Reaction to demise of OTR bill

The government has scrapped its controversial proposals on paramilitary fugitives.

Intended to address the issue of those suspected of paramilitary crimes, they ended up being opposed by all the Northern Ireland political parties.

The "on-the-run" bill's demise has been welcomed by all the parties, but for different reasons.

PETER ROBINSON MP, DUP

It is welcome to all of us in the opposition parties in this house who worked collectively on this issue.

"I am glad the decision was taken in this democratic chamber rather than being forced upon the government in another place (the Lords).

Trust is the ingredient which is most essential in the forming of any cabinet and it simply does not at present exist.

LORD KILCLOONEY, UUP

I think that the withdrawal of this bill by the government has created a better atmosphere for political progress in Northern Ireland.

"However, there still remains concerns.

"There's the element of trust - trust was greatly devalued following the terrorist raid on the Northern Bank, and the McCartney murder - these things broke trust between republicans and the loyalist community.

GERRY ADAMS, SINN FEIN PRESIDENT

It was a major breach of what was agreed at Weston Park and a serious act of bad faith by the British government.

"I told the British PM and British NI Secretary Peter Hain directly that if the British government was not prepared to change the legislation to remove the inclusion of British state forces then the legislation should be withdrawn.

"They have now done so. However, the issue of OTRs must be resolved.

MARK DURKAN, SDLP LEADER

It is not an unqualified welcome because I am concerned that the implication of some of the secretary of state's other remarks is that this may be recycled in some other form in the future.

"I hope to hear from the secretary of state that this Bill is truly abandoned and not just parked until some other time.

DAVID FORD, ALLIANCE PARTY LEADER

David Ford said the move did not make sense for regional services

This murky side deal goes back to the Weston Park talks five years ago, and has rightly resulted in complete failure.

"The lesson the government must learn from this is that the political process cannot be run via dodgy carve-ups.

"By definition, all political parties represent a minority of the electorate.

"People will have no faith in a process managed in such a style. We must be seeking solutions which have broad popular support, not engaging in tribal carve-up.

TERRY SPENCE, POLICE FEDERATION

This was a victory for common sense and decency.

I am confident the impact of the argument by the widows and relatives of murdered RUC officers was instrumental in making the government aware of how unacceptable this legislation was.

I suspect also that the government was wrong-footed by our clear stance that including the police and military personnel within the scope of the legislation was an unworthy trade off and an insult to the police and military services.

DAVID LIDINGTON, SHADOW NI SECRETARY

We welcome the government's decision to withdraw the OTR legislation today.

The bill was misconceived, opposed by all political parties in Northern Ireland and all the opposition parties in the House of Commons.

More importantly, it was deeply resented by victims groups and families of those who have suffered at the hands of terrorists.