Alliance President, Dr Philip McGarry, has said that Sinn Fein needs to take its share of responsibility for moving the political process forward, rather than continuing to blame everybody else.
Dr McGarry said:
“This has been a very bad week for Sinn Fein. On Tuesday night in Brussels they caused great embarrassment to themselves by their insulting treatment of one of the European Union’s most senior officials.
“Their negative and churlish response to President McAlease’s indication that the Queen might soon visit Dublin was a mirror image of the surly response of the DUP to the visits to Northern Ireland by the President of the Republic.
“Figures released this week show that republicans are continuing to shot and beat people, despite the early release of large numbers of IRA prisoners. Meanwhile there is little evidence that Sinn Fein wants to make even a gesture on decommissioning.
“Everybody has a responsibility to play their part in creating a new and peaceful Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein by their actions over the last week, have shown every indication of blaming everybody else while making no real effort themselves.”
Showing posts with label Philip McGarry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philip McGarry. Show all posts
06 November 1998
11 August 1998
Deafening silence from Irish Government on prisoner release call: McGarry
THE President of the Alliance Party, Dr. Philip McGarry has called on the Irish Government to confirm its commitment to releasing - by the year 2000 - paramilitary prisoners convicted of the murders of members of the Garda.
Dr. McGarry said that failure to do so would be an act of “bad faith”, which would indicate an unwillingness to support fully the Good Friday Agreement.
The Alliance President said: “Last week the Irish Government ordered the release of a member of the IRA who had been convicted of attempting to murder a policeman in England in 1992,” said Dr. McGarry.
“This decision, naturally enough, has caused distress to the relatives of the murdered police officer and illustrates clearly the sensitive nature of the early release of prisoners.
“Last Friday I called upon the Irish Government to confirm that those who had murdered members of the Garda would be released, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, by June 2000. My call has been met with a deafening silence.
“I felt that it was important to do this in view of the fact that the Garda Representatives Association assertion that those convicted of the murder of Garda Hand in 1984 should not be released. This comes after the widespread speculation that if people are convicted of the 1996 murder of Gerry McCabe in Limerick they will not be released.
“This would clearly be an intolerable act of bad faith by the Irish government and would be an unacceptable breach of the Good Friday Agreement which has been endorsed overwhelmingly by the people of Ireland. The only inference that could be drawn from the failure to release such prisoners is that the Irish government is not committed to equality of treatment and fairness for all.
“I repeat my call to the Minister for Justice to make it crystal clear that those who have been convicted of the murders of members of the Garda on behalf of the IRA will all be released by June 2OOO,” added the Alliance Party President.
Dr. McGarry said that failure to do so would be an act of “bad faith”, which would indicate an unwillingness to support fully the Good Friday Agreement.
The Alliance President said: “Last week the Irish Government ordered the release of a member of the IRA who had been convicted of attempting to murder a policeman in England in 1992,” said Dr. McGarry.
“This decision, naturally enough, has caused distress to the relatives of the murdered police officer and illustrates clearly the sensitive nature of the early release of prisoners.
“Last Friday I called upon the Irish Government to confirm that those who had murdered members of the Garda would be released, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, by June 2000. My call has been met with a deafening silence.
“I felt that it was important to do this in view of the fact that the Garda Representatives Association assertion that those convicted of the murder of Garda Hand in 1984 should not be released. This comes after the widespread speculation that if people are convicted of the 1996 murder of Gerry McCabe in Limerick they will not be released.
“This would clearly be an intolerable act of bad faith by the Irish government and would be an unacceptable breach of the Good Friday Agreement which has been endorsed overwhelmingly by the people of Ireland. The only inference that could be drawn from the failure to release such prisoners is that the Irish government is not committed to equality of treatment and fairness for all.
“I repeat my call to the Minister for Justice to make it crystal clear that those who have been convicted of the murders of members of the Garda on behalf of the IRA will all be released by June 2OOO,” added the Alliance Party President.
28 July 1998
Orange Order has limited credibility: McGarry
A LEADING member of the Alliance Party has accused the Orange Order of having “limited credibility” after its refusal to talk to residents groups.
Dr. Philip McGarry - who is the President of the Alliance Party - made the claim after a statement released by the Orange Order confirmed its “unwillingness” to talk to residents groups.
The Alliance man said the Orange Order had “no legitimate reasons” for opposing direct talks with residents groups after its recent meetings with convicted killers during the Drumcree stand-off.
“The Orange Order gives the impression that it refuses to talk to local residents as a matter of fundamental principle,” said Dr. McGarry.
“But this argument has very little credibility as Orange leaders have already met with convicted killer Kenny McClinton and two years ago at Drumcree they were happy to talk with the late Billy Wright of the Loyalist Volunteer Force.
“The Orange Order’s position is further weakened by its persistent breach of law over the last few weeks in refusing to call upon its members to go home and accept the lawful decision of the Parades Commission.
“The fact that the protest at Drumcree was used a base for a gunman to shoot at the security forces, for a nail-bomber to cause injuries (to the great satisfaction of the crowd), and for other violent acts prevents any reasonable person from understanding the Order’s self proclaimed opposition to people because of alleged involvement in violence.
“Given recent events, there is no alternative and no reasons why the Orange Order cannot enter into direct contact with local residents groups who live along contentious parade routes,” added the former Belfast City councillor.
Dr. Philip McGarry - who is the President of the Alliance Party - made the claim after a statement released by the Orange Order confirmed its “unwillingness” to talk to residents groups.
The Alliance man said the Orange Order had “no legitimate reasons” for opposing direct talks with residents groups after its recent meetings with convicted killers during the Drumcree stand-off.
“The Orange Order gives the impression that it refuses to talk to local residents as a matter of fundamental principle,” said Dr. McGarry.
“But this argument has very little credibility as Orange leaders have already met with convicted killer Kenny McClinton and two years ago at Drumcree they were happy to talk with the late Billy Wright of the Loyalist Volunteer Force.
“The Orange Order’s position is further weakened by its persistent breach of law over the last few weeks in refusing to call upon its members to go home and accept the lawful decision of the Parades Commission.
“The fact that the protest at Drumcree was used a base for a gunman to shoot at the security forces, for a nail-bomber to cause injuries (to the great satisfaction of the crowd), and for other violent acts prevents any reasonable person from understanding the Order’s self proclaimed opposition to people because of alleged involvement in violence.
“Given recent events, there is no alternative and no reasons why the Orange Order cannot enter into direct contact with local residents groups who live along contentious parade routes,” added the former Belfast City councillor.
10 July 1998
Local Protestant community must support Catholic communities: McGarry
FOLLOWING last night’s outbreak of violence in the small County Down fishing village of Kilkeel, a senior member of the Alliance Party has urged the local Protestant community to “fully support” their Catholic neighbours.
And Dr. Philip McGarry, who is the Alliance Party President, said it was imperative that members of the local Protestant clergy show “total solidarity” with the village’s small Catholic community.
The Alliance man also urged members of the Protestant clergy to do “everything in their power” to prevent further outbreaks of sectarian violence.
“Catholic communities in towns like Kilkeel and Carrickfergus at the present time feel isolated and threatened,” said the former Belfast City Councillor.
“They are aware that the security forces have been unable to maintain their rule of law and they have grave fears about will happen over the coming weekend.
“I would also like to say that the Alliance Party welcomes recent contributions made by the main Church leaders. However, it is essential that local Protestant clergy are also active.
“I would further ask the local Protestant clergy in areas where there has been violence and intimidation against Roman Catholics, to show support for their neighbours in a direct and practical fashion,” he added.
Dr. McGarry also urged members of the local Protestant clergy to “actively seek” to ensure that there is no repetition of the violence which, he claims is, “spiralling out of control”.
And Dr. Philip McGarry, who is the Alliance Party President, said it was imperative that members of the local Protestant clergy show “total solidarity” with the village’s small Catholic community.
The Alliance man also urged members of the Protestant clergy to do “everything in their power” to prevent further outbreaks of sectarian violence.
“Catholic communities in towns like Kilkeel and Carrickfergus at the present time feel isolated and threatened,” said the former Belfast City Councillor.
“They are aware that the security forces have been unable to maintain their rule of law and they have grave fears about will happen over the coming weekend.
“I would also like to say that the Alliance Party welcomes recent contributions made by the main Church leaders. However, it is essential that local Protestant clergy are also active.
“I would further ask the local Protestant clergy in areas where there has been violence and intimidation against Roman Catholics, to show support for their neighbours in a direct and practical fashion,” he added.
Dr. McGarry also urged members of the local Protestant clergy to “actively seek” to ensure that there is no repetition of the violence which, he claims is, “spiralling out of control”.
Alliance call for end to all Drumcree protests
WITH tension mounting across Northern Ireland, a leading member of the Alliance Party has called on for an end to all illegal protests and road blockades.
And Dr. Philip McGarry, who is the President of the Alliance Party, has also called on community do “what they can” to prevent further street disturbances and illegal protests.
The former Belfast City Councillor further called for an end to what, he says is, the “blatant intimidation” of families across Northern Ireland.
“Events on the streets and around Drumcree have been gradually spiralling out of control over the last few days,” explained Dr. McGarry.
“Those who have called for people to come out in support of the Orangemen bear a major responsibility for the widespread violence and intimidation which has taken place.
“I would wish to strongly echo the sentiments of the Presbyterian moderator who has urged people to accept decision of Parades Commission and obey the rule of law.
“At this time of great tension and fear throughout the whole community, I would urge all responsible leaders to call upon all public protests and demonstrations to end. I would also urge the people who have been involved in the protests to return to their homes,” he said.
And Dr. Philip McGarry, who is the President of the Alliance Party, has also called on community do “what they can” to prevent further street disturbances and illegal protests.
The former Belfast City Councillor further called for an end to what, he says is, the “blatant intimidation” of families across Northern Ireland.
“Events on the streets and around Drumcree have been gradually spiralling out of control over the last few days,” explained Dr. McGarry.
“Those who have called for people to come out in support of the Orangemen bear a major responsibility for the widespread violence and intimidation which has taken place.
“I would wish to strongly echo the sentiments of the Presbyterian moderator who has urged people to accept decision of Parades Commission and obey the rule of law.
“At this time of great tension and fear throughout the whole community, I would urge all responsible leaders to call upon all public protests and demonstrations to end. I would also urge the people who have been involved in the protests to return to their homes,” he said.
30 December 1997
Leaflets are "a form of intimidation": Alliance
Alliance spokesman Dr Philip McGarry has described as (a form of intimidation) the leaflets distributed in Craigavon calling on shops and businesses to shut during the Billy Wright Funeral.
Dr McGarry said:
"I can understand entirely why many local business men will feel under pressure to close their premises.
"However many of them will do so because of a fear of the consequences if they remain open.
"The RUC have the duty to ensure that protection is provided for those people who chose to continue about their private business.
"As a society we must always recognize the existence of subtle and not so subtle forms of intimidation and redouble our efforts to create a society free from fear and sectarianism."
Dr McGarry said:
"I can understand entirely why many local business men will feel under pressure to close their premises.
"However many of them will do so because of a fear of the consequences if they remain open.
"The RUC have the duty to ensure that protection is provided for those people who chose to continue about their private business.
"As a society we must always recognize the existence of subtle and not so subtle forms of intimidation and redouble our efforts to create a society free from fear and sectarianism."
22 December 1997
McGarry seeks paramilitaries' position on Mitchell Principles
Commenting upon the six shootings which have taken place over the last two weeks. Alliance Spokesman Dr Philip McGarry has called upon Sinn Fein, the PUP and UDP to clarify their position with regard to the Mitchell Principles.
Dr McGarry said:
“The Mitchell principles state clearly that participants at the Talks must be committed exclusively to democratic means. The reality however is that there has been a recent upsurge in shootings by paramilitary groups as well as a number of serious beatings.
“If these shootings or serious assaults had been carried out by the Army or the RUC their would be vociferous complaints from Sinn Fein, the PUP and the UDP. I call upon these three parties to clarify whether or not they are totally committed to the Mitchell Principles.”
Dr McGarry said:
“The Mitchell principles state clearly that participants at the Talks must be committed exclusively to democratic means. The reality however is that there has been a recent upsurge in shootings by paramilitary groups as well as a number of serious beatings.
“If these shootings or serious assaults had been carried out by the Army or the RUC their would be vociferous complaints from Sinn Fein, the PUP and the UDP. I call upon these three parties to clarify whether or not they are totally committed to the Mitchell Principles.”
17 December 1997
£2 million Harryville policing cost "totally unacceptable": McGarry
Alliance Spokesman Dr Philip McGarry has said that the £2 million cost of Policing at the Harryville Protest is “totally unacceptable”.
“The RUC have made it clear that this massive amount of money means that resources are not available for other policing activities such as the prevention and detection of crime and the drugs problem which is very severe in the Ballymena area.
“This protest is not a legitimate or a reasonable demonstration. It is in fact a crude form of bullying and intimidation and is trying to prevent people from attending their weekly church service.
“The major responsibility rests with senior Unionist Politicians, especially those in the Orange Order, to say and do much more in order to bring an end to this totally unacceptable and anti democratic activity.”
“The RUC have made it clear that this massive amount of money means that resources are not available for other policing activities such as the prevention and detection of crime and the drugs problem which is very severe in the Ballymena area.
“This protest is not a legitimate or a reasonable demonstration. It is in fact a crude form of bullying and intimidation and is trying to prevent people from attending their weekly church service.
“The major responsibility rests with senior Unionist Politicians, especially those in the Orange Order, to say and do much more in order to bring an end to this totally unacceptable and anti democratic activity.”
11 December 1997
McGarry highlights gulf in opposing violence in Ireland
Alliance Party Spokesman Dr Philip McGarry, commenting on the reaction of Mitchell McLoughlin and Gerry Adams to the escape of Liam Avril, has said that there is a fundamental gulf in values between those who have always opposed violence in Ireland and those who have supported it.
Dr McGarry said:
“Three years ago Liam Avril carried out a particularly brutal and openly sectarian murder on two Protestant men. This was a completely immoral act and was as reprehensible as the viscous and immoral murder of Mr Duffy in Glengormley by a Loyalist Group last weekend.
“Mitchell McLoughlin has referred to Liam Avril as a ‘prisoner of war’. Gerry Adams has wished him good luck. These comments expose the cruel reality that despite the rhetoric about peace the Leaders of Sinn Fein regarded the sectarian murder of Irish Protestants as justifiable and understandable acts.
“On the other hand there are many people in Northern Ireland of all religious persuasions who have always opposed violence and who will never seek to justify the killing of any person whether for the cause of Nationalism or for the cause of Unionism.”
Dr McGarry said:
“Three years ago Liam Avril carried out a particularly brutal and openly sectarian murder on two Protestant men. This was a completely immoral act and was as reprehensible as the viscous and immoral murder of Mr Duffy in Glengormley by a Loyalist Group last weekend.
“Mitchell McLoughlin has referred to Liam Avril as a ‘prisoner of war’. Gerry Adams has wished him good luck. These comments expose the cruel reality that despite the rhetoric about peace the Leaders of Sinn Fein regarded the sectarian murder of Irish Protestants as justifiable and understandable acts.
“On the other hand there are many people in Northern Ireland of all religious persuasions who have always opposed violence and who will never seek to justify the killing of any person whether for the cause of Nationalism or for the cause of Unionism.”
10 December 1997
Alliance welcomes call to remove GAA Rule 21
Alliance Spokesman Philip McGarry has welcomed President Mary McAleese’s call on the GAA to remove Rule 21, which bans membership to members of the RUC and the Army.
Philip McGarry said:
“We welcome the President’s call for this offensive rule to be scrapped. We have always taken the view that the rule does nothing but further divide our community. A change is long overdue. Indeed I would call on others in positions of influence to make it clear that this rule must go. Its removal would be an ideal example of a confidence building measure.”
Philip McGarry said:
“We welcome the President’s call for this offensive rule to be scrapped. We have always taken the view that the rule does nothing but further divide our community. A change is long overdue. Indeed I would call on others in positions of influence to make it clear that this rule must go. Its removal would be an ideal example of a confidence building measure.”
25 November 1997
Alliance criticises Cranborn initiative
Commenting upon the report that the attempt by Lord Cranborn to bring about cross-party Unionist agreement has failed, Alliance Spokesman Dr Philip McGarry has said that the last thing that Northern Ireland needs is either pan-unionism or pan-nationalism.
Dr McGarry said:
“The only way we shall achieve a real and lasting peace is to bring about an agreement that heels the bitter divide in our society. For this to come about moderate Unionists have a duty to come to an accommodation with moderate Nationalists and vice-versa. However, if instead nationalists continue to line up together and Unionists seek further Unionist Unity then all that will be achieved will be a deepening of division.”
Dr McGarry said:
“The only way we shall achieve a real and lasting peace is to bring about an agreement that heels the bitter divide in our society. For this to come about moderate Unionists have a duty to come to an accommodation with moderate Nationalists and vice-versa. However, if instead nationalists continue to line up together and Unionists seek further Unionist Unity then all that will be achieved will be a deepening of division.”
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