Consistency needed in dealing with the past – MP

EAST Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said the variance of scope in the terms of reference of the Bloody Sunday and Billy Wright inquiries made it imperative a consistent approach to dealing with the past was adopted in Northern Ireland in future.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Sep 2010, 15:44 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2010, 15:48 BST

The DUP MP made the comments at Westminster when he told Secretary of State Owen Paterson: “Whatever mechanism we adopt to deal with the past, if we adopt any at all, surely it must be consistent.”

He asked the Minister if he agreed the Saville report dealt purely with the activities of the troops, soldiers and other activists on the day, whilst the Billy Wright inquiry, seemed to deal with issues before and after the events of the day.

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Mr Campbell pressed: “We need a consistent approach to try to bring some closure.”

Mr Paterson said he agreed entirely with Mr Campbell and he would be working towards a consistent approach in the immediate future.

“The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, and that is why we have launched a process of talking to local politicians and local groups to work out a way forward on how we handle the past,” he said.

“It was clear from the submissions to Eames-Bradley that there is absolutely no consensus, but the hon. Gentleman is right that we must have a process that is consistent,” he added.

Related topics:Gregory CampbellNorthern IrelandDUP