DUP sceptics refuse to openly discuss accord
DUP sceptics were loathe to speak yesterday over how — within the space of four days — they had changed from being opposed to the Hillsborough deal, to going along with it.
At the start of the week, one of the much-publicised rebel 14 told the News Letter that he could not support an agreement that devolved policing and justice, “without nailing down the parading issue in tandem”.
Yesterday, we contacted the same sceptic who was, at best, lukewarm about the deal.
“I haven’t read it in its entirety,” he said. “It’s not what we want, but I suppose we have little option but to go along with it.”
But another DUP sceptic MLA told the News Letter: “I’m very happy.”
The politician, who was among those who were sceptical earlier this week, said all outstanding issues had been satisfactorily addressed.
Speaking anonymously in the early hours of yesterday morning, the Assembly member would only say: “It is a very clever document. All MLAs supported the deal last night.”
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell, seen as a sceptic, told the News Letter: “I will not be making any comment until the full details of the entire package are out in the public domain.”
Upper Bann MLAs David Simpson and Stephen Moutray — in whose constituency Drumcree sits — were unavailable for comment.
Calls to Mr Simpson’s office elicited the response: “We are not commenting, but it’s a good deal for Northern Ireland.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
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Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
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