In light of today's judgment on the murder of Jason, Mark
and Richard Quinn, I would ask the RUC to confirm from the
evidence that they have before them that there is no link
between the Orange Order and the protest at Drumcree in relation
to the murder of the Quinn children. According to today's
judgment the murders were a combination of a sectarian attack
by the UVF and a personal grudge between Gilmore and the uncle
of the three boys.
The Chief Constable's words on the morning of 12th July 1998
in no small way were interpreted as connecting the protest
at Drumcree with the murders in Ballymoney. Indeed it weighed
heavily on my mind when I said no road was worth a life let
alone the lives of three young boys.
The time has come for the full truth to be made known over
these dreadful killings so that the good name of Orangeism
is restored.
I fully understand the deep sense of hurt experienced by
the good and decent Orangemen of Portadown and Ballymoney
and regret if in any way I added to their hurt at that time.
For their sake and honour the truth needs to be made public
for all to see that the vast majority of Orangemen are decent,
honourable and law abiding citizens who wish only the best
for everyone.
I would once again put on record my continued support for
the right of Portadown District Lodge to exercise their civil
liberties through the completion of their traditional route
from Drumcree Parish Church to Carleton Street via Garvaghy
Road.
I unreservedly continue to condemn the violence at Drumcree
in previous years from whatever source it came from, which
in no way advanced the cause of Christ or true Orangeism.
I can assure the Quinn family of my and the Order's absolute
commitment to ensuring that justice is done for their family
and assure them of our prayers at this time..
|
