The Ulster Unionist Party Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh, Danny Kennedy, has welcomed the decision not to proceed with a march on Saturday through the village of Whitecross in South Armagh, which would have remembered those who were killed in the Kingsmills Massacre.

 In a statement Mr Kennedy said:

 “I very much welcome the decision by the parade organisers and the victims of Kingsmills not to proceed with the march on Saturday.  The decision was taken in the interests of community relations.  I know that this decision was difficult and indeed painful for many however it is a huge gesture of goodwill and I wish to commend the organisers and the Kingsmills families in taking this step.

 “The decision not to march on Saturday does not in any way take away from the need to obtain clear answers as to who carried out the massacre at Kingsmills.  There is still palpable hurt within the local Unionist community.  The recent report which was undertaken by the Historical Enquiries Team highlighted the need for many questions still to be answered.  Only by discovering the truth will closure and healing be brought to the families who lost loved ones in this horrific tragedy.

 “I believe that the vast majority of people in Whitecross will accept this decision in the spirit in which it has been made.  However I know that the families will be looking towards the local community in Whitecross and elsewhere in South Armagh and their political representatives to ensure that the Kingsmills massacre is properly commemorated in the future.

 Mr Kennedy continued:  “I would again reiterate my call for the Taoiseach to meet with the Kingsmills families.  Regretfully, it appears that some elements within the Irish Government appear to be hampering any attempt to organise a meeting.  This is very disappointing and does nothing to bolster the confidence of the families or indeed the Unionist community in looking to address the past.  I know that the Taoiseach has indicated that he is willing to meet with the families and I would respectfully ask him to ensure that this meeting happens as a matter of urgency.