They also talk of compensation – what next, a pension? This is nothing more than Sinn Fein keeping the fight and their hatred of Protestants alive. The IRA may not be firing bullets but actions like these are just as hurtful to their victims and families. It's bad enough that victims' families are going to their graves without having seen a single person convicted of the murder of their loved ones, but to now see those actually convicted of the crimes seeking an amnesty is sickening.

Take the mother of the youngest victim of the 1972 IRA bombing of Claudy, Merle Eakin. She died without seeing anyone charged with the murder of her nine-year old daughter, Kathryn.

How Sinn Fein thinks this type of behaviour will enhance the peace process is anyone's guess. We already know that the IRA have not shown any remorse for their crimes but we simply can't believe that they are attempting to airbrush their crimes from the history books.

They say they can't get jobs and can't travel to places such as the USA because of their criminal past. Had they refrained from planting bombs and killing innocent people, then they would be free to live a life like the rest of us.

Just because they were released from prison early, and free to roam the streets of Northern Ireland, doesn't mean they are any less guilty of the crimes they committed, nor should it and that's why places like the US and certain employers don't want them.

We also hear whispers that they want compensation. Do they seriously think that they deserve payment for murder and mayhem?

One member of our group, who lost two sons to the IRA, got £400 in total, a pittance that didn't even buy one coffin.

When you consider this, it makes Sinn Fein's demand seem all the more ludicrous. I myself lost five members of my family. I have seen many others injured and had my home attacked. Not once have I asked for a penny.

These men are criminals and should be treated as such. They are attempting to abuse human rights legislation in court. If we have anything to do with it, they will indeed see the inside of a court again but it will be as defendants.

The Historical Enquiries Team (HET) are working on a number of cases and we can only hope that justice prevails. They could also find themselves in the dock over the proceeds of crime. We know a number of investigations are ongoing and will be assisting the authorities in making sure those responsible for counterfeiting and fuel laundering are hauled before the courts.

I don't think anyone should take this last rant from Sinn Fein seriously; 300 IRA terrorists who were all convicted are actually all innocent and should be compensated? If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny but if nothing else, it once again shows us all just how little the lives of 2,000 people actually mean to Irish republicans.

William Frazer,
Director
Families Acting for Innocent Relatives