Derry victims finally get international vindication - Keaveney

Donegal Fianna Fáil Senator Cecilia Keaveney welcomed the finding of the Saville Report and said that the unconditional apology from the British Prime Minister David Cameron is particularly important and welcome.

Senator Keavaney, who was born in Derry, said that she hopes the families of the people killed will be able to take solace from the contents of the Report.

“This is a hugely emotional day for Derry and for Ireland. After 38 years of battling for justice, we have public recognition of the innocence of the 14 people killed during the atrocity that was Bloody Sunday.”

“For all the families of those murdered and injured both on that day and over the past 40 years, this is truly an historic moment, for them and for Bishop Daly in particular. I hope that they are able to use this Report to move on from the horrific events of that day, while of course never forgetting their loved ones.”

“The declaration of the innocence of those murdered and injured, alongside the unconditional apology by the British Government, is vitally important. The first shot was fired by the British army. Those shot were not armed and did not pose a threat. There was no conspiracy. These are all equally important phrases contained in the Saville Report.”

“What would the history of the area have been had this grievous wrong not happened or even if it had been exposed and faced up to in a more timely fashion? Alas we won't know, but this victory of truth is a symbol for the world to see. I hope that people around the world can learn from the pain that these families have carried down the decades," concluded Senator Cecilia Keaveney.