Star helps the Disappeared

1/7/2009 -

ACTOR Jimmy Nesbitt has thrown his weight behind the efforts of the families of the Disappeared to find their loved ones’ bodies.

Three men from the Newry and Mourne area are generally held to be included amongst the Disappeared, although the IRA has never admitted murdering and then secretly burying Gerald Evans, who was last seen in March 1979, or fellow Crossmaglen resident Charles Armstrong, who vanished after leaving his home in August 1981.

The INLA has, however, admitted killing Newry man Seamus Ruddy in May 1985 and burying his remains in France.

Speaking after meeting with relatives of the Disappeared in Belfast, Mr Nesbitt, who is a patron of WAVE, the organisation which helps those bereaved during the Troubles, said:“I have nothing but admiration and respect for the families of the Disappeared,” he commented.

“Theirs is a story of unimaginable pain and suffering and this will continue until the remains of their loved ones are returned.

“I would ask anyone who knows anything about where the bodies are buried to look into their hearts, listen to their conscience and speak to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains. They have nothing to fear in doing this and could help bring closure to a family which has suffered for decades.”