Hain 'insulted' victims of violence
Northern Secretary Peter Hain was today accused of insulting victims of paramilitary violence by calling IRA convicts political prisoners.
Mr Hain corrected his comments, made in a radio interview, and later told the Commons he had meant to say “paramilitary prisoners”.
But the DUP claimed the minister’s remarks, which came ahead of a debate on legislation governing terrorists on the run, reflected his beliefs.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster said: “Mr Hain really is showing his true colours.
“He has made it abundantly clear by his most recent remarks that he is certainly no friend of unionism or Northern Ireland and has little concern for the innocent victims of violence.”
Ms Foster said the references, which were made several times, beggared belief.
“Once again this is another occurrence of Mr Hain’s mask slipping,” she said.
“Last week he isulted the people of Northern Ireland by making disparaging remarks about the Northern Ireland economy and now today he has handed IRA terrorist prisoners their long sought-after title of political prisoners.
“IRA prisoners were tried and found guilty of their heinous acts and as a result were sentenced for their crimes.
“Many IRA prisoners were guilty of carrying out some of the most horrific crimes in the history of Northern Ireland.”
