Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has questioned the rationale behind the decision to arrest and charge a former soldier with the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham in Benburb in 1974.
Mr Elliott said:
“This arrest illustrates the complete double standards and the one sided approach that is being displayed by the authorities in Northern Ireland who seem to bow continuously to republican demands.
“They seem to completely ignore the fact that over 200 ‘on the runs’ were given letters of comfort to protect them against prosecution. Some even received the Royal Prerogative of Mercy.
“Many of these individuals were guilty of committing the most heinous crimes against innocent people.
“While these investigations must take place and where necessary charges brought, this latest arrest is continuing down a one-sided route, which is unfair to many innocent victims. This is not fair and therefore it cannot be just.”