DUP deputy leader, Peter Robinson, is to address the annual conference of
the Republic's Small Firms' Association in Dublin Castle next month.
In a move which will be seen as further evidence of the DUP's increasing
flexibility and positive attitude to the political process, Mr Robinson will
explain his party's policies to Southern businessmen on September 7th.
Previously, his most high-profile visit to the Republic was in August 1986
when he was part of a 500-strong loyalist group which invaded Clontibret, Co
Monaghan.
The group, who were protesting against the Anglo-Irish Agreement, said they
were highlighting the lack of security along the Border.
Mr Robinson was arrested by gardai and, after a brief trial, was found
guilty of unlawful assembly. He was fined £15,000 (punts). This time, Mr
Robinson will be a welcome visitor to the Republic.
The conference is discussing the major challenges facing Irish business from
an all-island approach. Mr Robinson and the Tanaiste, Mary Harney, are
keynote speakers.
Mr Robinson told the Sunday Tribune that he was very pleased to accept the
invitation: "This will be a useful platform for the DUP and a good
opportunity to meet business people in the Irish Republic.
"It is a chance for the DUP to assess what is important to the Irish
business community and to give them the opportunity to get a real view of
what unionists are like. Until now their only opinion of the DUP has been
based on what the media has been telling them."
Mr Robinson believed the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, would have no
problem with his acceptance of an invitation to address Southern
businessmen. "Why would he?" he said.
Mr Robinson said that Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, who accused the
Republic of being a "pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural state",
had not represented unionism well in the South.
"I don't think he actually spoke to people in the Irish Republic. He made
derogatory remarks about their culture and way of life. I will not be doing
the same. Another people's culture and way of life is their own business.
It has nothing to do with the DUP," he said.
The Small Firms' Association said it was delighted the DUP deputy leader had
agreed to give his views about the "economic, social, cultural and political
challenges which Northern Ireland must respond to in the years ahead".
