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CONSEQUENCES FOR UK-Irish relations cannot be ruled out because of legal action over the Troubles Legacy Bill, a Northern Ireland Office minister has said.
Jonathan Caine said he deeply regretted the decision by the Irish Government to launch an interstate case over the UK’s Act to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had said his government was left with “no option” but to legally challenge the UK government over the Legacy Act.
The Taoiseach said the “strong” legal advice was that the UK Legacy Act breached the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims’ organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government.
Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.
Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a separate legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.
Caine told the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme: “We deeply regret the fact that the Irish have decided unilaterally to take this case in the Strasbourg court.
“Of course we highly value the relationship with the Irish Government – it’s a hugely important bilateral relationship for us.
“Can I rule out any consequences? The answer is no.”
The Irish Government’s legal challenge has been welcomed by a number of families of Troubles victims.
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson accused Dublin of “double standards” and challenged the Irish Government to say what it is doing to deal with Troubles legacy cases in its jurisdiction.
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DUP speaking out of both sides of their mouth as usual.
Consequences? Ha! The UK government would be well advised to think three times before shaking a stick at an EU member when they are being brought to the EUCHR. Better to bolster their very THIN case.
Can’t believe what the UK has become. Maybe legislate the world is FLAT and expect everyone to comply. Legislate that a human cannot withdraw their labour and expect compliance.
The DUP et al have held the people in Ulster to ransom over the last number of years.How can anybody have any regard for them or their policies. Chuck them out when the next elections come and put in reps who work for the people,all of them.
What are the Brit’s going to do about it bomb Dublin and Monaghan again !!
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