Responding to today’s announcement by both the British and Irish Governments on their framework agreement to deal with the legacy of the past, the Sinn Féin leadership has said they will carefully scrutinise the fine detail of these proposals, the forthcoming legislation underpinning it, and engage with victims and survivors whose confidence in any proposals is paramount.
Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald TD said, “Since the Tories imposed the callous Legacy Act, Sinn Féin has been clear that it must be repealed by this Labour Government. We have always been of the firm view that progress on dealing with the legacy of the past can only be made when it commands the confidence of victims and survivors impacted by the conflict and be fully compliant with international human rights standards.
“Sinn Féin will now take time to carefully consider the proposed agreement announced by the Governments today. We will scrutinise the fine detail provided and urge that the underpinning legislation is published without delay. We will engage with victims’ families, those advocacy groups, legal and human rights practitioners who work with them.
“Any legislation yet to be published which will underpin these proposals will be indicative of whether the British Government is in fact serious about delivering in good faith on its commitments to ‘repeal and replace’ the Legacy Act, and deal with the British State’s role during the conflict.
Leas-Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill MLA added, “The British Government’s continued obstruction of an independent public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown in 1997 also raises serious questions around their intent and actual approach to dealing with the legacy of the past and any proposed framework announced today.
“The real test of British Government intent will be whether any new legislation is human rights compliant, and whether any new structures are truly independent and capable of commanding the maximum confidence of victims’ families.
“It cannot be used as a veil of secrecy or as a continued cover-up, which has been the case to date.
“Sinn Féin will continue to stand with families in their pursuit of truth, justice and accountability.”
