HOW sad, that Simon Hamilton (Letters, June 24) continues in his attempts to argue in defence of Sinn Fein in government and seeks to conceal the reality of growing Dublin interference in the affairs of Northern Ireland.
Firstly, Mr Hamilton claims that because Brian Cowen wasn't standing on the steps outside Stormont to meet Mr Bush, but instead met him inside the building, he played merely a "bit-part role".
The "bit-part role" played by Mr Cowen was just as im
portant as that played by Gordon Brown, who also met President Bush inside Stormont rather than on the steps. And who met him outside? Why Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness. One could not find a more perfect illustration of the growth in Dublin influence in Northern Ireland and the DUP's marriage to Sinn Fein.
Secondly, I note that Mr Hamilton fails to clarify if he agrees with the DUP's Culture Minister Gregory Campbell, who welcomed £6 million funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund. Was the DCAL Minister wrong, Simon, or should we all thank the DUP next time we tune into Radio Ulster and cannot understand a word that is said?
Mr Hamilton boasts that the DUP have saved Ulster from the Irish Language Act. This is not so clear as he would have us believe. I suggest he take a look at Section 28D of the Northern Ireland Act – an amendment of the St Andrew's Bill – which requires that the Executive "adopt a strategy setting out how it proposes to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language".
Gregory Campbell has confirmed that an interdepartmental group is currently developing a strategy on Irish. And the Bill of Rights may well contain proposals on Irish as well.
Mr Hamilton tells me that I take my lead from Jim Allister. I happily confess this to be the case. The uncomfortable truth for Mr Hamilton is that he takes his lead from David Trimble.
Mark Russell
Craigavon councillor
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