Issue like Irish language must not block Stormont’s return: Robinson
PETER Robinson has said that the Irish language is “such a small issue” it should not prevent power-sharing institutions at Stormont from being restored.
In a speech to a church group in east Belfast, which was reported on the website EamonnMallie.com, the former First Minister said that while he believed devolution could be restored, direct rule should be fully implemented until the impasse could be resolved.
Mr Robinson stressed that he believed Irish language issues should not be standing in the way of devolution, and they could be overcome.
“I couldn’t care less about the Irish language,” he said.
“Let them speak it until they are green, white and orange in the face, as long as it doesn’t encroach on me.”
The language issue, the former DUP leader said, paled in comparison to policing and justice, which had been an obstacle to power-sharing in Northern Ireland in the past. Mr Robinson highlighted the importance of co-operation between the DUP and Sinn Fein, saying that the British and Irish Governments had their “own agenda”.
“One of the greatest mistakes the DUP ever made was not talking directly to our adversaries,” Mr Robinson insisted.
The former East Belfast MP and MLA also warned against his party being led by the “most vociferous voices”.
And while supporting the DUP confidence and supply deal with the Tories, he warned that it had a shelf life and that when the numbers changed, the Conservatives would move on. He said that if people want to maintain the Union “it is necessary for us to have a stable government in Northern Ireland”.
He also spoke of how a former Taoiseach shared with him that people in Dublin were not “chomping” to be part of a united Ireland, and he issued a warning about polarising politics.
“You need to be careful not to allow the most vociferous voices in your party lead you,” Mr Robinson said.
And he told how he had to put his own feelings aside in order to share power with Sinn Fein.
His best friend Harry Beggs was killed in an IRA bombing at the electricity board offices on Belfast’s Malone Road in August 1971. “I decided then at the funeral not to let the terrorists win,” he said.
“I would have to admit there were times when I looked across the room at Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness and my mind went back to Harry Beggs, but decided the best way to honour those killed was by making sure others did not get killed.”
❝ You need to be careful not to allow the most vociferous voices in your party lead you