothers' have been replaced with an act lacking the jokes and the smiles, does not detract from the reality of the DUP-Sinn Fein partnership in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

"In view of the challenges faced by the pro-Union parties in the Executive, the threat posed to our education system, and the ongoing Sinn Fein determination to pursue socially and culturally divisive policies, we need less hot air and complacency from the DUP and some more serious thought".