UKUP Manifesto: Main Points
UKUP will object to North/South bodies with executive powers exercising authority over Northern Ireland
will refuse to consent to any arrangements "which places the representatives of a party fronting a paramilitary organisation which had retained its weapons, in positions of governments"
Seeks democratic and accountable government
Wants an end to quangos
Committed to free health care at point of provision
The leader of the UK Unionist Party, Mr Robert McCartney, used the launch of his party's manifesto in the Assembly elections yesterday to attack the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, over allegations that the government altered Hansard, the official record of Commons debates.
It emerged yesterday that Hansard did not give the exact answer given by Mr Blair to a question posed by the Conservative Party leader, Mr William Hague, in the House on May 6th. Mr McCartney accused the British government of altering the record. He said the people of Northern Ireland had been conned into voting Yes in the referendum.
Mr Hague asked if Mr Blair agreed that "prisoners should not be released early until the organisations to which they belong have substantially decommissioned their weapons?"
Mr Blair replied: "The answer to your question is Yes" and went on to say: "The only organisations that can qualify to take seats in the government of Northern Ireland and can expect the early release of prisoners are those that have given up violence for good."
In the Hansard version, the first part of the response - "The answer to your question is Yes" - was not included. The DUP deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson said yesterday: "Clearly, someone acting for, or on behalf of the Prime Minister has tampered with the record."
Mr McCartney said his party had always said the prime minister's pledges were worthless and would not be honoured. "Here is an example of the degree to which this government will go to cover its tracks. The Sentences Bill that was passed yesterday contained no linkage whatever between decommissioning and the early release of prisoners."
The allegation that the government altered Hansard was rejected by the Northern Ireland Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram. Mr Robinson made an official complaint to the speaker of the House of Commons, Miss Betty Boothroyd, and she is expected to give a report on the matter on Monday. A statement issued from her office yesterday said while the Hansard version was not strictly verbatim, it was "a full report" and "leaves out nothing that adds to the meaning of what is said.". Miss Boothroyd said she did not believe there had been any outside interference. The editor of Hansard admitted words had been deleted but also said that there had been no outside interference.
At the launch off his party's manifesto, Mr McCartney said the UK unionists were fielding 13 candidates in 12 constituencies. Mr McCartney said one of the significant aspect of his campaign was the number of people on the doorsteps who said they had voted Yes in the referendum, but were now voting for No parties.