The Ulster Unionist Party’s Newry & Armagh MLA, Danny Kennedy, has again highlighted the unacceptable wait which the families of the victims of the Kingsmills Massacre have had to endure for the re-opening of the coroner’s inquest into the murder of 10 Protestant workmen by the IRA in January 1976.
Mr Kennedy said:
“During Assembly Questions this week I raised the issue of the almost 40 year delay in the reopening of the coroner's inquest into the Kingsmills massacre.
“I find it totally unacceptable that so long after the cruel murder of their loved ones, the Kingsmills families and the sole survivor, Mr Alan Black, should still be waiting and I sought an assurance from the Justice Minister David Ford that the timeline now being indicated by the Coroners Service will be adhered to.
“I welcome the Minister’s reply that he too hopes the matter will be resolved speedily. He also confirmed that a preliminary hearing has recently been held and a further one is due to be held before Christmas time and that if matters can be arranged at that preliminary hearing, the intention is to proceed to a full hearing during the first half of 2016.
“I will be doing all I can to ensure that this matter is progressed and will continue to work with the Kingsmills families to ensure their cases are not forgotten and so that we can obtain the maximum justice.”