Press Statement 26 May 2010
The relatives and wounded of Bloody Sunday have expressed their relief that a publication date for Lord Saville’s report has finally been set for Tuesday, June 15, at 3.30pm.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson, confirmed the publication date in a written ministerial statement released today (Wednesday). He also announced that the Prime Minster David Cameron would be making the official statement to parliament on June 15.
Mickey McKinney, whose brother Willie was murdered on Bloody Sunday, said of today’s announcement: "It has been a long wait and we look forward to seeing the report’s findings and to see our relatives names cleared of the terrible accusations made against them in 1972.
"The British establishment have denied the truth for the last 38 years. It is our hope now that this report will finally set the truth free."
Kay Duddy, sister of Jackie Duddy, spoke of the relief felt following today’s news.
"It’s a relief to finally have a date for publication, but it will be very emotional for everyone involved. This report has been long awaited and we’re glad to see an end in sight. We are one step closer to laying our loved ones to rest."
John Kelly, brother of Michael Kelly, said that today is a day the families have long waited for.
He added: "We are delighted that at last a publication date has been announced. We look forward to the vindication for our loved ones and a declaration of innocence for all the victims of that terrible day.
"Not only are we, the families, looking forward to June 15th, but also the population of Derry and the wider world will finally have access to the truth about Bloody Sunday."
Tony Doherty, whose father Patrick was murdered on Bloody Sunday, added: "This is a very important occasion for the families involved and will no doubt be a very important occasion for the city of Derry too.
"This is about setting the record straight and ensuring that responsibility for the atrocity of Bloody Sunday is attributed to those responsible for the killings. This is also about exposing the lies of the Widgery Tribunal and establishing the full truth, a truth that we have for too long been denied."
Advance read
The Secretary of State also confirmed today that the wounded and relatives of those murdered on Bloody Sunday will be given the opportunity to view the Bloody Sunday Report before it is made public.
Lawyers for the families and wounded will be granted access to the report from 8am on June 15th, while the families and wounded will be allocated five hours advance sight from 10.30am onwards.
Similarly, those soldiers most directly involved and their lawyers will also be granted access to the report’s findings some hours before publication. Several key members of parliament will have an opportunity to see the report in advance of publication to enable them to respond to the statement made on the day of publication.
In addition, the Secretary of State revealed plans for a full day’s debate on the report of the Inquiry sometime in the autumn.