Louth Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed the formal commitment by the Labour government in the UK to repealing the Troubles Legacy Act in a speech delivered by King Charles following the state opening of parliament.
Senator McGreehan said: “I had previously stated that the Legacy Act would undoubtedly reopen old wounds and increase tensions in Northern Ireland, rather than promoting healing and reconciliation. I have consistently appealed to the UK government to reconsider a victim-centred approach and had supported our own government in taking a legal case against the Act.
“I very much welcome and thank the new Labour government for following through on their pre-election commitment to repealing the immunity clause which gave immunity to former British soldiers and others for acts committed.
“Dealing properly with the legacy of the past is very important and it is right that this Act will now be repealed.
“The Act’s repeal will be a relief to many victims and their families who have campaigned with such grace and dignity over decades. This Act did not support reconciliation, instead, it served to prolonged the legacy of hurt, trauma and distrust in the British State.
“I want to acknowledge the steadfast work of Tánaiste Micheal Martin and our government on this issue and also to congratulate the victims groups that have worked tirelessly on this.”
-ENDS-
