Ahead of the 50th Anniversary The Ulster Unionist Party Remembers Kingsmills Victims
The Ulster Unionist Party remembers the ten innocent men murdered by the IRA on 5 January 1976. Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard and Councillor David Taylor expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and sole survivor Alan Black.
Ulster Unionist Peer and Party Chair Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard said: “The 50th anniversary of the Kingsmills murders, like every day that passes, is, I’m sure, another painful reminder to the families of those killed and to the survivor of the devastation caused by those IRA murders.
“While previous investigations have yielded little comfort for those left behind and suffering, the Government of the Republic of Ireland had promised significant information in relation to these murders.
“However, they produced little more than newspaper cuttings that were already in the public domain.
“If this is the level of information we can expect through the new Legacy Bill from the Irish Government, their input will be of little use to the innocent victims of the Northern Ireland Troubles.
“This was a terrible act of sectarian murder against innocent people, with little comfort offered to the families and the survivor since then.
“My continued thoughts and prayers are with the families of those innocent victims who were murdered that day and with the sole survivor, Alan Black.”
”Ahead of the 50th Anniversary of the Kingsmills Massacre, Newry Mourne and Down District Councillor David Taylor said: “My thoughts are with the Kingsmills families and the sole survivor, Alan Black, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Kingsmills Massacre.
“This is a deeply solemn time for the local area and one that continues to weigh heavily on many people who retain vivid memories of the horrific events of 5 January 1976, when ten innocent Protestant men were murdered by the IRA as they returned home from their day’s work.
“We continue each year to remember an atrocity that remains one of the most shocking and cruel acts carried out by republicans during the Troubles, and one that left a lasting impact on the Protestant community in South Armagh.
“This year is particularly significant as we mark the 50th anniversary of the massacre.
“The families and Alan Black have endured decades of pain and trauma as a result of what happened at Kingsmills, and it is all the more regrettable that justice has yet to be achieved for this heinous crime.
“I will be attending a number of commemorative events locally over the coming days to show my support for Alan Black and the Kingsmills families, including remembrance services at Bessbrook Town Hall today and at the Kingsmills roadside memorial tomorrow.”
