Legacy matters must be solved
Posted by Jim on May 6, 2016
“These inquests into some of the most controversial killing of the Troubles were recently the subject of a major review by Lord Justice Weir who was scathing about the way in which the PSNI and military authorities have dealt with these cases.”
Irish News Editorial. Friday, May 6, 2016
Once the votes are counted and the successful candidates declared, the new assembly will have a long list of pressing matters to consider and hopefully expedite in a timely fashion.
In particular, relatives who have lost loved ones in the conflict will be urging the fresh batch of ministers to reach urgent agreement on how we move forward on dealing with the past, an issue that continues to cause deep hurt and division.
Certainly, it is a matter that is exercising the highest levels of the judiciary in Northern Ireland with Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan making a surprise intervention this week on the matter of funding for legacy inquests.
These inquests into some of the most controversial killing of the Troubles were recently the subject of a major review by Lord Justice Weir who was scathing about the way in which the PSNI and military authorities have dealt with these cases.
Sir Declan outlined a plan in February that included setting up a special Legacy Inquest Unit that would deal with all outstanding cases within five years.
He said he had been ‘given to understand’ that if the executive asks for resources for legacy inquests the request would be given very serious consideration by the secretary of state.
However, this week the Lord Chief Justice expressed disappointment that the executive has not yet submitted a bid for funding to Theresa Villiers and said this would affect the timeframe for the establishment of the new legacy unit.
This is all deeply concerning and will add to the sense of frustration and dismay felt by families who have waited far too long for hearings into their cases.
It is also unusual for the most senior judge to make his views known in such a direct way so we can assume he shares this sense of frustration.
A new assembly means a fresh beginning and we must hope the post-election executive shows a determination to resolve these difficult issues once and for all.