Northern Ireland

Raymond McCord hits out at Jim Allister over legal aid row

Raymond McCord attending Belfast High Court on Friday. Picture by Mal McCann
Raymond McCord attending Belfast High Court on Friday. Picture by Mal McCann Raymond McCord attending Belfast High Court on Friday. Picture by Mal McCann

CAMPAIGNER Raymond McCord has accused TUV leader Jim Allister of "arrogance" after the politician criticised him for receiving legal aid for a series of court challenges.

Mr McCord last week sought an injunction aimed at stopping the suspension of parliament later this month - the latest in a string of high-profile cases he has brought.

Mr Allister criticised Mr McCord as a "serial litigant" and claimed his court cases may have cost the public "tens of thousands" of pounds.

"I have many constituents who have genuine civil cases that need to be brought and they can't get support for them, but Mr McCord seems to be able to squander public money left, right and centre on all of these normally groundless applications that he brings," he said.

Mr McCord is separately bringing a judicial review against the British government on the grounds that a no-deal Brexit is contrary to the Good Friday Agreement.

That case is due to be heard on September 16.

He is also involved in legal action to secure an inquest into the death of his son Raymond Jr (22) who was killed by a UVF gang in November 1997.

In 2007, a Police Ombudsman investigation found Special Branch officers colluded with the gang behind the murder and a series of other killings.

Mr McCord said it was up to the courts to decide on his cases, not Mr Allister, and accused the MLA of "trying to score points against me".

"I'm no legal expert, but I don't believe its 'groundless' as a father fighting for truth and justice for my murdered son Raymond who after nearly 22 years from his murder has never had an inquest," he said.