NI must deal with its past to secure a peaceful future: Murphy

Northern Ireland must deal with its past if the wounds of the past 30 years of violence are to be healed, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.

Speaking before setting off to South Africa to talk to those involved in the Truth and Reconciliation process as part of the country's attempt to deal with the past, the Secretary of State said that there was a desire in Northern Ireland to deal with what is a "complex and sensitive subject".

During his visit to South Africa, Mr Murphy will meet with former president F W de Klerk and ANC Transition Negotiator Cyril Ramaphosa. He is also scheduled to visit the Centre for Conflict Resolution at the University of Cape Town.

In a recent statement in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State signalled to MPs the government's determination to findings ways of dealing with the past.

"In South Africa, I will be looking at different ways in which we can possibly deal with the past. I've got an open mind on what it might be but I want the debate to start," Mr Murphy said.

"There is a genuine desire in Northern Ireland to deal with the past so that we can have greater healing and greater reconciliation."

Initially, this will take the form of a series of discussions with a wide range of people which will lead to wider consultation, the NIO said.

(gmcg)