I FIND the split personality of the first minister Peter Robinson totally amazing on the subject of victims. As recently as May 10, Mr Robinson in his role as first minister meet family members of the Birmingham bombing victims.
After meeting them he said a new investigation was necessary. He also said that they must try to pinpoint who was responsible for this dreadful act. He then asked families to put ttogether a dossier of documents of their campaign and he would pass them on to David Cameron. He said if the British prime minister looks at these arguments there is every reason there should be an investigation. He also signed their petition for a public inquiry.
Fair enough but then put this in the context of when Mr Robinson as DUP leader met the families of the Ballymurphy Massacre in February 2011. He was sympathetic and seemed shocked when he was told there was no proper investigation. The families then asked would he speak to the then secrtary of state Owen Paterson. He said he would and would raise other issues for the families. To this day the Ballymurphy families are still waiting. Mr Robinson also said that to lose a loved one is a painful experience. The way in which we deal with the past requires sensitivity. Then he said the DUP’s of the view that a further raft of open-ended inquires is not beneficial.
No calls for a dossier of documents for the British PM.
No calls here for pinpointing who was responsible.
No calls for looking at the arguments.
No signing of the petition for an inquiry.
This is a first minister who says he wants a shared society. Alas it seems not for the victims of state violence.
With many thanks to : Pat Quinn
Ballymurphy Massacre Committee Belfast.
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