Veterans Commissioner says 'I was reflecting views of Operation Banner soldiers' as he comes under fire from Dublin government for comments
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner has said he was reflecting the views of Operation Banner soldiers when he gave evidence to MPs this week, for which he has come under fire from Dublin.
David Johnstone had been speaking at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday about the Labour government’s new legacy mechanisms, and its deal with the Dublin government on dealing with the past.
Under the deal, Dublin has promised to set up a special Troubles unit within An Garda Siochana, and has pledged to co-operate with the new Legacy Commission in Northern Ireland.
Mr Johnstone had said that "we definitely welcome the fact there seems to be movement - the new unit being set up [in Dublin] to facilitate that should provide some information for families".
But he had added: "One concern that veterans would definitely have is the accountability. So for the Legacy Commission and the different structures that are involved in Northern Ireland, there is oversight... but who's scrutinizing the Irish government? Who's going to ensure that they provide all the information that they have?"
He also said: "One of the scandals of the Troubles has been the ability of the Irish government to duck out of responsibility; there's absolutely no question that they facilitated, certainly turned a blind eye to, the slaughter of armed forces, to the slaughter of policemen and women, and indeed to the slaughter of ordinary Protestants or Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland."
The Republic’s Department of Foreign Affairs has now told the News Letter: “We strongly reject the baseless assertions by the Veterans Commissioner on Wednesday this week in relation to the Government of Ireland.
"Over the years, every effort has been made to support cross border co-operation and facilitate requests for assistance and sharing of information with UK-led processes.
"The commitments made by both governments in the Joint Framework are specifically designed to ensure that all families, victims and survivors of the Troubles, on both sides of the border and from all backgrounds, get maximum access to truth, accountability and justice."
Responding, Mr Johnstone said: “As the Veterans Commissioner for NI, it is my job to reflect the views of veterans.
"I believe my comments on Wednesday, where I both welcomed these latest proposals involving the Irish government, but also highlighted concerns, accurately reflect the views of the vast majority of Operation Banner veterans in NI.
"I am more than happy to sit down with the Irish government and discuss their concerns over my comments. I look forward to hearing from them.”