“We’re going to pursue them tonight with ruthless authority..”

It would be cynical to dismiss the introduction of an IICD report on decommissioning in 6 months time as “simply a hollow process put up to placate those opposed to the extension of the legislation at all.” But the sceptical will note that, as Ian has said in the comments zone here, the UK Parliament “won’t even get to discuss the IICD report until October” two months after the report is due. Meanwhile the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward, MP, was on Hearts and Minds last night emphasising that, regardless of the IICD report, “this is the last year” for paramilitaries to avail of the decommissioning legislation – “this train is leaving..” He also claimed that “We’re going to pursue them tonight with ruthless authority..” Although, he might want to have a word with those “with influence in the community” about that.. It’s not a new policy, yet.

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