Apology Over 'False IRA Bomb Claims'

Northern Ireland Security Minister, Paul Goggins, has issued a formal apology over false claims made almost 40 years ago, relating to a bomb attack in Belfast.

Fifteen people, including two children and three women, were killed when a bomb exploded in McGurk's bar in north Belfast, in 1971.

At the time, the British Army claimed the IRA had accidentally detonated the bomb in what was described as an "own goal". However, a member of the UVF had actually carried out the attack.

Mr Goggins, speaking at the House of Commons last night, said officials had allowed "perceptions and pre-conceived ideas to cloud the evidence".

The Minister added: "We are deeply sorry, not just for the appalling suffering and loss of life that occurred at McGurk's Bar, but also for the extraordinary additional pain caused to both the immediate families and the wider community by the erroneous suggestions made in the immediate aftermath of the explosion as to who was responsible."

In 1978, a UVF getaway driver received 15 life sentences for the murders. He remains the only person to be convicted in relation to the bombing.

Labour MP for Falkirk East, Michael Connarty, whose great-uncle died in the attack, raised the matter in the Commons last night, after the Historical Inquiries Team issued a report on the bombing. The Team had found the IRA had been falsely accused, despite evidence that linked loyalists to the attack.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward wrote to Mr Connarty to apologise, saying the tragedy of the Troubles was that "any of those people died", adding one of the things politicians must improve on was "actually taking on their responsibility".

Michael Connarty responded, saying he wanted the government to make a formal gesture to the families of the victims.

He added: "I am not sectarian and I take no sides in this. The families of the victims deserve an apology from the British government for the propaganda that was put about by the Army."

(JM/KMcA)