US Congressman Richard Neal defended the use of the term “planter” after a backlash from union leaders.
r Neil spoke during a visit to Londonderry on Wednesday with an eight-member US delegation.
He called the problems with the protocol “significantly disproportionate” to those experienced during the problems, and called on the United Kingdom and the EU to find a way forward.
“People here have taken on much more serious challenges … this is an issue that the European Union and the UK government need to sift through and sort out,” he said.
“I think we want to keep in mind the fact that the difference of opinion that existed between Brussels and London was significant and the Commission in the European Union suggested that these problems are inevitably solvable, and I think that based on the talks we had will, that’s right. “
Despite criticism from union leaders in recent days, Mr Neil said he looked forward to meeting with DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
“I’ve known him for a long time, I don’t want to commit a crime. “I’ve had a good relationship with him over the years,” he said.
Mr Neil was also asked about the negative reaction to the use of the term ‘planter’ when referring to union heritage and descent.
He claims to have used a historical reference to the plantation in the 17th century.
“That was the idea I said,” he said.
“I also mentioned the historical term gael, gael and planter, because these are perfectly accurate historical references.”
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Congressman Richard Neal (center) with Derry and Strabin Mayor Graham Work (third right) on the Peace Bridge as he led a congressional delegation on a visit to Londonderry. (Photo: David Young / PA Wire)
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Congressman Richard Neal (center) with Derry and Strabin Mayor Graham Work (third right) on the Peace Bridge as he led a congressional delegation on a visit to Londonderry. (Photo: David Young / PA Wire)
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beatty called Mr Neil’s comments “ill-considered”.
“He’s completely confused and instead of throwing himself around like a bull in a china shop, he has to stop, pause, listen and think,” he said.
“The issues surrounding the Protocol have not been invented in any way, in fact they have been known and discussed at every level since we raised them in October 2019.”
“In order for Richard Neal to suggest that they are, this shows a lack of understanding of the damage that the protocol is doing and that it is somewhat distant from the reality of the situation.
“His comments, which people call ‘planters,’ are humiliating to many unionists. His thinking and terminology are from the past.
“We have friends in the United States with whom we need to get more involved, and Congressman Neal’s biased view of the past and present is not representative of American diplomacy. It is time for those with influence in the United States, the Irish government and the EU to call on him to soften his ill-considered and useless comments. “
Mr Beatty was due to meet with Mr Neil and his delegation on Thursday and said he hoped they would be “open to listening and reflection”.
Earlier, former DUP leader Arlene Foster said Mr Neil was a “longtime Sinn Féin supporter” who would say “Armageddon” would occur if the protocol was changed.
Writing in The Express, Ms Foster said Mr Neil had previously planted trees in memory of the IRA’s hungry strikers.
She added that he also supported Irish President Michael D. Higgins, who “ignored” church leaders by refusing to attend a church service in Armagh, which marks the 100th anniversary of Northern Ireland.
“It’s hardly surprising to know that Neil said that Northern Ireland is not a reality, but a border set by military force,” she said.
“In one of his latest proposals, Neil boasted about the changing demographics of Northern Ireland, as there will soon be more Roman Catholics than religious Protestants in terms of religious denominations.
“According to Neil, this means that a united Ireland is inevitable, because more Roman Catholics means more people who want to eliminate Northern Ireland.
Mrs Foster called this “fundamental sectarianism”, which is in fact incorrect.
Ms Foster said she had attended many events in Washington, where unionists had to put up with the slogan “The British are out” at black-tiered dinners.
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