Newry and Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy has welcomed news that a date has been set for an inquest into the Kingsmills Massacre.
Ten Protestant textile workers were killed in the attack in South Armagh, when they were ordered off a minibus on January 5, 1976, lined up and shot.
One man, Alan Black, survived the attack.
Now Coroner John Leckey has directed that an inquest into the killings open on June 1 next year.
“I must pay tribute to Mr John Leckey for pursuing this case,” Mr Kennedy said.
“While it is nearly 40 years on, it remains important. A new inquest provides the opportunity for new information and detail to be brought to light.
“The families and campaigners are to be congratulated on their dogged persistence in ensuring that Kingsmills has not disappeared from the public view.
“I have campaigned alongside them over the years and I am glad that they have finally received this news.”
Mr Kennedy was present in 2012 when the families travelled to Dublin (pictured) to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny, a meeting also attended by sole survivor Mr Black, which consisted of an hour of discussions.
Read more news:
MLA seeks change to tackle noise nuisance from wind turbines
Major art sculptures now completed in Lurgan and Portadown
Sickening scenes of vandalism in Keady as flower beds uprooted
Former Drumadd Army Barracks sold for business park redevelopment
Police seize large quantity of alcohol from bus going to ‘after formal’ event
Rare recordings relating to Irish War of Independence to ‘go public’ in Armagh
Westlife hunk Kian Egan to give open air gig in Armagh
