Ulster Unionist MLA Ross Hussey has expressed his concern at a motion due to come before the forthcoming NIPSA Annual Delegate Conference which demands the release of Marian Price.
The West Tyrone MLA, who represents his Party on the Policing Board, said:
"I have been contacted by a number of NIPSA members who are deeply unhappy at Motion No.13 in the Conference Handbook which states 'Conference demands the immediate release of Marian Price.'
“The motion goes on to call for the NIPSA General Council 'to campaign for the immediate release of Marian Price on humanitarian grounds.'
“This is a deeply regrettable situation. NIPSA is a highly respected Trade Union which draws its members from right across the Province and from all sections of our society. This type of motion can only cause division and is the last thing which NIPSA needs.’
“Furthermore, bearing in mind the very difficult economic climate one would have thought that NIPSA had better things to worry about than to be associated with a campaign to free someone who was jailed for planting car bombs which caused 200 injuries. The fact is that several years ago she was released from her sentence for that crime when HM Government showed clemency on the clear understanding she was out on licence.’
“She chose to appear in public and adopt a prominent role in support of those who still wish to engage in violence. She must bear the consequences of her own actions and the NIPSA branch which proposed this motion should remember that."
