Farren - Hole In DUP’s Argument presents Opportunity

Commenting on Peter Robinson’s remarks that the DUP may be now willing to formally meet with loyalist paramilitary groups SDLP North Antrim MLA Sean Farren stated:

“Peter Robinson’s comments may represent another new departure for the DUP. It seems that they are now advocating the very same approach that they spent years slamming the SDLP for following. Perhaps on all fronts now they might recognise that dialogue is always a better way forward than denial.

Of course for many people, particularly in the Nationalist community, the DUP has shown itself in the past to have been at best silent about loyalist paramilitary violence and at worst, helped fuel sectarian attitudes which many loyalist groupings used as cover for their actions.

There is a hole in the DUP’s argument but it does set up an obvious challenge to them. If this represents a change in the DUP’s formal approach to loyalist paramilitaries, then surely it presents a clear opportunity in the political process.