Alliance attacks OFMDFM over continuing Victims' Commissioner delay

2.10.00pm GMT Thu 3rd Jan 2008

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has launched a stinging attack on the First and Deputy First Minister over their continued delay in appointing a Victims' Commissioner. He expressed annoyance that they had missed yet another one of their own deadlines on the appointment.

The Lagan Valley MLA stated: "New year has come and still there is no sign of a new Victims' Commissioner being appointed.

"It was promised that the appointment would be made before the end of the year. The question is, which year were they talking about, 2007 or 2008. They have missed yet another one of their own deadlines on the appointment.

"Not content on delaying the appointment for months already, they are now further prolonging this delay.

"This intolerable hold-up is disgracefully inconsiderate not just to applicants, but victims too. All shortlisted candidates were deemed appointable and presumably they have even more candidates now. The further delay clearly points towards a difference of opinion between the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

"This devastating delay is bringing this extremely important process into disrepute. This is simply unacceptable. We need answers from OFMDFM on the delay."

ENDS