Arlene Foster: not too late for Irish government to reveal truth behind Kingsmill

Despite the passing of 45 years since the Kingsmills massacre, it is not too late for the Irish government help uncover the truth behind the atrocity, Arlene Foster has said.
By Mark Rainey
Published 5th Jan 2021, 17:47 BST
Updated 5th Jan 2021, 20:52 BST
Alan Black, who survived the 1976 Kingsmills atrocity, at a plaque commemorating the 10 men who were murdered by the IRAAlan Black, who survived the 1976 Kingsmills atrocity, at a plaque commemorating the 10 men who were murdered by the IRA
Alan Black, who survived the 1976 Kingsmills atrocity, at a plaque commemorating the 10 men who were murdered by the IRA

Speaking on Tuesday, on the anniversary of the IRA mass murder of Protestant workmen near Bessbrook in south Armagh, the DUP leader said it was time for the Irish state to reveal the extent of its relationship with the Provisional IRA.

On January 5, 1976, 12 textile workers were ordered off their minibus by several IRA gunmen. One of the men, a Catholic, was allowed to flee as the 11 Protestants were mowed down with automatic weapons. Although shot 18 times, Alan Black survived.

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Mrs Foster said: “Despite the passing of so many years, the pain felt by those who lost loved ones at Kingsmills remains undiminished. The sectarian slaughter witnessed at Kingsmills was undoubtedly one of the darkest days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and reminds us all of why we must never return to such times again.”

Mrs Foster also said it was unfortunate that many of the bereaved relatives have passed away without ever seeing anyone brought to justice for the murder of their loved ones.

“Just last month I raised the Kingsmills case amongst others with the taoiseach. The Irish government must play its role in getting to the truth in such cases,” she said.

“Ultimately these cases are also a test of commitment to the values which are so often raised in other cases. I look forward to discussions with the taoiseach on these cases in the near future,” Mrs Foster added.

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Her party colleague, William Irwin, said the families deserve “nothing less” than the truth.

The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “On the anniversary of this brutal murder my thoughts are with those who still grieve the loss of their loved ones on that cold January evening.

“The words of Alan Black just a few days ago were so poignant as he dedicated his MBE award to all the families who suffered so much.

“Forty-five years on from the murders, the families continue their long and dignified battle for truth and justice. They deserve nothing less.”