Part of Orders of the Day — Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Bill – in the House of Commons am 4:39 pm ar 20 Mehefin 1991.
I think that they would object if Gabriel was chosen for the task.
When introducing legislation in the past relating to terrorism in Northern Ireland there have been attempts, for cosmetic purposes, to show that something is being done. I have in mind the legislation that prevents members of proscribed organisations from being heard when they are shown on television. We see their mouths moving, but we are not allowed to hear what they say. An actor can speak for them and utter the appropriate words as the lips of the terrorists move. For some unknown reason we are not allowed to hear terrorist spokesmen as they make their remarks. My view is that if we are to do a job, we should do it properly. In other words, we should ensure that terrorists do not appear on television screens. I suspect that this sort of legislation will contain provisions that are designed for cosmetic purposes.
Can the Minister assure the House that a truly independent person will be appointed? I do not want a yes man to be appointed. I have genuine sympathy for some of the comments made by the hon. Member for Newry and Armagh, for there is a small group in Northern Ireland from which the Government seek to make their appointments for all the major posts within the Province. Appointees have usually been members of the Alliance party at some stage in their careers. Alternatively, they are members of the small group in Northern Ireland that has affiliated itself to the Conservative party. They have assisted the Tory party from time to time, no doubt because of their affluence if not their influence. These people seem always to be given the key posts by means of the various appointments that are made in Northern Ireland by the Secretary of State. I doubt whether the right hon. Gentleman will have any credibility if he appoints someone who merely holds down the post and is not seen to be doing the job for which he has been appointed.