Engaging with paramilitaries would be a ‘slap in the face’ for their victims, says Alliance deputy leader

A potential joint initiative between the Dublin and London governments aimed at bringing about the disbandment of paramilitary groups would be a “slap in the face” for the victims of their crimes, the Alliance deputy leader has said.

Eóin Tennyson said appointing an interlocutor to engage with paramilitaries, as recommended by the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC), would give “credibility and legitimacy” to criminal gangs.

In its latest report, published last week, the IRC advocated a “twin track” process of law enforcement and tackling the roots of paramilitarism, alongside a “group transition” process to enable illegal organisations to be wound down.

Mr Tennyson said the proposed appointment of a “go between” to engage with paramilitary groups was “disgraceful”.

“Despite asking on numerous occasions, I have yet to hear articulated a single compelling barrier to disbandment of these organisations, other than their commitment to continue lining their own pockets,” he said.

“I say this to the secretary of state and to the tánaiste: Put yourself in the shoes of the small business owner forced to pay protection money, the young mother exploited through loan-sharking, the child sent out to deal drugs, or indeed, my constituents who this week had a community policing meeting disrupted by sinister elements.

“Appointing an interlocutor is not only a slap in the face for them, but undermines the rule of law and affords a credibility and legitimacy that would not be afforded to a criminal gang anywhere else in these islands.”

The Upper Bann MLA said the proposed process, which has been defended by Secretary of State Hilary Benn, would also “undermine the good work that has already been undertaken by the executive to tackle paramilitarism”.

He said his party leader and Justice Minister Naomi had worked “to ensure future generations are not exploited or traumatised in the same way as those who have gone before them, and shining a light on the often-hidden harms it brings to communities”.

“Because whilst others may wish to sit down in cosy rooms and sip tea with members of paramilitary organisations, Alliance is working to put them behind bars where they belong,” he said.