OTR legislation must not be 'get-out-of-jail free' card - Young Alliance

5.05.57pm GMT Wed 7th Dec 2005

Young Alliance Chairman Ian James Parsley has echoed the comments of Liberal Democrat Northern Ireland spokesperson Lembit Opik, saying that legislation must not be allowed to become a 'get-out-of-jail-free' card.

Speaking on Queen's University Radio, the North Down Councillor stated: "I am proud that the Alliance Party has led the way on the issue of blocking the return so-called on-the-runs without facing trial. This dates right back to Sean Neeson's work at Weston Park.

"It is becoming more and more apparent that the legislation as it stands has more holes in it than a sieve. Does it apply to the security forces? What sort of offences does it cover? What are the appeal mechanisms? It really is tatty stuff.

"The Government must head back to the drawing board on this one. Who is this supposed to benefit? What role does it really have in the political process? And how can it be morally justified in any context for guilty terrorists to be granted what Lembit Opik rightly calls a 'get-out-of-jail free' card? It is nonsense, and we all know it.

"While other parties thrash around and backtrack, the Alliance Party position remains clear. Exiles must be sure of being allowed home. Licensing arrangements for beneficiaries of such legislation must be reviewed. And, most importantly, there can be no question of people being

allowed back to Northern Ireland without personally facing a court.

"The legislation currently is morally reprehensible and thoroughly unhelpful to victims, and to the genuine bridge builders in our society. The Government must start anew, and this time focus on the victim, not the terrorist."

ENDS