This past week four victims including myself went to Dublin and met a cross party group of politicians. Our group consisted of two Protestants and two Catholics all fighting for truth and justice. We went as one strong voice without political views or religion in our thoughts. It’s an insult to the memories of our murdered family members that we have had to travel across the border and seek help and support from politicians from another jurisdiction. There are several reasons for that. Firstly our politicians in Northern Ireland have shown no real desire to help all the innocent victims and secondly on every debate or “initiative” regarding victims it comes down to blame, religion and politics. Cross community is the way forward for victims. I would also go as far to say that any groups who portray themselves as victims support groups and receive funding must have a policy that their board and paid workers are 50 per cent Protestant and 50 per cent Catholic. This will help to provide a balanced viewpoint from these groups. If groups dont agree then withdraw their funding. We should all work together in relation to victims without religious or political agendas. In Dublin we were well received and respected. I hope our political dinosaurs have learnt something from four cross community victims working together for truth and justice.
Raymond McCord Victims campaigner North Belfast
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