Loughinisland Report Release Date Welcomed By Ritchie

SDLP Leader and South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has received confirmation that the long-awaited report into the Loughinisland killings will be released by the Ombudsman in the week beginning 21st March 2011. Speaking after receiving this news, Ms Ritchie said,  “I am pleased that at long last the Loughinisland Report will be published in the week beginning 21st March 2011. The families of those murdered have waited nearly 17 years for information about how and why their loved ones were murdered in such a barbaric way. “I hope that this report will reveal why this happened, and bring to light any evidence of collusion, MI5 involvement and, importantly, recommend the next steps in relation to prosecutions and obtaining justice for the families and their loved ones. “The Loughinisland murders devastated our tight knit and harmonious local community, and after such a lengthy wait, and questionable delays on the release of this report, I hope that its release will begin the process of healing and not bring further frustration and grief to the families and our community.”]]>