Letters to the Editor, ‘Why do the DUP now want Talks?’
Dear Editor,
Sinn Féin have always been open to discussion. We were involved in a genuine effort in the Haass O’Sullivan talks to get a resolution to several key issues.
Unfortunately the unionists walked away, just as they walked away from the all party talks on parading, identity and the past.
It is interesting to note that these same people who walked away from talks are now asking for new talks and the public has to ask why the DUP now want fresh talks after walking away from previous talks processes.
What is this all about? Is it about a renegotiation of the Good Friday Agreement or the St Andrew’s Agreement? Is it a unionist desire to return to majority rule or an effort to keep Sinn Féin out of decisions?
The DUP want anti-agreement parties including the TUV, UKIP, PUP and elements of the Orange Order at their proposed new negotiations. People will question the reason for this and the prospect for agreement in any negotiation involving anti-agreement elements.
Sinn Féin is for negotiations and dialogue and we have been absolutely clear that the British and Irish governments, as well as the US administration are involved. There are a number of issues that need to be resolved including the toxic issues which were addressed in the Haass O’Sullivan process.
In relation to welfare cuts our argument is with the British government, which doesn’t care for the most marginalised and disadvantaged in our society.
Sinn Féin want all parties to come together and to tell the British government that we don’t accept their approach to lumping these fines, these huge cuts on ordinary defenceless people, placing them in a scenario where their lives are going to be devastated by the changes in social welfare payments.
Conor Murphy – Sinn Fein MP
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=44935