The Alliance Party deputy leader accused other politicians of sharing “selectively edited clips of Naomi Long” to “blatantly misrepresent her views”
Alliance Party deputy leader Eóin Tennyson has labelled criticism directed at his party in recent weeks as “misinformation” and hit out at other politicians for sharing “selectively edited clips” of Alliance leader Naomi Long.
This comes after the party faced further criticism following a DUP motion at Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council on Monday night, which called on the Justice Minister to “personally apologise for suggesting that victim makers could also be considered victims.”
Taking to social media, Mr Tennyson said that his party voted against a DUP motion on legacy at Stormont last month, not because it included the term “innocent victims”, but because it “sought to exclude the Irish Government from the legacy process.”
“The DUP’s approach was deeply flawed, as it sought to create a border for truth, justice and accountability. All victims deserve access to the truth, including where incidents were cross-border in nature. Both governments have an obligation to cooperate and to fully investigate all Troubles-related incidents,” he said.
“The definition of a Troubles victim was set out in legislation by the UK Government in 2006. Whatever the legal definition, Alliance has always been clear that there is no moral equivalence between perpetrators and their victims, nor should anyone who was injured of their own hand receive compensation.
“Those claiming otherwise are distorting the facts. Some politicians have even stooped so low as to share selectively edited clips of Naomi Long, blatantly misrepresenting her views. Alliance has a proud history of standing up for the rule of law. Unlike others, we have never equivocated on condemning violence, and refuse to meet and pander to umbrella groups for active paramilitary organisations.”
Eóin Tennyson added: “Weaponising the hurt and suffering of victims as part of a smear campaign really is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Those responsible need to take a deep, long look at themselves.
“For our part, Alliance will not be deterred from pressing for a comprehensive legacy process that commands the confidence of victims and survivors. We must work together to heal the wounds of our past, and build a better, more reconciled future for everyone.”
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