Executive could do better, says Paisley
DUP founder Ian Paisley has said that the current Executive would achieve more if it was founded on the same frank relationship as existed between Martin McGuinness and himself.
In an in-depth interview published in today’s News Letter, Dr Paisley reveals a private conversation with Mr McGuinness when both men entered Stormont Castle in 2007.
Dr Paisley says that he spelt out his absolute sincerity towards the historic DUP-Sinn Fein arrangement, promising the veteran republican that as he had kept his side of their deal by supporting the rule of law, the then DUP leader would approach his new role with “honesty”.
A fortnight ago in his News Letter column Dr Paisley seemingly expressed his displeasure at Peter Robinson, although not referring to his successor by name, for talking of a secret “clever device” in his policing and justice agreement with Sinn Fein.
In the interview, the MP of nearly four decades sets out how he believes political leaders should conduct themselves in negotiations and in office.
The interview is part of the News Letter’s new three-page political section, The Political Review.
