Nolan is quite right to challenge Sinn Fein’s claims, but why are unionist politicians not doing likewise?

THE Belfast Telegraph report of Mairtin O Muilleoir’s appearance on BBC NI’s Nolan Live (News, February 14) gives a very different impression of Mairtin’s performance, for anyone who did not see the show, compared to his actual performance.

When Mairtin produced the Sinn Fein demand for a border poll on unity, Nolan asked him for Sinn Fein’s policy on how it would work. Mairtin retreated to their usual hiding place of “it will all need to be discussed”.

When pushed on the PSNI, BBC, health service and education in this promised utopia, Mairtin had no answers, other than the usual Sinn Fein script.

When given a list of poor statistics on the Republic’s health service, education etc from the audience, Mairtin made no reply. He told us he was finance minister, but had no reply when reminded that he had never set a budget.

When challenged on his claim to help unionists, Mairtin said Sinn Fein had provided the money for Taughmonagh day care centre, only to correct himself that they had “supported” it.

Nolan pinned him back on all these points, but my point is: why is it left to Steven Nolan to do this? Where are the unionist politicians (other than Jim Allister)? Why are they not challenging Sinn Fein, who are continually using every opportunity to push the idea that a united Ireland is inevitable.

When argued rationally, Sinn Fein’s claims do not stand up. Why do unionists not challenge, at every opportunity, Sinn Fein’s “unicorn” ideas (to use the latest buzzword)?

RAYMOND HUGHES Ballyclare, Co Antrim