Retract comments or I'll sue – Allister
PETER Robinson could face court action from a former party colleague if he does not retract remarks made in a television interview.
TUV leader Jim Allister confirmed that if the First Minister does not withdraw the "defamatory allegation" then "legal proceedings will issue".
In a stormy interview with the BBC on Friday, Mr Robinson sparked further controversy with his denial of any wrong-doing in relation to a 5 land deal, before going on to make comments about his political rivals, including Mr Allister and UUP leader Sir Reg Empey.
The Ulster Unionist Party last night said they were "still considering the option of legal action" over the DUP leader's outburst.
However, Mr Allister, a QC and candidate for the North Antrim Westminster seat, was adamant that he will be contacting his solicitor "immediately" the Easter holidays are over to "afford" the First Minister the "opportunity to withdraw the defamatory allegation".
He said: "In politics you often let things pass as part of the normal rough and tumble, but this gratuitous allegation, which attacks me both as to my
character and in the way of my profession, is something that requires retraction and action.
"Clearly, the First Minister thinks he is above having his actions questioned, at least by unionists, because I note he excluded his partner, McGuinness, who also said he had questions to answer, from his name-calling. Well, his outburst last (Friday] night will certainly be questioned and tested in the appropriate forum."
When contacted by the News Letter yesterday, the DUP failed to respond to the TUV leader's comments.
Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist deputy leader Danny Kennedy said Mr Robinson's remarks about fellow politicians brought "into focus" the DUP calls for unionist unity.
"The interview given by the leader of the DUP on Friday night was very insightful as to how he views other unionists not in his party," said Mr Kennedy.
He described Mr Robinson's remarks as "disgraceful" and said the entire unionist population had been "horrified and appalled at the irrational behaviour of a senior representative".
Mr Kennedy reiterated his party colleagues' call for the First Minister to stand down "whilst a full, transparent and independent investigation" is undertaken into the controversial 5 land transaction.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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