UUP DEPUTY LEADER WELCOMES CASH BOOST FOR VICTIMS BUT REMAINS CONCERNED AT ‘FUDGING’
Ulster Unionist Deputy Party Leader and Chairman of the OFM/DFM Committee Danny Kennedy today welcomed the increased spending outlined by the First and Deputy First Minister on Victims support but expressed concern at the on-going fudging of the definition of what a victim is and how the announcement was leaked.
In a statement Mr Kennedy said,
“While we welcome the commitment to increase spending on victims support by some 100% and welcome the long overdue appointment of the new Commissioners, we do however feel that there has been fudging of the issue.
The fact that there are 4 Commissioners is indicative of the schism that exists in OFM/DFM on victims issues. It is notable today that the First and deputy First Minister refused to be drawn on the very definition of what constitutes a victim. This is an issue that cannot and must not be fudged. There can be no moral equivalence between the forces of law and order and terrorists.
I have registered my concern at the manner in which the announcement was brought into the public domain. I believe it was unsatisfactory that it was leaked to the press. This leaking did a disservice to victims and was disrespectful to the Assembly.”