Commenting on the responses to the consultation on the recommendations of the Consultative Group on the Past TUV vice-chairman Keith Harbinson said:

“I am not surprised that the recommendations of the CGP received such an overwhelmingly negative response from the general public. The response to the consultation was extraordinary with no less than 174 people taking the time to submit their own views on the report. That 95% of those responding should have rejected the Report in its entirety goes some way to show just how far off the mark Eames/Bradley was, and the feelings it invoked within the general public.

“TUV commends the innocent victims who took such a firm and dignified stand against the Report and made clear that they were prepared to reject any £12,000 payment which would see an equivalence drawn between their loved ones and the terrorists who made them victims.

“However, people need to be aware that the £12,000 payment was only one of the dangerous proposals contained within Eames/Badley. The suggestion by the Victims’ Commission that there were other proposals of merit within the report is worrying as amongst other things it suggested:

• Crimes committed during the Troubles should be a matter for a Legacy Commission rather than for the criminal justice system;

• The Quigley – Hamilton recommendations should be incorporated into statute which would perpetuate the IRA myth that there is a difference between terrorism and “ordinary” crime;

• A shared memorial and shared day of reflection where those commemorated on Remembrance Sunday would be remembered alongside those who are honoured by Republicans at Easter and

• An amnesty for terrorists.

“It’s time now that people’s views are listened to and respected. Let’s consign the Consultative Group and their offensive recommendations to the past.”