Responding to comments from the DUP’s Robin Newton Jim Allister said:

“Robin Newton’s comments really do bear no relationship to reality. The Hillsborough Agreement clearly states that the outstanding issues from St Andrews will be addressed. 

“These include:
a) progress on the promotion of the Irish Language, with a programme by the end of April 2010 to “enhance and protect the development of the Irish language”,
b) examining the case for “additional bodies and areas of co-operation within the North South Ministerial Council”,
c) progress on the establishment of a North-South parliamentary forum and
d) progress on the establishment of a North-South civic forum.

“While Sinn Fein/IRA will not have the justice ministry at present they will have a total veto on every legislative proposal from the Justice Minister and every financial allocation to him through their veto on the Executive. Also remember that the guarantee on no Sinn Fein/IRA Justice Minister runs out in 2012.

“And what of Mr Newton’s claim that TUV policy would see us revert to Direct Rule? Well, let’s remember that Peter Robinson – Ulster’s answer to Blackadder’s Baldrick – has revealed his “cunning plan”. What is it? To collapse the institutions and return us to Direct Rule!”