parties under fire over Victims' Bill
QUESTIONS over the DUP and Sinn Fein's "ability to run Northern Ireland" were raised yesterday, after the new Victims and Survivors Bill was again withdrawn from the Assembly.
The two parties were under fire after deciding in January to create a Victims' Commission but now failing to agree the legislation to make it happen.
The Bill was due back on the floor of the House yesterday – having been withdrawn a fortnight ago.
But despite two weeks in which to sort out their differences, the DUP and Sinn Fein pulled the legislation yet again.
The Ulster Unionists and Alliance described the situation, variously, as "a fiasco", "a mess" and "shameful".
UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy – who confronted Gerry Adams in Stormont's Great Hall about why negotiations on the Bill are mainly between Sinn Fein and the DUP – said "the utter incompetence of the DUP and Sinn Fein has been exposed".
Alliance deputy leader Naomi Long went further – suggesting the victims issue was now symbolic of a government that is not working: "People will now be questioning whether Paisley and McGuinness are capable of running Northern Ireland when they are clearly not capable of delivery on this important issue."
Necessary
The victims' legislation is attempting to amend the law to allow for a four-member commission. In addition, rules and regulations governing the commission and its work are necessary.
Republicans have been opposing proposed amendments to the Bill
which would make one of the four-member commission a chief commissioner. They also object to a proposal to base the group's decision-making process on a majority vote – instead of a consensus.
However, the DUP, UUP, SDLP
and Alliance argue that decision by consensus gives any member a veto over any decision and is a recipe for stagnation.
It is believed Sinn Fein had given way on the idea of a head commissioner but not on the voting idea.
All the while, the victims' sector remains without a commission that can administer more than 36 million in funding and tackle victims' needs.
Mr Kennedy said that the First Minister and Deputy First Minister owed the people of Northern Ireland and the Assembly an explanation for the fiasco.
Ms Long accused Mr Paisley and Mr McGuinness of snubbing the Assembly, and "running scared" of the mess they had created, by not attending the Chamber to explain. This, she said, amounted to "a gross insult to victims".
Alliance said it will try to deliver the Bill by tabling it – with amendments – as a Private Members' Bill.
A DUP spokesman said: "The DUP wants to see sound and durable legislation, dealing with the needs of victims, brought to the Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
"We are absolutely committed to delivering for the innocent victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. We have delivered 36 million for the victims sector which is the largest ever amount of funding granted to victims but we want to ensure that there is adequate funding available in both the short and longer term. We look forward to the Bill being brought to the Assembly as soon as possible."
Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams said that "intense discussions" would continue.
OFMDFM said an agreed position will be put to the Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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