A Newry and Armagh MLA has urged the PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton to “restore the badly shaken confidence” of the families of the Kingsmills Massacre victims.
Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy was in Belfast yesterday when the long-awaited inquest into the atrocity was adjourned.
The Coroner made the decision on Wednesday to allow the PSNI to investigate fresh evidence, after it was reported a palm print had come up with a match.
Now Mr Kennedy has called on the Chief Constable to take action to restore confidence of the families – and sole survivor Alan Black – in the judicial and investigative processes.
Ten Protestant textile workers were lined up and shot by the IRA at Kingsmills on January 5, 1976. Nobody has ever been convicted.
Mr Kennedy said he had attended the inquest and heard the evidence submitted by the now retired State Pathologists, who “gave very graphic accounts of the deaths of the innocent Protestant workmen”.
He continued: “It confirms my view that this was a barbaric act of sectarian savagery carried out by the Provisional IRA.
“I share the view expressed by the Coroner Mr Sherrard that recent disclosures in the press have shaken the confidence of the families as to ‘who to believe.’
“I believe the families do wish the inquest to continue, but there is now a very clear onus on the Chief Constable and the PSNI to assert control of the fresh criminal investigation and ensure that the badly shaken confidence of the families and the sole survivor, can be quickly and urgently restored.”
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