Mags GarganDáil support for an all-party motion backing calls for a public inquiry into the Ballymurphy Massacre has offered hope to the families that the truth may finally come out.
Following a meeting with the families of the 11 civilians killed by the 1st battalion, Parachute Regiment of the British Army in Ballymurphy, Belfast in 1971, at Dáil Éireann last week, all the political parties agreed to raise the issue of an independent inquiry with the British government at every opportunity.
Belfast priest Fr Des Wilson told The Irish Catholic the support from the Dublin Government has “offered a sense of hope” to the families. “People recognise it is a long road, but I hope this will put pressure on the British government to set up an independent inquiry. I have no doubt in the Irish Government’s commitment in getting something done people and the families are very grateful to them.”
In April NI Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers ruled out the families’ request for a review panel to assess the evidence on the Ballymurphy massacre, claiming it would not serve the public interest.
Ciaran Cahill, who is part of the Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign said “it is very important for the families that they clear the names of loved ones. There was no proper investigation at the time and the British government refused saying it is not in public interest”.
He told The Irish Catholic the support from the Dáil is a major step for the campaign and “a great boost” for the families. “It was a huge boost for people to be there at the Dail and to hear the debate and they were very pleased that all of the parties supported it including the Independents.
“We hope the pressure they put on British government will have effect and they will implement the review panel,” he said.