The DUP and a Fermanagh based victims’ group have responded to the proposals set out by the Northern Ireland Legacy Consultation with both saying the consultation does not do enough while Sinn Fein have claimed the DUP are trying to undermine the entire legacy process.

DUP Leader Arlene Foster has said the definition of “a victim” must be amended to ensure that innocent victims are no longer placed in the same legal category as the bomb maker.

“The Democratic Unionist Party has major concerns over elements of the draft Bill proposed by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), and without significant amendment, anticipate it will not meet the objective of properly addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past.

“The DUP has stood against a rewriting of our history and efforts to introduce an amnesty. In contrast we have always sought to keep open the prospect of justice for those who have lost loved ones. The Government’s latest proposals are being viewed through the lens of two decades of offence and outrage felt by innocent victims, and where the definition of a victim continues to be unjust and unacceptable.”

“New UK-wide legislation to improve the definition of a victim is necessary. We consider the 2006 definition of a victim and survivor to be unacceptable. In our opinion, there is a clear distinction in law between a terrorist perpetrator and their innocent victim. To equate the two is morally wrong and indefensible.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Barry Doherty believes the attempts by the DUP to amend the definition of a victim and introduce an amnesty for British State forces is an effort to scupper the entire legacy process.

“Since 2006 there has been a legal definition of a victim. Getting to that point was not easy but it was settled and should remain so. The DUP, in acting as they have, are looking to rewrite this and in effect scupper the entire legacy process.

“Everyone should be equal under the law and there can be no immunity or impunity for British forces guilty of crime, collusion and murder in Ireland.

“To introduce any so-called statute of limitation to prevent the prosecution of British state actors will undermine the proposed new legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House.

“In looking to rewrite definitions and introduce immunity and impunity, the DUP frustrate and insult victims’ families, many who have been waiting years for truth and justice. It appears that the DUP would seek to absolve anyone of accountability; thereby failing everyone.”

The South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) said that “the proposals in their current format are unworkable and that they cannot and will not advance the needs of innocent victims/survivors of terrorism”.

SEFF’s Director of Services Kenny Donaldson added: “SEFF considers law and order to be the foundation stone of democracy and we will not assent to any further desecration of an already subverted criminal justice system. Our core test for these proposals was; could we see tangible opportunities for our constituency’s needs and aspirations to be advanced, improving upon the current situation?

“As the proposals are currently written we do not have such confidence.

“Our constituency of victims/survivors have been betrayed by a political process which has empowered terrorism and its’ political annexes and for over 20 years, innocent victims/survivors of terrorism have become more and more angry, hurt and despondent with the political and peace processes, to a point where they are almost now in a place where many feel they are anti-Establishment.”

Both the DUP and SEFF have lodged responses to the NIO consultation.