12 April 2001 Edition
Open Letter to the Executive
In an open letter to the Executive on 6 April, Sinn Fein Chief Whip, West Belfast Assembly member Alex Maskey has called for clarification on the issue of the continuing illegal actions of David Trimble in banning Sinn Fein ministers from North South Ministerial Council meetings.
David Trimble set out his plans to achieve the suspension of the Executive when he went to the Ulster Unionist Council in October last year.
In a letter to UUC delegates he clearly stated that the ban on nominating Sinn Fein Ministers to attend North/South Ministerial Council meetings was intended ``to increase the pressure progressively on republicans and nationalists. This might result in a crisis for the Assembly and Executive. But if that arises we must do all we can to place responsibility on republicans. Only in that way can suspension be achieved''.
His decision was found to be unlawful in January this year.
The Executive needs to detail what position it has adopted in respect of the court ruling that the First Minister acted unlawfully in failing to fulfil his statutory duty with regard to nominations to North/South Ministerial Council sectoral meetings on Education, Health and Food Safety, which were scheduled for last November.
In spite of the judgement against Trimble, he has signalled his intentions to continue to act unlawfully, undemocratic and in breach of the Good Friday Agreement and Pledge of Office.
It is time that the majority of people of Ireland who voted for the Good Friday Agreement got answers from the Executive and both governments.
Alex Maskey
Sinn Fein Chief Whip
David Trimble set out his plans to achieve the suspension of the Executive when he went to the Ulster Unionist Council in October last year.
In a letter to UUC delegates he clearly stated that the ban on nominating Sinn Fein Ministers to attend North/South Ministerial Council meetings was intended ``to increase the pressure progressively on republicans and nationalists. This might result in a crisis for the Assembly and Executive. But if that arises we must do all we can to place responsibility on republicans. Only in that way can suspension be achieved''.
His decision was found to be unlawful in January this year.
The Executive needs to detail what position it has adopted in respect of the court ruling that the First Minister acted unlawfully in failing to fulfil his statutory duty with regard to nominations to North/South Ministerial Council sectoral meetings on Education, Health and Food Safety, which were scheduled for last November.
In spite of the judgement against Trimble, he has signalled his intentions to continue to act unlawfully, undemocratic and in breach of the Good Friday Agreement and Pledge of Office.
It is time that the majority of people of Ireland who voted for the Good Friday Agreement got answers from the Executive and both governments.
Alex Maskey
Sinn Fein Chief Whip