‘No agreement from Kenny to meet innocent victims’ – Kennedy

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy has criticised Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny for his continued procrastination in not meeting with victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to Newry Times, Mr Kennedy said: “It is now almost one year since I first sought a meeting on behalf of the Kingsmills and other victims with Mr Kenny. I was assured at that time that he would participate in such a meeting. Colleagues and I have made several further queries with the Irish Government officials, the Tánaiste and directly to the Taoiseach for such a meeting. While we are assured every time that this will happen, Mr Kenny has failed to honour his commitment.”

“The Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed that the Secretary of State will meet again with the Kingmills victims and that if he is available he will also attend that meeting. This is very helpful by the UK government, while the Irish are continuing their obstruction.”

Kennedy continued “It appears that Mr Kenny is prepared to go to any lengths to support the Finucane family, however when it comes to other victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland like Kingsmills, Tullyvallen and Darkley all he gives is hallow commitments and promises that he doesn’t honour. There were many incidents during the troubles that have unanswered questions for the government of the Irish Republic. Surely it is not too much to ask of the Irish Premier that he fulfills his commitment to meet with some of these victims and progress a process of finding answers.”

“It is unfortunate that Mr Kenny is proving no better than past Irish Prime Ministers by refusing to accept the role played by the Irish in the troubles and refusing to co-operate with Northern Ireland victims and find them answers that they desperately seek,” he added.

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=14200

Posted by Newry Times News on May 16 2012. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry