Mainstream unionism needs to held accountable for its relationship with paramilitaries

Mainstream unionism needs to held accountable for its relationship with paramilitaries - Mullen

Speaking in the aftermath of Tuesday evening's BBC Spotlight documentary that focused on British state collusion, loyalist paramilitaries and DUP involvement in Ulster Resitance, Aontú Councillor Denise Mullen has said that mainstream unionism must reflect on its relationship with loyalist paramilitaries and the murders that those paramilitaries have committed.

Councillor Mullen stated:

"Last night's documentary revealed the very clear connections between mainstream unionism, as embodied by the DUP, and violent organisations like Ulster Resistance.

"Revelations surrounding the importation and distribution of weapons to paramilitaries, weapons that were used to murder civilians, by individuals closely connected to the DUP cannot be allowed to pass without scrutiny.

"The DUP and wider unionism certainly has questions to answer when it comes to their relationship with those who killed people to pursue their objectives of maintaining partition and instilling terror in the hearts of a whole section of the community. To date, mainstream unionism has failed to distance itself sufficiently from sectarian and violent acts carried out under the guise of preserving the British union."

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.