Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Allister says sorry for hurt caused by Tweed statement
Victim’s fury after tribute to paedo
TUV leader Jim Allister has apologised that a statement of condolence he made after the death of paedophile David Tweed added to the hurt felt by his victims.
The MLA said his motives had been “misconstrued” and he did not condone paedophilia in any way.
Tweed, a former Irish rugby international and DUP and TUV politician, died in a road crash in Co Antrim last month.
He was convicted of child sex offences in 2012 and sentenced to eight years in prison.
He was released in 2016 after his convictions were quashed by the Court of Appeal due to the way the jury had been directed at his original trial.
After his death, Tweed’s stepdaughter Amanda Brown said he was a violent paedophile and challenged politicians who issued condolences
Mr Allister, who sparked outrage with his tribute, said: “I am the least important person in the controversy that has followed the sudden death of David Tweed.
“It is the family members who matter, whatever side of the issues they are on. “In light of misconstruction of my motives and intentions I unequivocally repeat that I and my party never have and never will condone paedophilia.
“Mr Tweed’s daughters are clearly hurting. I am sorry that some of my comments, whether as reported or because they could have been better chosen, have added to such hurt.” This week DUP pair Ian Paisley and Mervyn Storey, who had also offered condolences, said it had never been their intention to “add to any hurt nor would we be dismissive of any victim”.
They added: “No one could be but devastated by these accounts and we have always sought to support victims to come forward by supporting Women’s Aid.”
Mr Tweed’s daughters are hurting. I’m sorry my comments added to that JIM ALLISTER TUV LEADER YESTERDAY