FORMER NI First Minister, Arlene Foster has launched a scathing attack on newly-elected MP, Pat Cullen, whom she claims "wouldn’t be able to point out the difference between Knockmanoul and Aghadrumsee."
READ MORE: Arlene Foster: So, what next now we have a Sinn Féin ‘blow-in’ as MP?
Writing on today's (Thursday) Impartial Reporter, Mrs. Foster described the new MP as a "Sinn Féin stooge in Belfast" who was "parachuted" into Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
"We are used to having an absentee MP, regrettably, but now we have one who doesn’t even live anywhere near the constituency," Mrs. Foster said in her column.
"If we were hoping for a local champion with at least an affinity with the area they represent, we are going to be badly disappointed.
"The new Sinn Féin MP is not from the constituency, does not live in the constituency, and wouldn’t be able to point out the difference between Knockmanoul and Aghadrumsee.
"She is in the best traditions of the phrase “a blow-in”, parachuted in by Sinn Féin to take over from Michelle Gildernew."
Mrs. Foster also referenced an interview with the BBC, when Mrs. Cullen was challenged by the UUP’s Diana Armstrong to condemn IRA attacks, but failed to do so.
"Before the election, it appeared Sinn Féin kept her away from the media after her appearance on BBC Good Morning Ulster where, as a good Sinn Féin candidate, it seemed she stuck to her given lines about the Enniskillen bomb," Mrs. Foster continued.
"She had just resigned as the head of the Royal College of Nurses (RCN), but couldn’t condemn the murder of two nurses by the IRA, as that would not be in keeping with the “no alternative” line she appeared to have had been given and instructed to repeat.
"It’s all a far cry from when Pat Cullen was head of the RCN and had no difficulty pouring praise on the King when he had written to the RCN to offer support.
"That press release mysteriously disappeared from the RCN website, one presumes to take away the embarrassment for the Republican unable to take the Oath of Allegiance to the King she had so publicly congratulated."
Mrs. Foster also claimed that Mrs. Cullen isn't in a position to properly represent the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
"So, we have yet another absentee MP who fails to stand up for this most westerly part of the United Kingdom, in the place she was elected to," Mrs. Foster continued.
"After she was elected, Pat Cullen told a reporter that we should not be concerned, because when she was the head of the RCN, those of importance came to her and that is what will happen again.
"Makes you wonder why all those MPs go to represent their constituents when they could just sit at home and wait for everyone to come to them!
"It is nonsense of the highest grade, of course, and totally delusional, but that is what our Nationalist neighbours voted for, so that is what we have got – not so much a local champion in London, but a Sinn Féin stooge in Belfast.
"As the French would say, “Plus ça Change”. The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel