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Privy Privileges

• Mark Devenport
• 10 May 07, 02:21 PM

Of course the DUP's motive in getting Peter Robinson and Jeffrey Donaldson on to the Privy Council is to ensure they have access to raw intelligence material on paramilitaries, rather than having to rely on the IMC. But there are also fringe benefits.

For example, you go to the front of the queue for speaking in the Commons. And, if you so desire, you get a uniform to wear. My Westminster colleague Ruth McDonald informs me it's "dark blue court dress, with red collar and gold braid."

And you pledge to defend the realm against "all Foreign Princes, Persons, Prelates, States, or Potentates".
Presumably that does not include the North South Ministerial Council.