Jon Burrows rejects TUV criticism over Michelle O'Neill debate offer - saying he wants to dismantle Sinn Féin’s empty rhetoric
The Ulster Unionist Party leader has rejected criticism from unionist rivals that he was foolish to offer to debate first minister Michelle O’Neill on “her case for a united Ireland”.
Jon Burrows says he will not fall into any nationalist “trap” of discussing what “a united Ireland would look like” – but has the confidence to make the case for the union and dismantle “Sinn Féin’s empty rhetoric and false promises”.
The TUV had described Mr Burrows offer to debate Ms O’Neill as misguided, saying Unionists “should not engage in a debate which has no end point”.
Earlier this week, Michelle O’Neill said she welcomed Jon Burrows to the debate – saying it is “the space we are in” and that she is “up for all the debates”.
Mr Burrows said: “So apparently, Michelle O'Neill, the first minister for all, has accepted my challenge for a debate – her case for United Ireland, and my compelling case for staying in the United Kingdom. My message to Michelle now: put your money where your mouth is. You said you would do it. Any time or any place, I'll even come to you”.
Reacting to the TUV criticism – the UUP leader said: “I am not offering to debate what a united Ireland would look like. That is a trap, and I have said so consistently.
“What I have done is challenge the First Minister to a debate in which I will make the incontrovertible case for our Union and dismantle Sinn Féin’s empty rhetoric and false promises.
“That is confidence. I will be an undiluted champion of Northern Ireland and our place in the United Kingdom - and I always will. The case for the Union is the case for being stronger together: four nations, one country, sharing our resources and our risks.
“That is what pays for our hospitals, protects our pensions, underpins our peace and provides security in an uncertain world. Set against that is a republican dream that has never been costed or explained and is propped up by false momentum that never materialises.
“We are stronger together, and I will champion that case anywhere. So the invitation stands. The question now is whether Michelle O’Neill is willing to make her case as readily as I will make mine. I doubt she will.”