Legal action mooted over definition of a Troubles victim

A group representing victims of the Troubles has said that court action against the Government over the definition of exactly who constitutes a 'victim' is a possibility.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Feb 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 06:23 BST
Kenny DonaldsonKenny Donaldson
Kenny Donaldson

Kenny Donaldson, writing on behalf of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, made the comments following a meeting with Secretary of State Theresa Villiers on Monday morning.

He said: “The UK Terrorism Act confirms that the IRA were and remain a listed, proscribed terrorist organisation.”
He went on to say that, for example, he believes “Newry and Mourne District Council when naming a playpark after convicted terrorist Raymond McCreesh (who was a member of the IRA) were actively in breach of the Terrorism Act”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “If the Government fails to examine its own policy failings where it ha s failed to operate under the requirements of the UK Terrorism Act then innocent victims and survivors are quite prepared to bring the Government before the courts.”

He said the Government must have the “moral courage” to make a sharp distinction between perpetrators and victims.

The News Letter has previously asked Northern Irish political parties how htey feel ‘victim’ should be defined. Here are the answers.

Related topics:Government