Withdrawl of fugitives Bill welcomed in NI

The government's decision to abandon the controversial "on-the-runs" Offences Bill has been greatly welcomed by both political and non-political parties throughout Northern Ireland.

The controversial proposals would have seen around 150 people, suspected of terrorist crimes before 1998, being able to return to the province, without having to face imprisonment.

Monica McWilliams, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission said: “We welcome this decision and the sensitivity shown by the NIO in responding to the widespread criticism of the Bill. In our view, the proposed legislation was incompatible with international human rights standards and we were particularly concerned with the lack of clarity in relation to the rights of victims."

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has also welcomed the government's decision to abolish the proposal.

Terry Spence, Secretary for the PFNI, has said that the dismissal of the bill was a win for common sense and decency.

He said: “I suspect also that the government was wrong-footed by our clear stance that including the police and military personnel within the scope of the legislation was an unworthy trade off and an insult to the police and military services."

David Ford, Leader of the Alliance Party, was also pleased with the decision, but said that this must mean an end to all side deals.

He stated: "This murky side deal goes back to the Weston Park talks five years ago, and has rightly resulted in complete failure. The lesson the Government must learn from this is that the political process cannot be run via dodgy carve-ups.

"This, and many other issues, must now be dealt with in the proper way - via inclusive talks. There is no point in waiting for the end of the month for this to happen, let us get on with it now.

"This marks a clear victory for those committed to genuine, inclusive democracy."

Ulster Unionist assembly member for West Tyrone, Derek Hussey agrees, saying the withdrawal of the Offences Bill was the only logical step, but believes that it shouldn't have made it as far as Parliament in the first place.

In a statement, Mr Hussey said: “This was an abhorrent piece of legislation that is utterly deserving of removal."

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said that the decision to remove the bill proved it had been an act of "bad faith" by the British government.

(EF/SP)