Belfast, 14th May 1996

"The Natural Law Party is withdrawing from the 30th May Northern Ireland Peace Forum elections, with immediate effect. We have made this decision because we have concluded that the election is a fraud perpetrated by the Government in London in order to delay the peace process and the autonomy of Northern Ireland.

"The Government’s decision to hold the election to create a forum that will go on negotiating about peace is a trick designed to keep the people doing something while no real progress is made. We condemn the Government in London for this tactic to delay peace and confuse the electorate in Northern Ireland.

"We would be interested in participating in real elections for a parliament of Northern Ireland. That would be an appropriate reason for holding elections. But it is not appropriate to waste everyone’s time creating the Forum, and we are therefore boycotting the elections.

"We feel it is an insult to ask people to vote for a talking shop. Those mandated will be asked to negotiate with each other and yet will have no power to implement any decisions. They can only refer matters back to politicians and civil servants in London.

"It is time for the people of Northern Ireland to decide their own future. They should not have to beg London for autonomy.

"The Natural Law Party would like to establish an all-party government in Northern Ireland, elected by proportional representation, and involving the best minds and most successful people from all parties and groups. To ensure the success of such an all-party administration, we would use scientifically-validated programmes that have been shown to resolve stress and conflict in society and create an atmosphere of peace and harmony that supports progress and prosperity.

"The Natural Law Party will not campaign any further in this election, will not distribute any further election material, and announces the cancellation of our manifesto launch previously scheduled for next Thursday 16th May at the Europa Hotel."

– James Anderson, Leader of the Natural Law Party of Northern Ireland