Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:

“Martin McGuinness recent speech again gave the lie to those who argue that he and his fellow travellers have renounced their endorsement of terrorism. The co-First Minister still regards the 1981 Hunger Strikers as an “inspiration”. Indeed, more than that he believes that those guilty of a whole catalogue of crimes including murder, attempted murder and position of fire arms and explosives “are the people who have set the moral compass for the rest of us to aspire to”!

“How can anyone be said to be supportive of the rule of law and regard those who engaged in such horrendous crimes as the people we should set our moral compass to!

“It is also interesting to note that McGuinness sees a clear link between the Hunger Strike and the “peace process” of today. Republican goals have not altered.

“McGuinness’s speech not only reveals a great deal about the mindset of Irish Republicanism but also gives us some insight into why Sinn Fein/IRA regard the retention of the H-Blocks as so important. Doubtless the weakness of the DUP– successive DUP DOE Ministers refused to delist the ugly buildings while Ian Paisley lobbied the EU for funding for the site’s proposed “conflict transformation centre” – will be remembered when commemorations of the Republican cult of the blood sacrifice are held on the outskirts of Unionist Lisburn”.

Note to editors: The text of the speech is online here.