Brandon Lewis acknowledges 'terrible hurt' caused by Ballymurphy massacre

By Q Radio News/PA

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said he “deeply regrets” what the Ballymurphy families have had to go through.

He acknowledged the “terrible hurt” that has been caused to them and paid tribute to their “great patience” during their “determined” campaign.

“They should not have had to wait this long for details about the events that unfolded between August 9-11 1971,” he said.

“The Government will carefully consider the extensive findings set out by the coroner, but it is clear that those who died were entirely innocent of wrongdoing,” he added.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said he “deeply regrets” what the Ballymurphy families have had to go through for the past 50 years.https://t.co/1PGeuljKOo

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 12, 2021

However, he appeared to rule out any further inquiries or prosecutions of the soldiers who shot dead the victims of the massacre.

I deeply regret what the Ballymurphy families have had to go through. While I cannot change it, it renews my ambition to ensure that other families do not have to go through similar experiences in the future. My statement following today’s verdict👇🏻https://t.co/Yzoy0HlTgX

— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) May 11, 2021

He said: “This Government is clear that the current system for dealing with the legacy of the Troubles is not working for anyone – in particular, the families of the bereaved, such as those who lost loved ones in Ballymurphy in 1971, whose grief has been compounded by the long and difficult process of waiting for answers for so many years.”

He added: “This Government wants to deliver a way forward that will provide information about what happened during the Troubles in a way that helps families get the answers they want and lays the foundation for greater reconciliation and a shared future for all communities.”

Meanwhile the Moderator of the Presbyterian church Dr. David Bruce said the findings are another reminder of  Northern Ireland's shattering past.

The reactions came as a cavalcade of cars passed through Ballymurphy, thanking the community for its support over the past 50 years.

The convoy made its way through the streets of the area on Tuesday evening beeping horns, hours after a coroner ruled that the 10 people killed in the west Belfast shootings involving British soldiers in Ballymurphy in August 1971 were “entirely innocent”.

(Residents cheer a cavalcade of cars that drove through the streets of west Belfast to celebrate the findings of the inquest - PA)

The occupants of the vehicles waved white flags with the word “innocent” on them.

Locals lined the streets cheering and clapping, and banged bin lids on the footpaths as the cars made their way past.

Banging bin lids on the streets during the Troubles was a way of warning people the Army was in the area.

(A woman and child from Ballymurphy bang lids on the ground as a cavalcade of cars pass through Ballymurphy - PA)

The families of those killed have not been able to hold a large gathering to celebrate the findings due to Covid-19 public health restrictions.

But the families voiced their appreciation for all those who supported them through their campaign and joined them on the streets on Tuesday evening to celebrate the outcome of the inquest.

Carmel Quinn, whose brother John Laverty was shot, said: “I want to thank our whole community in Ballymurphy because in the early days of the Troubles they stuck with the families and helped us get through.

“Now we’ve got truth and now we’re going to seek justice.”

Joseph Corr was one of those who died - his grandson Neil says they've still to take in the enormity of the findings.

Liam Quinn, who was holding a poster of his brother Frank Quinn, said: “I’d just like to thank the people of Ballymurphy for all your support and everything you’ve done for us.

“Thank you very, very much.

“I love you all.”

Pat Quinn, another brother of Frank Quinn, said: “I’d like to thank everyone in Ballymurphy, I’m not originally from here but now I’m adopted.”

Mother-of-eight Joan Connolly was branded an IRA gunwoman by the Army after she was shot dead in Ballymurphy back in 1971.

Today her daughter, also Joan, struggles to accept her mum’s name has finally been cleared after a coroner found she and 9 others were entirely innocent. pic.twitter.com/dwUOv1DVRI

— Brett Campbell (@WbeeCampbell) May 11, 2021

Briege Voyle, another daughter of Joan Connolly, said the families could not thank the locals enough for their support.

“We will be praying for you every night,” she said.

“”Without you spreading the word for us we wouldn’t be standing here today.

“It’s not like in 1971 when they told lies on us.

“But today they told the truth and you’ll spread it for us.

“Our loved ones are innocent.”

She released a number of doves on behalf of the families.

Alice Harper reacts to the Ballymurphy Inquest findings that her father Daniel Teggart was an unarmed innocent civilian. pic.twitter.com/iDeXV6DmqA

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 11, 2021