Sinn Féin voted to amend the Alliance Assembly motion, which opposed the proposals, while the DUP and UUP abstained on the vote. All three parties indicated their support for a scoping exercise to lay the groundwork for a formal process of negotiation during the debate.

“Today Alliance presented the Assembly with an opportunity to stand united to send out a message not only is paramilitarism not acceptable, but neither is treating these crime gangs as credible members of society to be negotiated with,” said Upper Bann MLA Mr Tennyson.

“It is shameful other parties instead chose to voice support for the two Governments’ decision for an independent expert to scope out engagement with paramilitary groups, a process which will only serve to legitimise these organisations and afford them a credibility they do not deserve.

“It is clear some other parties play lip service to the need to disband paramilitaries, whilst being happy to see their members invited in from the cold for fireside chats. Alliance is unequivocal in our view paramilitary organisations must leave the murky shadows of our politics, and get off the backs of communities for good.

“Nearly 30 years after the Good Friday Agreement, the time for pandering to these organisations has long since passed. The UK and Irish Governments should abandon the appointment of an interlocutor and ensure these criminals face the full force of law, whilst tackling vulnerabilities in our community.”