First Minister tells of how he manned barricades
FIRST Minister Peter Robinson spoke today of how manned barricades at the outbreak of the Troubles with friends who joined paramilitary groups.
Mr Robinson was unveiling a mural commemorating author CS Lewis, which replaced one dedicated to the loyalist UVF in the heart of east Belfast.
The DUP leader said he chose to move into politics at a young age, but understood how others were drawn into illegal activity.
He said he was willing to do what he could to help paramilitaries to move out of conflict.
"Can I say to all of those organisations, whether as leader of the DUP or as First Minister, if there is any assistance that I can give to organisations to come out of conflict, I am more than willing to do that," said the East Belfast MP.
"And that goes for any of the organisations within the loyalist community because they are part of the community of which I am part of.
"I was a young fellow when the so-called Troubles started in Northern Ireland.
"I was out on the barricades with colleagues, people that I grew up with.
"I had to make a choice and I moved into politics. Some of them remained (and joined) paramilitary organisations.
"So I understand how many people got introduced into paramilitary organisations.
"And I want to make any contribution I can to help those people come into what I hope will be a new era and a new society for Northern Ireland."
Mr Robinson was unveiling a new mural dedicated to the east Belfast-born author CS Lewis.
The mural is based on his most famous work, the Narnia Chronicles, which are now being transformed into big budget movies.
The Dee Street painting replaces a UVF mural depicting the history of the organisation and carrying its crest and the image of two rifles.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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