Statement by TUV leader and Euro election candidate Jim Allister:
“There should be no question of those injured while carrying out acts of terrorism receiving a pension. The idea that terrorists injured while visiting death and destruction upon others should receive a pay out from the State rightly appalled innocent victims the length and breadth of Northern Ireland when it was suggested in Eames-Bradley.
“There can be no Provo pension for Shankill bomber Seán Kelly. He’s a victim maker. Not a victim.
“Any proposed pension should exclude those injured while engaged in terrorism or with a relevant conviction. There is a template for such an approach within criminal injury legislation. Then the public would have confidence that only truly innocent victims were receiving the payment.
“There should be no Provo pension but innocent victims – many of whom received derisory compensation payouts when they were injured – should have their hurt and suffering acknowledged. Putting them on a par with victim makers will add to rather than diminish their hurt.”