Gardiner questions McGuinness on Haass Talks

Upper Bann Ulster Unionist MLA Sam Gardiner has quizzed deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on the Dublin Government’s involvement in the Haass talks.

At Assembly questions Mr Gardiner asked the deputy First Minister to confirm if Dr Haass was dealing with strand one issues and also invited him to confirm that the Dublin government would not be involved in the Haass process.

Mr Gardiner said:

“The Ulster Unionist Party made it clear from the beginning of this process that the Irish Government would not be at the negotiating table of these talks, and we won this argument.

“Whilst it is quite clear from Martin McGuinness’s answer that Dr Haass is involving the Dublin government in the talks, it is thanks to Ulster Unionist intervention they are not at the table.

“We have been clear that the issue of flags and parades are strand one internal issues for Northern Ireland as defined in the Belfast Agreement and they are not matters for discussion with the Government of the Republic.

“Mr McGuinness’s admission that the US Vice-President Joe Biden is deeply involved in this business and has been in touch with both the First and deputy First Ministers will be viewed with some concern by unionists, given the Vice-Presidents well known Irish republican sympathies.

“However, the Ulster Unionist Party is committed to playing its full role in the current process and will continue to do what we believe is right for Northern Ireland.”

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