8 February 2001

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Trimble must clarify position on NSMC ban on SF Ministers

Sinn Fein Chief Whip, West Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has called on David Trimble to clarify his position on the ban on nominating Sinn Fein Ministers to attend North/South Ministerial Council meetings.

Mr Maskey said:

``If David Trimble is going to put himself in contempt of court over the ruling that his ban on nominating Sinn Fein Ministers to NSMC meetings was unlawful and continue to breach his Ministerial Pledge of  Office then he should have the courage to come out and clarify this. He should not be hiding behind party colleagues. The bluster needs to end.

``Instead of talking tough to republicans, the Ulster Unionist Party leadership should be talking tough with internal party dissidents. The leadership of the UUP should get out there and start selling the Good Friday Agreement instead of fostering a political vacuum that is being filled by loyalist attacks on nationalists communities across the north.''

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