Petition is ‘political opportunism’

“Many of those behind this petition are up to their necks in hypocrisy,” said Mr Donldson. “Let’s examine the facts: The UUP opened the Maze prison gates and released the prisoners. The DUP opposed this. That was the ultimate offence to victims. It was the UUP together with the SDLP who, whilst occupying OFMDFM issued a Victims and Survivors Strategy that included a definition of victim equating perpetrators with innocent victims. Do the UUP now propose to flatten that policy and assist the DUP to get it changed to one that recognises the true suffering of innocent victims?

“The UUP led the 2005 Maze Consultation Panel. David Campbell was its Chairman. Paragraph 3.3.19 of the February 2005 report from the Maze Panel said, ‘That the Government should protect the structures associated with the International Centre and provide funding to ensure the buildings do not fall into decay... we believe these structures should be given statutory protection and recommend that the Government concludes the formal process of listing as soon as possible’.

“Edwin Poots and I were the only two politicians to formally oppose the listing of the prison buildings. Jim Allister wasn’t there nor was Mike Nesbitt.

“Under the UUP’s plans for the Maze the Peace Building Centre was in the retained buildings. The DUP has changed that. The Peace Building Centre is a completely separate building. Everyone behind the petition failed to make any formal planning opposition to the Peace Centre. Valid grounds for an objection could have been an alternative or better location but again the paper tigers were too busy whipping up emotive press statements. The Maze is the biggest construction site in Northern Ireland and has the potential to create 5,000 jobs and bring £300m of investment. It’s a pity the UUP didn’t think of asking construction workers about developing the site. The Peace Building Centre will be developed with the approval of the DUP. Terrorism will not be glorified rather the follies of terrorism will be understood and importance of building peace promoted. We will not permit any re-writing of history.”

Mr Donaldson concluded: “Whilst others abandoned victims the DUP has stood up for victims delivering over £50m funding for their needs.

“I know there are genuine concerns. I am happy to meet with any groups to provide reassurance.

“I hope as people examine the facts they realise that the same people who told bogeyman stories about policing and justice powers being devolved are at the same tricks again.”