Call For Action Following Revelations of Govt 'Turning Blind Eye' To IRA Criminality

Ulster Unionist Party Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie MLA has called on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to take action following the release of National Archive files that indicate Tony Blair’s government admitted to Sinn Féin that it deliberately ignored IRA criminality, including murder.

Speaking after the revelations came to light, Mr Beattie stated that the newly released papers detailed a range of criminal activities allegedly overlooked by the UK government. These included "criminality, robbery, smuggling, overseas ventures aimed at securing funding from the drugs trade for the Provisional IRA," as well as "involvement in murder, directly and indirectly." The papers also reportedly suggest the IRA retained a military capability while Sinn Féin was engaged in the peace process.

Mr Beattie expressed his surprise that both the UK and Irish governments were seemingly aware of these activities. He suggested that while the 'Columbia Three' incident might have been a significant point, the underlying criminality, punishment beatings, murders, and the Northern Bank heist were all part of a republican strategy to maintain a private army to support their political objectives. The UUP representative highlighted the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of terrorism, contrasting it with the scrutiny faced by soldiers who acted under orders. He asserted: "It is about time we started to look at the leadership level."

Mr Beattie reiterated his long-standing call for investigations into those who directed terrorism, including those who instructed young individuals to carry out acts of violence. He also extended this call to the leadership of Sinn Féin, whom he accused of "assisting in the directing of terrorism by promoting and supporting it and condoning its outcome." Furthermore, he included senior political figures in the UK Government, specifically naming former Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his demand for scrutiny.

Referencing the controversial 'letters of comfort' and the alleged turning a blind eye to serious criminality, Mr Beattie insisted that "the UK government have questions to answer." He argued that these questions were not about national security but about accountability, and that those at the highest levels of government and the republican movement must be held responsible.

In his concluding remarks, Mr Beattie directly addressed the current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, urging them to take action regarding the actions of their party during their time in government leading up to and after the Belfast Agreement.