The Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice Spokesperson, Neil Somerville MLA, has expressed his disappointment at the news that the McConville family still have to wait for justice for their mother who was abducted and murdered in 1972.  

Mr Somerville said:

“Today’s announcement by the Public Prosecution Service, that despite Police investigations, there is insufficient evidence to prosecute seven people in connection with the abduction and murder of Jean McConville in 1972, will come as a further disappointment to the family.

“The McConville family’s search for justice has lasted 43 years. It is a disgrace that they are still seeking justice for their mother after all this time.

“In the debate on welfare reform, Sinn Fein has made great claims of seeking to protect the most vulnerable in our society. If Sinn Fein is serious about this, then they should begin with the McConville family.  Due to the actions of the IRA, a widowed mother of ten children was abducted and murdered. Ten children were orphaned and sent into the care system.

“Of all the human tragedies visited upon society by the IRA, this stands equal with the most cruel. The republican movement knows who was responsible. It claims that it fought a war against the British, and if that is the case, then the targeting of a mother like Jean McConville was clearly a war crime. Republicans are very quick to demand ‘truth and justice’ in relation to the deeds of others, but is incapable of admitting the truth about its own past crimes and actions.

“The murder of Jean McConville and their other crimes will haunt the republican movement and its leaders forever. It is a stain on the very name of Ireland.”