The government’s proposal to close most of the 2,000 open cases from Northern Ireland’s recent violent past is a drastic and controversial idea. Whether or not it is an acceptable way forward will depend upon the context in which this change of approach takes place.
It is my view that there was nothing achieved in Ireland through the use of violence that could not otherwise have been achieved through peaceful means. That is the tragic reality of the episodes of violence over the last 100 years or more. In particular, it is the lesson from that recent period of conflict we too simplistically call the Troubles.
Thousands died and were injured, economies and relationships were wrecked, deep divisions opened up and parts of Northern Ireland were balkanised. I will maintain that view for the rest of my life and nothing will persuade me otherwise. I do, however, also appreciate that once our society deteriorated into violence many were caught up in it and did things that they now wish they had done differently.
In 1998, people north and south decided their future would be different and endorsed that message and that this place that I and many others call Northern Ireland would become a shared home place, and we should work to make it prosper socially and economically.
This vision holds firm, whatever shape Brexit finally takes and the acceptance of this formula creates a foundation to ensure that the violence of the past is never repeated. It is a platform on which to build a genuinely peaceful and stable future for us all. If we have genuine buy-in to this basis for our future, it will also create an environment in which we can better decide how to deal with the crimes of that violent past.
It seems that the government is inclined to ‘move on’ rather than deal with crimes through the existing justice system. If that is to be the case, can we secure an unqualified apology from those who committed the crimes, to get the process started?
If we decide not to use the current justice system, I have some suggestions about how an alternative might look.
If unqualified apologies, comprising statements of responsibility from the major actors or their proxies, were secured, that could be followed by a review of every case, in which as much factual history as possible is gathered, bearing in mind any national security concerns. The review would include an appraisal of the impact of the death of the loved one or their serious injury on the wider family. We could hold a ‘Day of Reflection’ when we would all stop and think about those who were blighted by the hatreds that disfigured our society.
A pension would be awarded to seriously injured victims. This scheme is finally making progress and a common-sense definition of victim hood should be restored.
The paramilitary murals must come down and those organisations must leave the stage once and for all. Anybody responsible for murdering police, prison officers, and soldiers in the future would be required to serve a minimum of 25 years.
Politically, we commit to building a genuinely shared society, particularly through our schooling system.
If the government’s proposals don’t take place against this type of context there is a danger of passing our hatreds onto our children with the inevitable further conflict.
TREVOR RINGLAND
Holywood, Co Down
Politics is not something that coronavirus recognises
Michelle O’Neill and Arlene Foster have very different political outlooks. This could not possibly be news to any person living in the north of Ireland. They are also individuals and will have different opinions on many things – as we all do.
They happen to be joint first ministers of the executive which contains a total of five parties. Do we really expect that they will all agree on everything? No, they will not. But we are in a major crisis. A pandemic like no-one living can remember. A situation where we must act as one to protect life.
Politics is not something that this virus recognises. Nationalities and boundaries are totally irrelevant to this virus. We must, as a people, fight this enemy as a threat to all of us on a global scale.
We live on planet earth. We cannot defeat this unseeable enemy alone. All of us must work together. We must support our frontline workers and do nothing to jeopardise them.
Our political leaders, whether you agree with them or not, are doing their best to save lives here. Support them, follow their instructions. Let our heroes in the NHS, our shopkeepers, care workers, truckers, bin men and all those others out there who are putting their lives on the line get on with saving us.
SEAN SEELEY
Craigavon, Co Armagh
Mr Sullivan should get over fears of future
The sentiments expressed in Mr Robert Sullivan’s rather alarmist letter – ‘Bending to the will of leaders’ (April 7) – need some explaining. We do not have the US or Chinese form of “Homeland Security” in Ireland, north or south, and whatever opinion the Irish people have of government it is certainly not one of fear - perhaps ineptitude or complete disregard would be closer to the truth!
Martial Law has never caught on in Ireland and the PSNI and Gardaí are generally regarded as police services. Lockdown has been imposed in much of the world over recent weeks and most sensible people have accepted it for what it is – a necessary hardship to stop the spread of the virus – and when confinement is ended we will probably flock, with more enthusiasm than ever, to enjoy the freedom and beauty of what is the best country in the world to have the privilege to live.
I would exhort Mr Sullivan to “brighten up” and get over his fears for the future.
EUGENE F PARTE
Belfast BT9
Health care provision
AS a front-line NHS worker for 34 years I don’t care who delivers PPE as long as it is delivered.
I also don’t care who builds the additional field hospitals as long as they are built.
I also don’t care who provides the expert care in the additional field hospitals as long as it is provided. I will just thank them and salute their courage.
In the midst of the greatest health care crisis the world has faced in living memory the time for political sensitivities has long passed. Everyone needs to support the earnest and decent Health Minister Robin Swann in his very challenging role.
Dr POL Mac CORMAIC
An Suaitreach, Co Doire
Just get it done minister
LAST Friday the British health secretary said there was “logistical difficulties “ in getting PPE equipment to medical personnel.
What he is talking about ? Nowhere in Britain is more than 350 miles apart. I work in logistics and you can deliver anywhere overnight.
Get it done Mr Health Secretary or get out.
PAUL DORAN
Clondalkin, Co Dublin
