Dublin Monaghan UVF bombings: Reacting to Micheál Martin’s opinion on full disclosure of files, DUP MLA DIane Dodds says time for words is over
Micheál Martin’s opinion on full disclosure of Irish Troubles files is positive, but the time for words is over and it’s now time for action, the DUP says.
Speaking after the Deputy Irish Prime Minister said all Irish Troubles files should be opened to formal inquiries, Upper Bann DUP MLA Diane Dodds said it was a poignant day for the victims of the “horrific” Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which took place 50 years ago today.
"They all deserve justice,” she said. "The Republic of Ireland has lectured politicians in Northern Ireland and across the UK on how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles yet has repeatedly failed to face up to the role it played in the Troubles."The Irish Government, whilst calling for truth from the UK Government has been urged by the Courts to hold a Public Inquiry into the Omagh Bomb, yet has repeatedly refused the calls by families and others to set up such an Inquiry – despite the bomb being planned and built in the Republic.”
The Irish authorities have badly failed on transparency about the Kingsmill Massacre, she said.
And there have long been claims of Garda-IRA collusion in the murder of Ian Sproule in Castlederg in 1991.
“The findings of the internal Garda investigation into the alleged collusive elements have been withheld from the Sproule family for over 20 years.
"I will be writing to Micheál Martin seeking clarity as to whether all documents will now be handed over and whether there will be further public inquiries held into allegations of collusion between Garda and Republican terrorists.”