Responding to the election of a Sinn Fein/IRA chair of Craigavon DPP TUV councillor Mark Russell said:

“The election of a SF Chair to Craigavon DPP is not a step forward. It is very much a retrograde step. In what normal democracy would you find a movement that murdered and bombed elevated to a position of responsibility such as Chair of the local DPP? It is an insult to victims.

“There was a time not so long ago when the DUP shared this analysis. In March 2003 Gregory Campbell told the House of Commons, “The Northern Ireland Policing Board has been praised—rightly—for its constructive work thus far. Some would argue that it has been able to work so constructively only because of the absence of those who would pollute its deliberations and undermine its activities—the Provisional IRA and Sinn Fein.” 

“I very much regret that the DUP sat and said nothing last night during a debate which paved the way for Sinn Fein/IRA to pollute and undermine Craigavon DPP.

“I take exception to the comments of the DUP’s Philip Weir when he stated that SF had demonstrated their commitment to the rule of law and therefore would be acceptable to hold this position. If that were so then members of the Republican movement would be passing on information to police of past crimes and we would be seeing regular convictions. This is not happening and therefore we can assume that SF’s so called change is merely cosmetic and not from the heart.

“Furthermore, I believe we should have had a vote on this issue last night - I was denied a vote and could only register my objection. I also think in noteworthy that no other Unionist could see fit to back me in my opposition to SF’s elevation to Chair of Craigavon DPP. Perhaps the reason for this is it would highlight that, from what I gather, the DUP could have nominated one of their own members for the Chair of the DPP.

“The new DPP was reconstituted in April 2008 and the position of Chair was held by the UUP's Alderman Gardiner. If it is true that the chair must be rotated then why did the DUP not take the position - surely it was their turn? I believe the council was in a position last night to select a DUP Chair but instead selected a SF one. Why? Were any deals done to ensure SF’s elevation to Chair of Craigavon DPP?”