North to get violence monitor
Northern Ireland secretary John Reid today announced the creation of an independent monitor of violence to “shine a light into the dark corners of Northern Ireland society”.
The monitor will bring greater transparency to the pattern of violence in Northern Ireland and the involvement of both loyalists and republican paramilitary organisations in it, Dr Reid said.
The name of the person selected to take up the post would be announced shortly.
Mr Reid rejected claims that a monitor would be irrelevant, adding: “Shining a light into the dark corners of Northern Ireland society, those dark corners that still remain, is in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland and I certainly hope that it will be widely welcomed that we are taking this step.”
The Northern Ireland Secretary, who announced to the House of Commons in July that he was considering such an appointment, said he had consulted widely about how the information would be brought together.
He made the announcement after speaking to Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street earlier.
