DUP MEP goes public on concerns

Jim Allister wants to see debate on the proposals

DUP MEP Jim Allister has said the St Andrews Agreement has definite gains but also fundamental negatives.

Mr Allister said downsides included the length of the testing period for Sinn Fein and enforced mandatory coalition.

He also said there was no mechanism to exclude Sinn Fein if it defaults, other than to punish all parties.

He said he was concerned the agreement did not oblige the disbandment of the IRA army council which "epitomises the armed struggle" and "has to go".

Mr Allister said it would be "intolerable for any unionist" if the IRA army council was still in existence when the parties are due to share power. He said this would be a deal-breaker for him.

'Fundamental questions'

He said that Sinn Fein's apparent baulking at the pledge of support for policing and for law and order by 24 November raised "fundamental questions" about their bona fides.

He said he would have grave reservations if the deal was not improved and doubted whether there would be sufficient confidence to move forward without the changes he is demanding.

While he praised aspects of the agreement, including the changes to rules, and Sinn Fein having to be signed up to policing before power-sharing, he said he had problems with a range of issues, and also wondered about side deals.

But asked if he would quit the DUP over the issue, Mr Allister replied that it was a "foolish question".

The MEP confirmed he did not inform his party or his party leader that he was going public with his concerns, insisting that was not a prerequisite in the DUP.