Eames-Bradley report a 'waste of time'
THERE was uncertainty as to whether the Eames-Bradley Report can provide a solution to the legacy issues of the Troubles, after First Minister Peter Robinson branded it "a waste of time".
The DUP leader was absolutely damning in his response to reports suggesting what is in the document.
His party is pointedly warning the Consultative Group on the Past that if the document cannot attract cross-community support it may go no further.
Mr Robinson said: "As yet, I have not seen a copy of the group's recommendations but media reports on the issue are both disappointing and disturbing.
"Dealing with the legacy of the past is a monumental task. It must to be handled with sensitivity and due care for the needs of innocent victims with the maintenance of justice at its core. We will not allow any whitewashing of the past in order to absolve those guilty of heinous acts carried out against innocent people.
"We will not give our support to any proposal which would blur the line between the terrorist and the innocent victim nor will we accept or endorse the work of any process which would seek to absolve murderers and criminals of their guilt."
He added: "This process has been a waste of time. The group was urged by the DUP to recognise that Northern Ireland needed an innovative approach to deal with the past, not an imitation process from other conflicts. We will be ensuring that the Government does not insult the innocent victims of terrorism by giving any weight to these offensive recommendations."
The Ulster Unionists also called the Eames-Bradley compensation plan unacceptable.
Sir Reg Empey said: "UUP members have been deeply appreciative of Lord Eames' leadership over the years but many of them have been stunned by this suggestion.
"It re-opens many issues and wounds for families, rather than bringing closure, as they will never accept that those who served Queen and country are put on the same level as Her Majesty's enemies."
MEP Jim Allister said: "The proposal endorses the morally flawed notion that a terrorist killed while undertaking a mission of murder has the same status as an innocent civilian murdered in a bomb attack or a member of the security forces murdered in front of their family."
SDLP MLA Alex Attwood urged others not to rush to judgment. His party has advised Eames-Bradley to be cautious about laying down time limits for inquiries.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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