Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ANDERSON SORRY OVER TROUBLES PENSION RANT
MLA backtracks after tweet outrage
SINN Fein’s Martina Anderson was forced to backtrack yesterday after she said a Troubles victims pension would mainly benefit those involved in “Britain’s dirty war in Ireland”.
The Foyle MLA sparked outrage on Tuesday night after she said on Twitter the money would be for “those involved in collusion”.
In the now deleted tweet, Ms Anderson also said money would “discriminate, criminalise and exclude”.
Northern Ireland’s four other main political parties called for Sinn Fein to take action.
Last week, a judge ruled Stormont‘s Executive Office is acting unlawfully in delaying the introduction of the compensation scheme for injured victims of the Troubles. The joint legal challenge was brought by Jennifer
Mcnern, who lost both legs when the IRA bombed Belfast’s Abercorn restaurant in 1972, and Brian Turley, one of the “hooded men” who were arrested and interrogated by the British Army in 1971. However yesterday, Ms Anderson said she apologised “unreservedly” for the “hurt and offence” caused to people who “suffered serious harm during the Troubles here”.
Her statement added: “My comments were clumsy and were not directed at [the victims] and it was never my intention to cause them any hurt. All victims
YESTERDAY
of the conflict deserve acknowledgement of their pain and loss and I support them in their efforts to get their pension.”
The tweet came after Justice Minister Naomi Long claimed the scheme could cost up to £800million.
The Alliance leader later branded her comments as “an outrageous, gratuitous insult to all those who will qualify for the pension”.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the words were “unacceptable, disgusting and grossly insulting”. He added: “How much more insult can Sinn Fein add to the injury these victims have sustained?”
UUP MLA Doug Beattie said the post confirmed the “complete lack of integrity from Sinn Fein”. He added: “Apologies are always to be welcomed, but given past experience, many people will be wondering about the sincerity.”
ORGANISERS of the Deep Riverrock Belfast City Marathon are hoping 5,000 runners, joggers and walkers will take part in their Back 2 School 5K Relay event next month.
For these 30 days, children, parents and teachers should come together to pass the baton “virtually” through exercise.
Event Manager Claire O’neill said: “We wanted something fun and possibly a distraction for people to do together – it is something which keeps us motivated physically and mentally. Entry costs £10 at www.belfastcitymarathon.com.