Row over Sinn Féin collusion claims

A bitter row erupted today between nationalists in Northern Ireland over claims that Sinn Féin had secured legislation which would cover up the truth about collusion between members of the security forces and loyalist terror groups.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan was accused of making insensitive and ill-informed comments after he claimed Sinn Féin had negotiated an amnesty for rogue members of the police and British army which would keep them out of jail.

The Foyle MP said yesterday: “That may not bother the British Government or Sinn Féin.

“It will certainly go down well with the (British ) army’s Secret Forces Research Unit that spearheaded collusion.

“But it will bother victims of state planned murder. They have not been consulted about a word of this.

“We have seen collusion in the past between the state and paramilitaries. Now we are seeing collusion on the past between Sinn Féin and the British government - each helping the other to cover up their dirty secrets.”

His allegations infuriated Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey.

“Unlike the SDLP, Sinn Féin has always supported the victims of state violence and collusion,” the South Belfast MLA responded today.

“Many of our party members were among those targeted, injured and killed. I have personally lost close friends and comrades and have been shot myself.

“Sinn Féin continues to stand beside these families as we have done for years.

“The hypocrisy and barefaced dishonesty of the SDLP in claiming that we are in collusion with the British government in covering up the past has caused great offence to many victims families who I have spoken with today.”

Mr Maskey claimed for many years the SDLP dismissed Sinn Féin’s claims that its members targeted by loyalists were victims of collusion.

He accused the SDLP of also ignoring victims of alleged collusion when they travelled to Westminster and Stormont.

“Sinn Féin will continue to challenge the British government for the truth about their activities in our country and we will continue to support the families in their campaign for justice,” Mr Maskey said.

“The SDLP, on the other hand, will continue to sit in the British Parliament attacking Sinn Féin and Irish republicanism while trying to score cheap political points.”

SDLP justice spokesman Alban Maginness stood by his leader’s accusation, insisting the Bill would deny victims of collusion, state killings and the IRA the truth about what happened.

“It covers not just Provisionals, but loyalists and people in the police or (British) army who committed murder,” the North Belfast MLA said.

“Not one of them will do time, and that is what Sinn Féin has signed up to.

“It is a good deal for Sinn Féin, whose Provo associates walk scot-free without even having to turn up in court.

“It is a good deal for the British government, which can close the books on everything from the Finucane murder to the Dublin/Monaghan bombings without answering awkward questions.

“But it is a very bad deal for everyone else.”