Robinson: I have never talked to McGuinness about Enniskillen bomb

In an exclusive interview with The Impartial Reporter during a visit to Fermanagh, the DUP leader admitted that he felt “hurt” about the “lack of justice” following the atrocity which killed 11 people and injured 63. A twelfth victim, Ronnie Hill, died in 2000 after being in a coma for 13 years. No-one has ever been brought to justice for the bombing and that is “what hurts people the most”, says Mr Robinson.

“Even now you can sense the tears are still flowing after all these years; people are still hurting. It is the injustice in seeing those who carried out that type of activity glorifying that activity that I think really does re-traumatise victims. I don’t think the rest of the community that has moved on really understands that this isn’t about the past to them; it is their present, their future,” he said.

It has been claimed over the years that Mr McGuinness, a former IRA commander, could help provide police with information. However, he has repeatedly denied being a member of the IRA’s Northern Command and said he had no knowledge of the Enniskillen bombing. Asked if he thought the Sinn Fein politician knew anything about it, Mr Robinson said: “Anybody that answers that question other than himself and a few others would be guessing. If anybody has any information they should be giving it to the PSNI to try and secure convictions and nobody should be above the law.” The First Minister said he has never spoken to Mr McGuinness about the attack and added: “If there is evidence that suggests that he has information then it is the police who should be talking to him, not me.” In a wide-ranging interview with this newspaper, Mr Robinson also opened up about his faith and how he prays before taking important decisions in his role as the First Minister of Northern Ireland.

“In politics you carry a heavy burden, there is an enormous responsibility,” he explained, “You must take decisions on the basis of your duty as God gives you light to see that duty. That’s what I shall do. Whether it annoys people from time to time, as it does no doubt, some of the decisions I take, I have to act according to my conscience.” “I pray every day so I am always praying before taking decisions. Indeed, we have group meetings and those meetings all start in prayer asking for God’s guidance for the decisions that we have to take and the actions that will flow from them,” he said.

Asked if he was embarrassed by DUP West Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan who reportedly called homosexuality “an abomination” during an event in Enniskillen last month, Mr Robinson replied: “I don’t think you can blame Tom for that.” He continued: “That is actually a scriptural reference, and I am never embarrassed by what the scriptures say. As a Christian of course I believe the Bible to be the word of God. It would be a very imprudent person that thinks they had a better sense of what was morally upright than the supreme moral officer.” After a number of letter bombs were sent to prominent figures in Northern Ireland last week, including Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, Mr Robinson revealed that he is “always” receiving death threats.

“There are always threats... I receive threats through social media on an almost weekly basis.” But he has vowed not to let the threats get in the way: “I am not going to live my life on the basis on looking over my shoulder. I am going to do my job, and the police have undertaken the responsibility of giving me that level of cover so I will leave it entirely in their hands.” The First Minister explained that the police officers accompanying him are increased from time to time and “presumably that’s on the basis of some intelligence that they have received.” On the subject of fracking in Fermanagh, Mr Robinson said that while he is not against the controversial process decisions on it can not be taken without proper research.

“It is a form of energy which can be acquired much more cheaply than any other. I am not against fracking providing it is regarded as being safe and environmentally friendly. There are other countries who have gone through that process themselves who would argue it was the right road for them to take. I think we want to allow others to be the guinea pigs in this process and we will look at the issue objectively and scientifically if it is the right road to take. From a cost point-of-view it is clearly a sensible move to take; it is also jobs as well as low cost energy.” “But I don’t think decisions can be taken in the absence of us having the full knowledge of what those consequences are. The Executive will only make up its mind when it has all the information to make up its mind,” he said.

The First Minister last visited Fermanagh during the G8 summit in June. Looking back on what was a hugely successful event for the county, he said: “I think Fermanagh starred when it came to the G8; it gave an impression that Northern Ireland is a a peaceful place, a place that was a delight in terms of its landscape and scenery.” “I have been at several events with the Prime Minister since and without being prompted he has referenced it himself; he was very pleased,” added Mr Robinson, “A lot of people thought it was a high risk strategy but as it turned out it was the most peaceful G8 that they ever had. When protesters are talking about coming back to stay it is a fairly good sign. And now of course Fermanagh is the happiest place to be in the United Kingdom. Everything is going swimmingly well for Fermanagh.” And, sat beside Fermanagh-south Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster for this interview, Mr Robinson joked: “When people talk about the beauty of Fermanagh I thought they were talking about Arlene!”