Mr. Tom Roberts:

On a general point, the importance of the DDR is recognised in former conflict zones across the globe. As we have seen in other countries, if it is not addressed properly, there is the danger that former combatants will resort to whatever means are necessary to provide themselves and their families with a livelihood. We see examples of this in Northern Ireland, right across the board with former republicans and loyalists. I am not excusing the nefarious activity involved, but I can understand that if people are not given an opportunity to pursue legitimate livelihoods, they will resort to other means to make a living. I saw this happen in Nicaragua quite a few years ago. I know that it was in a different context, given that it is a Third World country, but former Contras and Sandinistas were coming together and taking to the mountains like bandits to enable them and their families to live because they were not being afforded an opportunity to pursue proper livelihoods.

On the general issue, as I mentioned, the feel-good factor associated with the Good Friday Agreement is long gone. There is now a notion, particularly among loyalists, that they are being made scapegoats for the conflict. All other sectors of society are absolving themselves of responsibility for creating the conditions that made conflict inevitable. We see ex-prisoners being pursued relentlessly in historical cases. I would like to think I have great empathy for victims because people suffered horrendously during the conflict. I acknowledge this and my role in it. However, the victims are constantly being played off for political reasons against ex-prisoners. The problems of both should be addressed. However, for victims of the conflict, in particular, there should be greater concentration on reparation rather than retribution.