Taoiseach backing atrocity prosecutions

Taoiseach backing atrocity prosecutions

28 September 2016

SOUTH Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed an assurance from the Taoiseach on the need to prioritise prosecutions in the case of the Loughinisland massacre.

Ms Ritchie said she had received written confirmation from the Taoiseach Enda Kenny on the subject.

“Following the publication of the Police Ombudsman’s damning report into the murders of six men at The Heights Bar in Loughinisland, I contacted the Taoiseach in Dublin to exhort him to pursue the British Government to ensure that prosecutions were forthcoming,” she said. 

“I have now received a written response from the Taoiseach where he clearly sees the landmark nature of that Police Ombudsman report in revealing the need for public confidence in the full and effective investigation of all legacy cases.

“The Taoiseach indicates that ‘the Ombudsman’s findings are deeply disturbing – in particular his determination that collusion is a significant feature in the Loughinisland murders. The finding regarding the failures of the RUC in tackling Loyalist groups that were active in South Down at the time also raises acute concerns’.”

Ms Ritchie said the Taoiseach also stated that the report fundamentally vindicates the concerns the families of the victims in their continuing search for justice.   

“Enda Kenny continues that ‘all possible efforts must be made to bring to justice those responsible for the Loughinisland murders and those implicated in collusion’,” she said. 

“He further states that ‘the full co-operation of the Police Service of Northern Ireland with the Police Ombudsman’s investigation is very welcome’.”

Ms Ritchie added: “The Taoiseach confirmed that the Minister for Foreign Affairs raised the Ombudsman’s report with the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during their bilateral meeting in Belfast on June 29.  

“The Taoiseach also confirmed to me that the Police Ombudsman’s report into the atrocities at Loughinisland is a priority for the Irish Government in it’s engagement with the British Government and the political parties in the North.

“This important valedictory affirmation for  the Police Ombudsman’s report into the atrocities at Loughinisland on June 18, 1994 by the Irish Government, and the acceptance of the contents of the report already given by the British Government and the Police Constable, demonstrates quite clearly the need to ensure prosecutions must follow with an apology and compensation for the victims’ families from the Prime Minister.”