Ballymurphy Inquest findings must lead to justice for victims and families – O’Dowd

The findings of the Ballymurphy Inquest must now lead to justice for the victims and their families whose good names have been vindicated after 50 long years of struggle, Fine Gael Fergus O’Dowd has said.

Deputy O’Dowd, Chairperson of the Good Friday Committee, said: “The findings published today by Coroner Mrs Justice Keegan confirmed that all 10 victims were entirely innocent and unconnected to terrorism.

“It is critical that the Historical Investigations Unit which is part of the Stormont House Agreement is fully implemented and that we continue our vital work with the Government of the United Kingdom and the parties in Northern Ireland to give effect to it.

“The Stormont House Agreement sets out a comprehensive set of measures to deal with legacy issues in a way that can meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors and support closure and reconciliation for those communities most affected by the Troubles, these must be above all else be victim-centred.

“The Irish Government must stand firm in rejecting any possibility of amnesties or statute of limitations on offences that occurred during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

“The Irish Government stands with the victims and the families who have lost loved ones as a consequence of the troubles, they must have access to truth and justice regardless of  whether the murderers were British soldiers, republicans or loyalists, they should be brought to justice.

“My thoughts today are with all of the families and friends of the Ballymurphy victims,” Deputy O’Dowd concluded.