Government told to 'come clean' over Bloody Sunday

SDLP West Belfast assembly member, Alex Attwood, has called on the government and army to "come clean" over the truth about what happened on Bloody Sunday.

Mr Attwood, who was in London today at a Bloody Sunday Rally, paid tribute to the families of those who were killed nearly 31 years ago.

He also claimed senior politicians and army officers were seeking to avoid responsibility for actions taken on January 31 1972 when 14 people were killed by army gunfire.

Mr Attwood said: "Despite delays and doubts about the tribunal, the dignity of the families and the decency of their campaign endures. While senior politicians and army officers seek to evade responsibility the families seek the truth.

"Even now the army, Ministry of Defence and government should come clean. There is a growing risk that a few soldiers and officers will be blamed to avoid those of greater authority and responsibility being named. There should be 'no cover up'."

The Saville Inquiry, which was set up by Prime Minister Tony Blair to reinvestigate the events of Bloody Sunday, usually sits at the Guildhall in the maiden city. However, the inquiry has moved to London in recent days so that evidence from military witnesses and former Prime Minister Edward Heath could be heard.

Lord Saville and the Commonwealth judges who comprise the inquiry, are not expected to report back until 2004.

(MB)