“Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP Need to Stop Refighting the Conflict Through Victims” -RFJ

From Relatives for Justice:

Speaking in response to the DUP’s motion concerning the re-definition of a victim of the conflict Relatives for Justice Chairperson Clara Reilly issued the following statement;

‘Jeffrey Donaldson, and the DUP, are pandering to a very small constituency of people bereaved that are not representative of the broader community of those affected by the conflict who, unfortunately, have refused to move forward with the rest of us.

‘Essentially this is an anti-agreement group – ironically created and exploited by the DUP during its opposition to the agreement.
‘Jeffrey Donaldson knows full well that this motion is doomed to failure in that both the SDLP and Sinn Fein will reject it on the basis that it is selective and somewhat hypocritical given that the British army and the RUC were also perpetrators of violence.

‘The reality is that this is more about looking over the shoulder and assuaging this constituency that the DUP can out Allister Jim Allister.

‘He needs to stop manipulating people’s grief, hurt and pain for short-term political gain and show real leadership and not the failed agendas of the past.

‘Jeffrey Donaldson should know better. He is creating a false expectation for many of these families that will effectively add to their trauma. He needs to be more responsible and show mature political leadership.

Jeffrey Donaldson, and the DUP, need to stop refighting the conflict through victims. We all deserve better.

‘Indeed he has a moral duty not to mislead bereaved families.

‘As Junior Minister, and on a daily basis, he supported and implemented the current legislation defining victims and survivors that is inclusive and which has widespread community support. This was a positive contribution.

‘In terms of the motion it will only further divide those affected by the conflict from all backgrounds at a time when we are collectively trying to address the legacy of the past in a constructive, positive and inclusive way.’ ENDS