Bloody Sunday Report Delayed - Again

A claim earlier this week by the outgoing SDLP Leader Mark Durkan that the Bloody Sunday Inquiry report will not be published until March next year has proved to be true.

He was commenting after speculation that the report wouldn't be published in December as promised.

Despite a number of lengthy delays, the Tribunal Chairman Lord Saville said on Thursday that he was "extremely disappointed" that the report would not now be given to the British government until March next year.

The news comes as a major blow to families of those killed by British soldiers in the 1972 shootings, and the Foyle MP said that the further delay "heaps huge distress to the families and adds complications to the consideration of the report".

"This news will be a huge disappointment and a matter of some concern to families.

"I fully share their frustrations and sympathies with them. This will have severe implications and could create many complications.

"I appreciate that NIO ministers Shaun Woodward and Paul Goggins are sincerely disappointed by Lord Saville's latest indication.

"I know from meetings with them that they have been working positively to prepare for the presentation and consideration of the report in a manner that both reflects its importance and respects the particular interests of the families," he said.

NI Secretary Shaun Woodward also said today that he was "profoundly shocked" by the delay.

But, in a letter to legal teams, Lord Saville said the report, which will run into thousands of pages, must be with publishers for some months before it can be finalised.

Thirteen people died after paratroopers opened fire during a civil rights march in Londonderry in January 1972. Another person died later of their injuries some time later.

Mr Woodward said: "I am concerned at the impact on the families of those who lost loved ones and those who were injured.

"I am equally concerned at the increased anxiety that soldiers serving on the day will suffer."

Meanwhile, Mr Durkan has ended speculation about his place as SDLP leader.

The SDLP executive has decided that Mark Durkan should stay on as leader until February when the party's annual conference is due to take place.

The decision was taken on Thursday at a specially arranged meeting to discuss the timetable for his departure.

The executive also backed his proposal to bring the date for nominations for a new leader forward to 1 November.

(BMcC/GK)