February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Northern Secretary Paul Murphy is visiting South Africa to enquire into its Truth and Reconciliation Commission before launching a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland on whether a similar project should be launched.
There is widespread skepticism in both communities over the usefulness of such a commission in Northern Ireland.
The SDLP said that Murphy appeared to have missed the point. “Surely he should have found out what is needed before he goes looking for it,” said the party’s Eddie Espie.
“I can’t understand why Mr. Murphy has to travel halfway across the globe to investigate a Truth Commission that is dissected in detail already on the internet.”
Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice, which speaks for the families of those killed by state forces or in collusion with them, said they wanted truth and accountability.
“A process of historical clarification that sets the record straight is required which deals comprehensively with the truth, causes, nature and extent of the conflict — and not one of story telling,” he said.
“It’s not up to Hugh Orde [chief constable] or Des Rea [chairman of the Policing Board] to determine the remit. This should not be left to the British — they have a vested interest in suppressing the truth.”
Sinn F