Letter: Jeffrey Donaldson trial shows that justice in Northern Ireland is not seen to be politically motivated and will be carried out as required
A letter from Maurice Fitzgerald:
Ex-MP and DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson put his victims through a trial and retraumatised them to defend his dishonesty and criminal activity.
In the Republic, this aspect in such cases is nearly always mentioned, but not so noticeable in NI.
Putting up a defence, even though fully entitled, in such cases of extreme mental trauma is seen by some as despicable. In such cases no leniency should be given where someone who has committed a crime puts their victims through hell again in order for them to get justice.
But there is one good thing notwithstanding the conviction which has come out of the trial and that is that NI justice is not seen to be politically motivated and will be carried out as required.
However, there still remains rightful criticism of the inordinate length of time the case took to go to trial.
The DUP was quick to scathingly condemn its ex-leader’s actions, but questions remain about party knowledge of a potential serious liability.
There have been many shocks in public life like Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris, Huw Edwards and Gary Glitter, and one wonders indeed how many others are hiding in plain sight protected by their public status until victims have the courage and confidence to speak up.
Public life is just not what it seems and there are very dark and clandestine corners indeed. But thankfully things can be brought into the light and victims given satisfaction.
Maurice Fitzgerald, Shanbally, Co Cork