A plan by the UK and Irish governments to appoint an independent figure to examine whether a formal process of engagement with paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland is required to bring about their disbandment has been described as “madness” by Stormont’s Justice Minister, Naomi Long.
The announcement by the two governments came after the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) said in its latest report that a “twin track” process of law enforcement and tackling the roots of paramilitarism is needed.
