Sir, – While we welcome the decision of The Irish Times to publish the critique of the British government’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill by Padraig Yeates, our secretary, which provides a very critical but different analysis of the legislation from most commentators, the headline in Monday’s paper is misleading.
It reads: “Troubles Bill won’t address the deep divisions that persist” (Opinion & Analysis, May 30th).
The main thrust of the article is that it is the continuing reliance on the traditional “judicial and police investigatory procedures” in the Bill that needs to be addressed.
These procedures have failed victim, survivors and the people of Northern Ireland time and time again. The article advocates amendments to embed the sort of mediation and reconciliation models pioneered in South Africa in the Bill.
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It also points out the need to involve the Irish Government in the consultation process if it is to ensure international oversight and make it acceptable to all those affected by the Troubles, and particularly to victims and survivors.
With these amendments and a proper compensation package, this Bill could be made workable, particularly as it allows victims and their families to initiate investigations through the commission. – Yours, etc,
HARRY DONAGHY
(Belfast),
JOHN GREEN
(Wicklow),
Joint Chairs,
Truth Recovery Process,
Dublin 13.