Allister slams special bursaries for republican ex-prisoners
14 August 2009
TUV Leader Jim Allister has attacked the use of scarce PEACE III money to fund a bursary scheme specifically for republican ex-prisoners.
Earlier this year Mr Allister condemned the granting of £10m to ex-prisoners’ groups, and its approval by OFMDFM, as a gross waste and misuse of EU money. Now it has emerged that Coiste, the republican ex-prisoners support network which got £7.5m, is channeling money to fund degree and other courses for released terrorist prisoners.
Commenting Mr Allister said: “This further misuse of scarce EU and OFMDFM funds typifies the perversion which pervades society under our terrorist-inclusive government.
Where are the bursaries for those who today have no father to help them through university because of their murder by these evil terrorists? While wicked terrorists have such funds lavished upon them, their innocent victims are forgotten. Genuine victims groups are crying out for funding, but republican ex-prisoner groups are so awash with funds that they reward their cronies with educational advantage.
Of course with 3 ex-terrorist prisoners in government the dice is clearly loaded in favour of those of their ilk. Now, educationally they are to be picked out for special financial help, while deserving students and their families struggle and scrape to make ends meet.”
