Minister makes Kingsmill vow
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
STORMONT Minister Danny Kennedy has pledged to continue to seek an apology from the Irish government for what he described as its failure to prevent republican attacks in border areas during the Troubles.
Mr Kennedy attended a roadside service on Saturday to remember victims of the Kingsmill massacre on the 37th anniversary of the attack in which 10 Protestant workmen were killed by republicans as they made their way home from work.
The Bessbrook MLA said the anniversary of the attack always evoked very powerful emotions within the local community.
He paid tribute to the relatives and families of Kingsmills, and the sole survivor Alan Black, for their "dignity and resilience" over the 37 difficult years since the atrocity.
He added: "I remain steadfast in support of the campaign by relatives to obtain maximum justice against those republicans who had perpetrated the massacre of the 10 innocent workmen.
“And I pledge to continue the battle for recognition and for an acknowledgement and apology from the government of the Irish Republic for its abysmal failure to prevent the murder of so many individuals in south Armagh, including Kingsmill, at the hands of republican terrorists."
Mr Kennedy and relatives of the Kingsmill victims met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny last year to air their concerns of inaction by the Irish government throughout the Troubles and also to discuss alleged collusion between republicans and members of the southern security forces.
Other speakers at Saturday's service included Pastor Barrie Halliday, DUP Assemblyman William Irwin and victims' campaigner Willie Frazer.
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