The Upper Bann MLA was speaking ahead of an Alliance Assembly motion tomorrow (10 March) outlining opposition to the move, announced by the Governments. It would see an independent person appointed to scope out a process of ‘group transition’ through talking to paramilitary organisations.
“More than a quarter of a century after the Good Friday Agreement, it is shameful that the two governments would seek to legitimise paramilitary organisations in this way,” he said.
“Equally shameful is the approach of some other Assembly parties. Sinn Féin’s proposed amendment would remove our categorical rejection of these plans, while the UUP talk of ‘empowering’ paramilitaries to leave the stage, blatantly disregarding the fact that they could have chosen to do so at any point over the last 27 years.
“The governments’ plans provide a platform and credibility to paramilitaries that they do not deserve, and send a worrying message to the people they criminally coerce, groom and exploit for their own gain. Alliance has long warned of the folly of appointing such a ‘go-between’, which will only serve to undermine the progress the Executive has been making to tackle paramilitarism and stop these criminals lining their pockets through drug dealing, extortion and control.
“Rather than sitting down for tea and biscuits with criminals, the focus ought to be on placing those responsible behind bars where they belong. In addition, we must redouble our efforts to build resilience in communities through tackling deprivation, educational underachievement and the other factors that leave people vulnerable to paramilitary influence.
“The UK and Irish Governments need to immediately abandon their plans to engage with these criminals, who offer nothing to communities other than creating more victims and misery.”
“More than a quarter of a century after the Good Friday Agreement, it is shameful that the two governments would seek to legitimise paramilitary organisations in this way,” he said.
“Equally shameful is the approach of some other Assembly parties. Sinn Féin’s proposed amendment would remove our categorical rejection of these plans, while the UUP talk of ‘empowering’ paramilitaries to leave the stage, blatantly disregarding the fact that they could have chosen to do so at any point over the last 27 years.
“The governments’ plans provide a platform and credibility to paramilitaries that they do not deserve, and send a worrying message to the people they criminally coerce, groom and exploit for their own gain. Alliance has long warned of the folly of appointing such a ‘go-between’, which will only serve to undermine the progress the Executive has been making to tackle paramilitarism and stop these criminals lining their pockets through drug dealing, extortion and control.
“Rather than sitting down for tea and biscuits with criminals, the focus ought to be on placing those responsible behind bars where they belong. In addition, we must redouble our efforts to build resilience in communities through tackling deprivation, educational underachievement and the other factors that leave people vulnerable to paramilitary influence.
“The UK and Irish Governments need to immediately abandon their plans to engage with these criminals, who offer nothing to communities other than creating more victims and misery.”