Unionists in new Maze row
THE DUP has accused Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister of a "hysterical outburst" over his claims that the party has done a secret deal over the future of the former Maze Prison site.
Mr Allister alleged the DUP had done a deal with Sinn Fein over a proposed "conflict transformation" centre.
The MEP said the plans would result in a "shrine to republicanism".
His claims came as First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness travelled to Brussels on Monday for a meeting with European Commission President Jos Manuel Barroso.
The two ministers presented the Executive's Action Plan outlining its priorities for European Policy and Funding.
DUP MLA Simon Hamilton said Mr Allister's claims of a secret deal were a result of his "fevered imagination" and there was no backroom deal over the Maze.
"The deal must have been truly secret for none of the alleged parties to it are aware of its existence. It doesn't exist.
"It is a figment of Mr Allister's fevered imagination that he is peddling to try and frighten people into supporting his bitter crusade against his former party colleagues."
The Strangford MLA said the DUP would never stand for any tribute to republicans at the former jail site.
He said: "The DUP will never, under any circumstances support any shrine at the Maze site.
"We have made that clear on numerous occasions."
He said the report to the EU didn't even touch on any plans for the site.
Mr Hamilton said Mr Allister should apologise over his claims: "Furthermore the taskforce report which he makes such a song and dance about doesn't actually mention any proposed facility at the site at all.
"Anyone who read the report would know that.
"The DUP is about the business of making Europe work for Northern Ireland.
"How pathetic that one of Northern Ireland's representatives should be doing his best to damage our interests.
"He should apologise for his irresponsible actions," he said.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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