Any ‘deal’ paying Sinn Fein’s ransom demands will not survive the inferno of the Nama trial which will scorch the political landscape
Jamie Bryson said;
“I have been made aware of press reports today outlining some of the background to the #Namagate case. Obviously, I must be cautious with my public commentary as I wish to preserve the right to a fair trial; a right which I believe has already been fatally prejudiced due to material placed into the public domain.
“However given matters have somehow found their way into the public domain, it would be remiss of me not to point out that today’s media reporting reaffirms a number of salient points; it is clear- according to the press reports- that even the PPS entirely refutes any suggestion that Sinn Fein provided me with any evidence in relation to Nama. The notion that I would have ever published information from Sinn Fein, or ‘conspired’ with them is as laughable as it is malicious.
“Furthermore, it appears clear from the media reports that the prosecution is not contesting the validity of the evidence I provided to the Nama inquiry. They are not alleging that my evidence was provided in bad faith, or that it was untrue, rather their political case focuses entirely on the process by which I came to give that evidence. That must be most worrying for the white-collar gangsters I exposed- in the public interest- given the NCA investigation remains live.
“The establishment- of which the PPS is a key tenet- believe the people of Northern Ireland, and elsewhere, did not have a right to know about the Nama scandal. It is all about the establishment protecting the white-collar circle of political and business elites. In contrast I believe the people had a right to know how the elites were corrupting our political institutions and for a light to shine into the dark world of money, power and politics.
“Will the PPS run for the draconian establishment protections of a non-jury trial? Or will they allow the public, a jury of peers, to assess for themselves the public interest behind my appearance before the Nama inquiry which allowed the general public to become aware of the details behind one of the biggest political and business scandals ever to hit politics in either Northern Ireland, or the Irish Republic.
“This prosecution is a political witch hunt and I am currently considering my options regarding a legal challenge of the decision to prosecute. There has been, in my view, disproportionate and malicious influence brought to bear by Sinn Fein linked lawyer Paddy Murray who at times it appears was directing the investigation- on behalf of whom it remains unclear, but I have my own ideas in relation to that.
“I would note that in recent months the PSNI reaffirmed their assessment that Sinn Fein are directed and controlled by the IRA Army Council.
“I have also received media queries from journalists who have informed me they have been told by sources that extraordinarily Paul Tweed is a witness in the case. I can neither nor confirm nor deny that, but if it is true then it would be incredible that a lawyer for Paddy Kearney and Peter Robinson, two of those I accused via my entirely accurate evidence, would be involved in liaising with the PSNI in this political case.
“I am aware Mr McKay settled a civil case with Mr Kearney. His solicitor, Jack Quigley, read out a grovelling apology. Quite apart from Mr Quigley clearly offering the worst legal advice in history in the civil case, Mr McKay has no right to comment on the content of my evidence. I stand over it in its entirety and in the coming weeks will republish all of the evidence I provided in relation to Nama, in order that the public can be reminded of the scandal and the public interest material I ensured entered the public domain.
“This political case will expose the dark heart of Stormont and the utter folly of mandatory coalition. If you thought the story of Nama currently in the public domain was explosive, this case- and the skeletons that will come tumbling out within it- will blow apart the Northern Ireland political arena.
“I am confident that even if there is a deal in the coming weeks, the material to come out during this political case will ensure that such a deal will collapse rather swiftly. That should weigh heavily on the minds of any unionist negotiators contemplating paying the ransom price demanded by nationalists.
“I will, as always, protect to the bitter end those persons loyal to me who confided in me and provided me with the accurate public interest information in relation to Nama. I will never compromise or betray those sources and/or political allies, none of whom designate as nationalist.
“As for others who decided this case would be a good idea; there’s a little fire just starting to burn, it’s going to turn into an inferno and by the end of this it’s going to scorch the political landscape.
“It is common knowledge the complainant in this case is Lord Morrow. He will learn a hard lesson about lawfare; it is entirely foolish to set up a circus unless you are certain you are going to be the ring master.”