LISTEN: Doug Beattie accuses Sinn Fein leader of 'smoke and mirrors' in victims' pension row

By Q Radio News

Sinn Fein's president says she believes there is a 'clear distinction' between combatants and civilian victims of the Troubles.     

However Mary Lou McDonald said that doesn't mean her party will support a 'crudely' partisan pension scheme which should include everyone. 

It's prompted criticism from Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie who accused of her of playing word games.  

The Sinn Fein leader told BBC Radio Ulster "There is a clear distinction, obviously, between combatants and civilian victims." 

However she added: "But we will not support a scheme that is very deliberately and rather crudely designed to be partisan"

"I want everybody to be included. That’s how we heal."

Mr Beattie, who's the Vice-Chair of The Executive Office Committee, has accused Sinn Fein are holding up the Victims’ Payment Scheme, in spite of Mrs McDonald's comments.

“On the face of it this would seem like a major shift in position from Sinn Fein," he said. 

"However, time will tell if this is another case of vague commentary from Mary Lou McDonald that is later clarified to reinforce the hard-line Sinn Fein position.    

“She draws a distinction between ‘combatants’ and ‘civilians’ but time will tell what she actually means by this. 

"There were plenty of civilians who were targeted as they were carrying out contracting work for the security services – in which bracket is she placing them?      

“Mary Lou McDonald also did not row back on the position of Sinn Fein on the guidance which is what is holding up the pension.  

"The fundamental point is that Sinn Fein are blocking injured victims from receiving the Victims’ Payment and that remains the case regardless of what Mary Lou McDonald may have said this morning.

The Victims' Payment Scheme was supposed to open for applications at the end of May, but has been delayed due to a row over the definition of a victim.