Jimmy Spratt South Belfast Constituency Office: 15 Cregagh Road, Belfast, BT6 8PX
T: 028 9045 5936 E: jimmyspratt@dup.org.uk
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South Belfast DUP Supports Peter Robinson and the Hillsborough Agreement
South Belfast DUP Westminster Association held its Annual General meeting last night (10th February 2010). As well as electing the officers of the Association for the forthcoming year, two motions were tabled for consideration. The first motion read:
“We, the members of the South Belfast DUP Association express our full support for the party leader, Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson MP and his negotiating team; recognise that Mr. Robinson is the foremost leader of Unionism in Northern Ireland; record our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of our party negotiators to secure the best outcome for Unionism in recent political negotiations and welcome the fact that these efforts have been successful with the publication of the Hillsborough Castle Agreement.”
The second motion read:
“The South Belfast DUP Westminster Association welcomes the publication of the Hillsborough Castle Agreement and recognises the massive steps forward taken for Unionism; specifically: devolution of policing and justice on Unionist terms, a new structure to deal with parading and protest issues, recognition of the sacrifice and dedication of those who served in the police part time reserve during the darkest days of Northern Ireland’s history and the securing of an £800million financial package for policing and justice. We therefore record our support for the Hillsborough Castle Agreement and commend it to the people of Northern Ireland.”
Both motions were passed unanimously by the members of the South Belfast DUP Westminster Association. Speaking after meeting Jimmy Spratt MLA said:
“We had a well attended Annual Meeting with some new people in attendance. It was good for members to sit down and consider the Hillsborough Castle Agreement. We judged the deal on its merits and decided unanimously to give our support. We strongly recommend to local people that they judge the deal according to its content. I would say to people don’t allow bitter twisted individuals, with their own axe to grind to make up your mind for you.
The Hillsborough Castle Agreement represents a major step forward for Unionism. We have secured the transfer of the additional powers on Unionist terms. The Parades Commission is on the way out. An extra £800million funding for the Northern Ireland Executive has been secured also. Judging this deal in a fair manner, no-one could help but conclude it is a massive gain for Unionism.”