Growing concerns over Troubles victims’ pension stalemate

The Ulster Unionist MLA was commenting amid growing concern that Sinn Fein is pressuring the UK government into allowing those injured as a result of their own terrorist activity to benefit financially.

Applications for the new Victims’ Payment Scheme were due to commence on May 29, but the rollout has been delayed indefinitely amidst a row over both the eligibility criteria and whether London or Stormont will pay the £100 million required.

Mr Beattie said: “Nobody is discriminated against by the current proposals. Nobody is excluded unless they injured themselves by their own hand whilst creating victims. This is a perfectly sensible, reasonable and fair position.”

Mr Beattie said there is “no need to change” and that there has been “enough appeasement of Sinn Fein” already.

He added: “It would be nothing short of disgraceful if the rules were changed to appease them again and would only reward bad behaviour.

“The UK government simply has to get out of this habit of giving in to Sinn Fein every time they throw a tantrum. They need to hear the word ‘no’ once in a while and politics in Northern Ireland will be all the better for it.”

The Upper Bann representative has also accused Sinn Fein’s Michelle Gildernew of political ‘spin’ after the Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP posted a message on social media which implied a former republican prisoner will be discriminated against.

On Twitter, Ms Gildnernew posted a link to article about loyalist gun attack victim Christy Cummings – who suffered life-changing injuries when he was shot by the LVF in 1997 – saying he should “not be left behind”.

In response, Mr Beattie pointed out that Mr Cummings “can apply for a pension” and that “the legislation allows him to receive a pension” as only those injured by their own hand are prohibited from applying.

Under the current eligibility criteria, anyone with a terrorist conviction can still apply, but their application will have to be considered by an independent panel.

Mr Beattie tweeted: “This is utter spin ... @sinnfeinireland are using this lie to stop innocent victims getting a pension in their attempt to legitimise terrorist perpetrators getting a pension.”

DUP Policing Board member Mervyn Storey said it “would be wrong for convicted bombers to be eligible for the victims pension,” and added: “Sinn Fein should recognise and accept this. We have championed this issue and will continue to work to have it delivered either in Belfast or London.”

The Innocent Victims United (IVU) group has also urged the government to resist Sinn Fein’s demands.

IVU spokesman Kenny Donaldson said: “It is clear that the Provisional republican movement, inclusive of Sinn Fein, are impeding the implementation of a pension agreed within the UK Parliament in January of this year and their shameful ‘ourselves alone’ mantra is being laid bare for all to see.

“The Department of Justice is on standby and is prepared to take on the responsibility of administering the scheme. There is undoubtedly negotiation room with Westminster concerning budget but why would Westminster engage in the absence of a delivery department being in place?

“Sinn Fein cite cases such as Christy Cummings as being their concern, yet the truth is that Mr Cummings is eligible to submit an application as per the terms of the legislation, it will be for the panel established to adjudicate on whether or not a payment is appropriate. The Provisional republican movement are seeking to flex their muscles now in an effort to direct and influence the work of a body yet to be established.”

Mr Donaldson added: “We’ve said it before and we’ve said it again – the UK government needs to stop doing legacy in a manner like the game of cricket is played. They must move towards imposing sanctions upon those who refuse to adhere to the law, it is scandalous that innocent victims are being treated so shamefully and this must change.”