Son of Troubles Victim Slams Northern Ireland Truth Body as Ineffective and Expensive
Legislation is set to take effect on May 1 to address crimes committed during The Troubles, but many families remain dissatisfied.
The son of a pub manager killed by loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland in 1976 doubts that the new body established by the controversial legislation will provide answers about his father’s murder or the 3,600 other deaths during The Troubles.
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, passed last year, comes into force on May 1.
The legislation, championed by Tory MP Johnny Mercer, grants immunity to individuals involved in crimes during The Troubles if they tell the truth at hearings by the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
With the new legislation, further criminal prosecutions and civil litigation related to The Troubles will be halted if full admissions are made to the ICRIR.
Danny Toland, whose father John was killed by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in 1976, expressed doubt that former paramilitaries will come forward with complete confessions.
He believes efforts to repeal the bill will not succeed despite objections from various groups.
Last year, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to repeal the Legacy Act, but doubts remain whether the promise will be fulfilled.
Mr. Toland criticized the ICRIR, calling it a waste of time and money that will yield no significant outcomes.
Families of victims, including John Toland and James Loughrey, who were compensated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Ministry of Defence, expressed grievances over the lack of admission of liability despite allegations of collusion between security forces and loyalist militants.
‘Draconian Legislation’ Deprives Troubles Victims’ Families
Padraig O’Muirigh, the families’ solicitor, emphasized the importance of allowing cases to proceed without hindrance under the new legislation.
He lamented the legislation for depriving families of the opportunity to pursue their own legal actions due to its restrictive nature.
According to O’Muirigh, at least 16 ongoing inquests will be discontinued before May 1, impeding families from seeking justice.
Several high-profile cases, including the inquest into the deaths of IRA men shot by the SAS, face uncertainties due to the impending legislative changes.
Government Wants to ‘Cover up What Actually Went On’
Family members affected by the Troubles criticized the government’s moves as attempts to conceal the truth about past atrocities.
Mr. Toland emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, highlighting the devastating impact of his father’s murder on his family.
He disclosed critical information related to the case and expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the process facilitated by the legislation.
Despite settlements, families affected by the Troubles expressed frustrations with the lack of closure and accountability in their pursuit of justice.
Government officials and state agencies have come under scrutiny for their handling of legacy cases, prompting concerns about a lack of full reconciliation.
Overall, the Legacy Act has sparked debates and controversies as families, activists, and legal representatives seek justice and accountability for victims of The Troubles.
PA Media contributed to this report.
