Ulster Unionist MLA, Danny Kennedy has welcomed the news that Taoiseach, Enda Kenny is to travel to Bessbrook on Thursday to meet with the relatives of the victims of the Kingsmills massacre.
Mr Kennedy, who represents Newry & Armagh and who has worked closely with the Kingsmills relatives, said:
“The Kingsmills massacre in 1976 shocked not only Northern Ireland but much farther afield. The sectarian massacre of ten Protestant workmen by the IRA remains a stain on south Armagh.
“On Thursday Enda Kenny will travel to Bessbrook to meet with the relatives of the victims of the Kingsmills massacre, including the sole survivor of the atrocity, Alan Black.
“Thursday’s meeting will be the first time a Taoiseach has met in Northern Ireland with the relatives of the Kingsmills families.
“It is a follow up to the meeting held in Dublin in September 2012 and comes just ahead of the latest Coroner’s Court Hearing on Friday.
"I took the opportunity last week whilst in Washington, to refresh my invitation to the Taoiseach to travel to South Armagh and meet again with the Kingsmills families. I am pleased that he has accepted my invitation.
“I anticipate that the Taoiseach will want to say something to the families about co-operation from the Republic’s Government with regard to the Coroner‘s Court process.
“I sincerely hope that this meeting represents progress and offers the families real hope that after more than 39 years they may gain some measure of justice for the loss they suffered on that dreadful night.”