01/06/2004
Murphy begins four-day SA tour
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has begun a four-day trip to South Africa today to look at the country's truth and reconciliation process.
Mr Murphy hopes to learn from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was established to help South Africans overcome the divisions of apartheid, with the aim of establishing something similar in Northern Ireland.
Last week, Mr Murphy announced his intention to find some way to draw a line under the troubles in the province.
However, he said that while the South African model could be used to bring about such work, it would not be replicated exactly.
"We're not saying that's going to be absolutely the model for one second for Northern Ireland," Mr Murphy said.
"But I think there are ways we can talk to people who have expertise and experience, learn from them, particularly about the storytelling involved over the last number of years, and then take that experience back with us."
However, Mr Murphy's comments have been criticised by DUP MP, Iris Robinson who urged the government to remember victims killed in atrocities such as La Mon, Enniskillen and Claudy.
“With all the talk of utterly inappropriate amnesties for on-the-run terrorists, it is absolutely essential that we all, and especially the Government, remember the innocent victims of the IRA’s so-called war of the last thirty years and their relatives who still fight for justice," the Strangford MP said.
"All too often, the suffering of those so cruelly left behind are blatantly ignored in the haste to appease the terrorists who are responsible for causing the heartache and loss. Why should the insatiable demands of a terrorist organisation such as the IRA be fed before those of the innocent victims?
"As the Secretary of State travels to South Africa, I urge him to think of those who still grieve and wish for the truth much closer to home. Amnesties for on the runs are not just a perversion of the criminal justice system but almost tantamount to rubbing salt into the still open wounds of the innocent victims of the 'Troubles'.
(MB)
Mr Murphy hopes to learn from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was established to help South Africans overcome the divisions of apartheid, with the aim of establishing something similar in Northern Ireland.
Last week, Mr Murphy announced his intention to find some way to draw a line under the troubles in the province.
However, he said that while the South African model could be used to bring about such work, it would not be replicated exactly.
"We're not saying that's going to be absolutely the model for one second for Northern Ireland," Mr Murphy said.
"But I think there are ways we can talk to people who have expertise and experience, learn from them, particularly about the storytelling involved over the last number of years, and then take that experience back with us."
However, Mr Murphy's comments have been criticised by DUP MP, Iris Robinson who urged the government to remember victims killed in atrocities such as La Mon, Enniskillen and Claudy.
“With all the talk of utterly inappropriate amnesties for on-the-run terrorists, it is absolutely essential that we all, and especially the Government, remember the innocent victims of the IRA’s so-called war of the last thirty years and their relatives who still fight for justice," the Strangford MP said.
"All too often, the suffering of those so cruelly left behind are blatantly ignored in the haste to appease the terrorists who are responsible for causing the heartache and loss. Why should the insatiable demands of a terrorist organisation such as the IRA be fed before those of the innocent victims?
"As the Secretary of State travels to South Africa, I urge him to think of those who still grieve and wish for the truth much closer to home. Amnesties for on the runs are not just a perversion of the criminal justice system but almost tantamount to rubbing salt into the still open wounds of the innocent victims of the 'Troubles'.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.