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Were other deals done?

THE actions of the British government were "an affront to all the parties who voted against" on-the-run legislation, according to the SDLP.

West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood said it was "shocking" that the government had tried to "circumvent the democratic will of parliament and conspire with Sinn Fein to cook up a form of 'administrative amnesty'".

The SDLP blocked legislation in 2006 which would have protected on-the-runs from future prosecution.

Mr Attwood, pictured, said new information that up to 200 letters of assurance had been given to republicans who were wanted by police "may not be that surprising" and had confirmed the party's anxiety about "secret deals between Sinn Fein and the Blair government".

British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday said the issuing of a letter to alleged Hyde Park bomber John Downey which caused his trial to collapse had been a "dreadful mistake" and Mr Attwood asked if there were other such mistakes. "It is evident that an inquiry is required and the SDLP calls for this to happen forthwith." Mr Attwood said former prime minister Tony Blair "needs to account for his actions, outline what other deals were done with republicans or unionists".