UK-Irish deal on Troubles legacy could be 'within weeks', says Harris
Jayne McCormack and Brendan Hughes, BBC News NI
The UK and Irish governments will know "within weeks" whether they can reach an agreement on Troubles legacy issues, the Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) has said.
Simon Harris said they have "made progress" on a way forward but he wanted to secure arrangements which are "vastly different".
Secretary of State Hilary Benn said he has "listened carefully" to concerns over current structures for investigating Troubles killings and he remained committed to "fundamental reform".
Both were speaking after a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) at Hillsborough Castle.
The BIIGC was set up under the Good Friday Agreement and meets twice a year. It has not taken place in Northern Ireland since 2006.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn hosted Harris and Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan.
Ministers discussed issues including the Labour government's ongoing move to repeal the controversial Troubles Legacy Act.
Reaching an agreement
Labour intends to retain a new legacy body set up under the legislation - the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
A number of victims' groups have called for the ICRIR to be scrapped, arguing it is not sufficiently independent to investigate killings during Northern Ireland's decades-long conflict.
Harris said he would like to "reach an agreement between the two governments on what legacy mechanisms would look like".
Speaking at the press conference, he added: "I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not.
"I really hope it is. We're both working in very good faith to try and bring that about."
‘Far too many families waiting far too long for truth’
The Tánaiste said that "far too many families" have "waited far too long for truth, for justice".
"And that's why I'm absolutely determined that we do everything that we possibly can to see if we can reach an agreement on a mechanism that is vastly different to the one available today," he said.
Harris said that if an agreement was reached, he would "hope to be in a position then" to reconsider the Irish government's legal challenge of the UK government over Troubles legacy issues.
The Secretary of State said he was committed to "absolutely fundamental reform" of the ICRIR, which he said was now investigating 50 cases.
"We have been in detailed discussion between the two governments on the nature of that fundamental reform because it will need to look very different, and I can assure you that it will," he said.
But he said it was a "pragmatic decision" to retain the commission rather than abolishing it "only then to recreate something that would not look terribly dissimilar".
"I can assure you I have listened very, very carefully to the criticisms that have been made to aspects of the structure and governance of ICRIR," he added.
"And I'm taking them very seriously in the proposals that I'm putting together."
Omagh bombing inquiry
At the press conference the Irish government's Justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan urged families to "have faith" in its pledge to cooperate with the Omagh bombing inquiry.
O'Callaghan said the Dublin administration was "fully committed" to facilitating the UK's public inquiry into the 1998 bombing.
Families of the victims have said there was a lack of consultation on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) announced earlier this month.
O'Callaghan said he believed the MoU "will be satisfactory in order for the families to get the truth that they so much deserve".
"I'd say to the families of the Omagh victims to have faith in what we have said we will do," he added.
"The Irish government is fully committed to putting all relevant documentation before the inquiry, and we will cooperate with Lord Turnbull (inquiry chair) in his work."
The conference also covered political stability, security, and other areas of bilateral cooperation.
It follows the UK-Ireland summit last month, where the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth.
The last BIIGC meeting, which was held in Dublin in December 2024, was overshadowed by the Irish general election.
During the meeting, British and Irish government ministers discussed a range of issues including the Troubles Legacy Act, the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and protecting the Common Travel Area.
It was the first BIIGC attended by Mr Benn since he became Northern Ireland secretary in July, after Labour won the UK general election.
What is the BIIGC?
It was designed to replace the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council (AIIC) and the Intergovernmental Conference, which was established under the 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement.
The BIIGC aims to promote bilateral co-operation on matters of mutual interest between the British and Irish Governments, including issues in relation to Northern Ireland.
The last time the meeting was held in Northern Ireland was at Hillsborough Castle in 2006, before another was held in Dundalk, County Louth, 2007.
No meetings of the BIIGC took place between 2008 and 2017, but it reconvened in 2018 following pressure on the then-Conservative government by Sinn Féin and the Irish government.
Since then, the meeting has alternated between London and Dublin.
Two governments will know ‘within weeks’ if agreement on legacy can be achieved
Cillian Sherlock, Cate McCurry, Grainne NÍ Aodha and Jonathan McCambridge, Irish News, April 25th, 2025
THE Irish and British governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues “within weeks”, the tánaiste said yesterday.
Simon Harris said both governments are working in “very good faith” to bring about an agreed position.
The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down yesterday.
Mr Harris was hosted by Secretary of State Hilary Benn at Hillsborough Castle for talks on legacy, security and political stability.
They took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues.
The meeting was also attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and the Republic’s justice minister, Jim O’Callaghan.
It was the first time the conference, established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006.
Two key tests
Mr Harris said the Irish government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy.
“Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families? They are the two principles, the two tests that we’re applying in our discussions,” he said.
“I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I don’t want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right.
“There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined.
“People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one.
“I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not.
“I really hope it is, and we’re both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.”
Legacy mechanisms are key
He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like.
Describing their meeting as “constructive”, he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
“I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, that’s where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past,” he added.
Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been “productive”, adding that the governments have “moved closer together” on an agreed position on legacy issues.
“Over the work that’s been taking place in recent months, we’ve moved closer together,” Mr Benn said.
“I think that’s a very fair reflection as what has been happening and we’re putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the tánaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement.
“Some of the issues are quite tricky – you wouldn’t expect me to go into them in this press conference today – but we’re putting the work in because we believe we’ll be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families.
People need answer while there is still time
“This is what it’s all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.”
He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of next month.
“There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined. People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one
Mr O’Callaghan described the meeting as “productive and engaging”.
“We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation,” Mr O’Callaghan added.
“I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish government to the inquiry.
“As well as discussing legacy, however, I think it’s also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.”
Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on London’s commitment to helping the executive “transform” public services. She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed.
“It’s been a very positive meeting,” she said.
“The recent release of £129 million from the UK government’s £235m transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and we’re keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.”
Failures in probe of loyalist murder laid bare in PONI report
John Breslin, Irish News, April 25th, 2025
AN ASTONISHING list of failures around the investigation into the loyalist murder of a Belfast father-of-five have emerged as the victim’s family questioned whether they can be explained by “mere incompetence”.
John O’Hara (41) was shot dead on his first night working as a taxi driver in April 1991 after being lured to his death in the south of the city.
His family’s long-held view that those involved were protected from prosecution has been reinforced by a Police Ombudsman report, their solicitor said.
Ombudsman Marie Anderson said their complaints were “legitimate and justified”, that the police inquiry was “not capable of bringing those responsible to justice” and that the RUC failed to “thoroughly and effectively investigate the murder”. She found that investigators failed to:
• Test the alibis of three arr rested suspects.
• Arrest five others identified through intelligence and other information as being involved.
• Seize clothing for forensic examination from any of the suspects.
Victim’s family sceptical about failures in probe of taxi driver’s murder
• Seize and carry out a forensic examination of a suspect vehicle, which a witness even identified as having the word ‘Chevette’ on its doors.
• Even interview leading loyalist Winkie Rea – identified as a suspect and who later confessed to involvement in the murder – because he was part of the ‘wrong group’.
• Take hair samples from suspects, including those arrested, and compare to strands taken from a balaclava found near the scene.
• Test the balaclava for gunshot discharge residue.
• Place images before, or set up an identification line up for, a witness who watched as the murder gang removed their balaclavas.
• Even begin enquiries into who made the telephone call luring Mr O’Hara to his death, or where it came from.
In addition, the weapons used in the gun attack, part of a haul imported from South Africa in 1987, have disappeared while the ombudsman investigation was impeded by the loss of records, including interviews conducted with two arrested suspects.
Two former senior officers refused to assist
Two former senior officers refused to assist the investigation, though the ombudsman received cooperation from others.
The ombudsman investigation also found police received intelligence in March 1991 the taxi firm was on a hitlist of targets compiled by the Shankill UFF.
It could not be established whether management or employees were made aware of this threat. Mr O’Hara had no known political or paramilitary affiliations.
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, of the PSNI’s justice branch, said the thoughts of the service “are with the family of John O’Hara today”.
“John was an innocent man murdered in a sickening sectarian attack,” he said.
“I note the failings the Police Ombudsman has identified in the original investigation and the Police Service of Northern Ireland will now take time to carefully consider the Police Ombudsman’s report in full.”
Solicitor Pádraig Ó Muirigh, on behalf of the family, said: “The breadth and nature of these failings cannot be explained by mere incompetence.
“The O’Hara family have a longheld view that those involved in the murder were protected from prosecution by the RUC. That view has been reinforced by these findings.”
On April 17 1991 Mr O’Hara, a heating engineer by trade, was on his first shift working for Regal Taxis based in the Short Strand area of east Belfast. When he arrived to pick up a fare on Dunluce Avenue, gunmen emerged from an entry and fired shots through the driver’s side window. The UFF admitted responsibility the following day.
John O’Hara, a 41-year-old father-of-five, was gunned down in April 1991
No evidence of collusion
The ombudsman report, which found no evidence police had information that could have prevented the murder, said eight suspects were quickly identified as potentially involved in the assassination. Only three were ever arrested.
There was no evidence any of the alibis by the three arrested were ever tested. One was interviewed 21 times over the course of three days, but Mr O’Hara’s murder was mentioned twice, briefly.
Winston Churchill Rea (also known as Winkie Rea) died before his trial in connection with the murders of John O’Hara and John Devine
The late loyalist Winkie Rea was identified as being involved in the murder. However, police dismissed this lead as he linked to the “wrong group”, the Red Hand Commando.
Rea, who later confessed on the Boston Tapes to involvement, was in 2016 charged in connection with the murder. After years of the case dragging through the justice system, Rea died in December 2023.
Following the murder, a witness reported seeing two men running across a footbridge and taking off their masks before jumping into a red Vauxhall Chevette car on Donegall Avenue. The car even had the word Chevette on its doors.
Police identified a man who lived near the scene of the murder and drove a red Chevette with similar distinctive markings. He was interviewed as a witness, gave an explanation to police as to his whereabouts but police were unable to fully corroborate his account.
The car was never forensically examined while the witness was never asked to identify the men she saw taking off the masks, either via photographs or in a line up.
Twelve hairs were retrieved from a balaclava discovered about a mile from the scene three days after the murder. No hair samples were taken from suspects.
The two guns used in Mr O’Hara’s murder were a 9mm Browning pistol recovered in Moira in January 1992, following another murder, and a .32 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, recovered in Belfast in 1995. Both weapons have disappeared.
“I am of the view that weapons used ought to have been retained by police for evidential purposes in respect of unsolved murders, including Mr O’Hara’s. I am critical of this systemic practice by police and have referred to this issue in other reports,” said Mrs Anderson.
The investigation found no ‘collusion’, which was raised by the family as they alleged police failed to keep them updated on the progress of the murder investigation
Law firms respond to Boutcher comments on legal fees
Allan Preston, Irish News, April 25th, 2025
LAW firms representing Troubles victims yesterday responded to comments from the chief constable over the ballooning cost of compensation cases.
On Wednesday Jon Boutcher said the PSNI has paid out twice as much to lawyers than victims in civil compensation claims over six years.
Between 2018 and 2024 the service resolved “30 challenging civil cases” at a cost of £25 million – of which £7.3m went to victims and £17.7m to lawyers.
Mr Boutcher said the PSNI was not funded for this and that “an attritional approach” from security agencies in terms of disclosing information on the cases was creating “a green-field site for lawyers”.
Gavin Booth from Phoenix Law told The Irish News: “The key issue for our clients has always been getting to the truth.
“The reality is if the PSNI, MoD or any other state body wanted to end the ongoing civil cases for our clients, they could sit down, provide families with the answers they seek through discovery and enter into proper discussions on settlements.
“These cases do not need to last decades but have been dragged out with delay after delay by state parties.”
Kevin Winters from KRW Law said he welcomed the chief constable’s description of the “resource sapping” approach to legacy from security agencies.
“That important concession helps provide much-needed context for the cost incurred in litigating cases on behalf of Troubles-related next of kin, many of whom have been waiting for years to get some sort of closure,” he said.
“It nails down exactly why there has been an exponential increase in court costs and in turn highlights the need for an overhaul of the currently outdated resourcing arrangements.”
He said families would be “alarmed and concerned” that the PSNI had insufficient resources to meet potential future settlements and damages payments.
“That is completely unacceptable. There needs to be a root-and-branch examination of the precise reasons why resourcing of legacy litigation continues to be met by the current PSNI policing budget,” he said, adding that some families questioned if this was a deliberate tactic to excuse the ongoing delays.
Job was ‘extremely challenging’
He said his job was made “extremely challenging” by often facing down “vexatious” motions to strike out court cases, including an attempt to stop civil actions by the Dublin-Monaghan bombing bereaved and injured.
Keeping in regular contact with the chief constable to find a more collaborative approach, Mr Winters said this recently involved calling for an immediate intervention to resolve a long-running High Court action on behalf of a victim of the Glenanne Gang who is life-limited.
He also called for immediate remedial action after the deaths of three other Glenanne-linked bereaved and injured clients – James Hughes, Adrian Mullan and John McNeice – of which none lived to see the conclusion of their case.
He said the “logistical inflexibility” of state defences was not only driving up costs, but also serving to “time out many people from ever seeing their cases through to a satisfactory conclusion”.
“ The reality is if the PSNI, MoD or any other state body wanted to end the ongoing civil cases for our clients, they could sit down, provide families with the answers they seek through discovery and enter into proper discussions on settlements
Referendum 'long way off' says Benn as unity poll row rumbles on
Belfast Telegraph, April 25th, 2025
The Secretary of State has insisted “nothing has changed” and a border poll remains “a long way off” after a row over comments by a Northern Ireland Office minister.
Hilary Benn tried to dodge questions on whether opinion polls will play a role in deciding when to call any future referendum.
It came as UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said he was writing to Mr Benn seeking clarity on remarks by Fleur Anderson.
In an interview published at the weekend, Ms Anderson indicated that opinion polling will factor into any decision on calling a vote on Irish unity.
The Northern Ireland Office later insisted the “responsibility for a referendum sits solely with the Secretary of State”, as it attempted to distance itself from her comments.
Speaking yesterday, following the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, Mr Benn said: “There is only one criterion relating to a border poll, and it's extremely clearly laid out in the Good Friday Agreement.”
The 1998 peace deal gives the Secretary of State the power to call a border poll; with a duty to do so at any time it appears likely that a majority would favour a united Ireland.
There are no set criteria for when a referendum would be triggered, and previous incumbents have refused to outline what exactly would be required.
However, asked about the criteria by AgendaNI, Ms Anderson said: “It would be based on opinion polls.”
Mr Benn repeatedly refused to be drawn into those details at Hillsborough Castle yesterday.
Earlier in the week, the DUP's deputy leader Michelle McIlveen branded Ms Anderson's comments “disgraceful” and “divisive”.
Referendum 'long way off' says Benn as unity poll row rumbles on
The Secretary of State has insisted “nothing has changed” and a border poll remains “a long way off” after a row over comments by a Northern Ireland Office minister.
Hilary Benn tried to dodge questions on whether opinion polls will play a role in deciding when to call any future referendum.
It came as UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said he was writing to Mr Benn seeking clarity on remarks by Fleur Anderson.
In an interview published at the weekend, Ms Anderson indicated that opinion polling will factor into any decision on calling a vote on Irish unity.
The Northern Ireland Office later insisted the “responsibility for a referendum sits solely with the Secretary of State”, as it attempted to distance itself from her comments.
Speaking yesterday, following the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, Mr Benn said: “There is only one criterion relating to a border poll, and it's extremely clearly laid out in the Good Friday Agreement.”
The 1998 peace deal gives the Secretary of State the power to call a border poll; with a duty to do so at any time it appears likely that a majority would favour a united Ireland.
There are no set criteria for when a referendum would be triggered, and previous incumbents have refused to outline what exactly would be required.
However, asked about the criteria by AgendaNI, Ms Anderson said: “It would be based on opinion polls.”
Mr Benn repeatedly refused to be drawn into those details at Hillsborough Castle yesterday.
Earlier in the week, the DUP's deputy leader Michelle McIlveen branded Ms Anderson's comments “disgraceful” and “divisive”.
Asked for his response to Ms McIlveen's rebuttal, Mr Benn said: “Well, I simply repeat what I said in answer to the earlier question… the position has not changed. There's one criterion.
“It's set out in the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. It is a political judgment for the Secretary of State at the time.
“Now, I think this is a long way off and there's so many other things for us all to be focusing on in Northern Ireland, but that long-standing position of successive governments has not changed and there's nothing more I think either of us [Hilary Benn and Fleur Anderson] can say.”
Ms Anderson — who appeared at the press conference — did not answer questions regarding her comments.
However, Mr Nesbitt has written to Mr Benn seeking clarity.
In his letter, seen by this newspaper, he states: “It has been my understanding that previous Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland have avoided definitive comment regarding said criteria, so it would be useful to understand (i) if the quote attributed to Minister Anderson is accurate and if so (ii) is this now NIO policy?”
Earlier this week, Mr Nesbitt said it “would be a brave secretary who would rely exclusively on opinion polls for that evidence, given people might well vote aspirationally in opinion polls, but more cautiously come the real thing”.
The row, reported in Monday's Belfast Telegraph, was also raised at Prime Minister's Questions this week by South Antrim MP Robin Swann.
Mr Swann also asked Sir Keir Starmer to confirm he was a unionist after Ms Anderson said she was “unsure” in her interview.
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference was set up under the Good Friday Agreement and meets twice a year.
Ministers discussed various issues yesterday including legacy, given the ongoing move by Labour to repeal the controversial Legacy Act.
There’s one criteria
Asked for his response to Ms McIlveen's rebuttal, Mr Benn said: “Well, I simply repeat what I said in answer to the earlier question… the position has not changed. There’s one criteria
“It's set out in the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. It is a political judgment for the Secretary of State at the time.
“Now, I think this is a long way off and there's so many other things for us all to be focusing on in Northern Ireland, but that long-standing position of successive governments has not changed and there's nothing more I think either of us [Hilary Benn and Fleur Anderson] can say.”
Ms Anderson — who appeared at the press conference — did not answer questions regarding her comments.
However, Mr Nesbitt has written to Mr Benn seeking clarity.
In his letter, seen by this newspaper, he states: “It has been my understanding that previous Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland have avoided definitive comment regarding said criteria, so it would be useful to understand (i) if the quote attributed to Minister Anderson is accurate and if so (ii) is this now NIO policy?”
Earlier this week, Mr Nesbitt said it “would be a brave secretary who would rely exclusively on opinion polls for that evidence, given people might well vote aspirationally in opinion polls, but more cautiously come the real thing”.
The row, reported in Monday's Belfast Telegraph, was also raised at Prime Minister's Questions this week by South Antrim MP Robin Swann.
Mr Swann also asked Sir Keir Starmer to confirm he was a unionist after Ms Anderson said she was “unsure” in her interview.
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference was set up under the Good Friday Agreement and meets twice a year.
Ministers discussed various issues yesterday including legacy, given the ongoing move by Labour to repeal the controversial Legacy Act.
Tanaiste Simon Harris said the British and Irish governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on legacy issues “within weeks”.
He said both governments are working in “very good faith” to bring about an agreed position.
Mr Harris said: “People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one.
“I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not.”
He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like.
Describing their meeting as “constructive”, he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been “productive”, adding that the governments have “moved closer together” on an agreed position on legacy issues.
Unionist parties join others on Belfast council to offer condolences at meeting
Andrew Madden, Belfast Telegraph, April 25th, 2025
Unionist parties on Belfast City Council have extended their condolences to the Catholic community following the death of Pope Francis.
A special meeting of the council was held yesterday evening following the death of the pontiff on Monday at the age of 88.
Pope Francis passed away at his home in Casa Santa Marta after suffering a stroke and subsequent heart failure.
A book of condolence has been opened at City Hall, while yesterday's meeting was held following a request from Sinn Fein.
The meeting was opened with a minute's silence, while Lord Mayor Micky Murray offered his sympathies and condolences, “on behalf of the people of Belfast”, to those mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
“His death marks the end of an era. And this moment offers us all a chance to reflect on the values and empathy, dignity and care for others that he often spoke of,” Mr Murray said.
“Pope Francis was a champion of peace and was the second pope in the church's history to set foot on Irish soil.”
DUP Tribute
DUP council group leader Sarah Bunting said: “On behalf of the DUP group, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Catholic community in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and further afield, on the passing of Pope Francis.
“While many of us come from different traditions and theological backgrounds, we recognise the significance of this moment for our Catholic neighbours.
“The pope was a spiritual leader to millions, and his passing will be deeply felt by many families, parishes and communities.
“At a time when Northern Ireland continues to work towards peace, stability and mutual respect, we acknowledge the importance of shared understanding and compassion. Moments like these remind us that humanity and decency must always transcend division.
“We offer our sympathies to those in mourning, and trust that your faith will be a source of comfort and strength in the days ahead.”
Sinn Fein's Ryan Murphy said, throughout his papacy, Francis “focused on speaking out in favour of the disadvantaged”.
He added: “When asked about the sexuality of priests, he famously said: 'Who am I to judge?' He spoke out against climate change and the impact that capitalism has had on creating a polluted wasteland full of debris, desolation and filth in the pursuit of power.”
Mr Murphy added that the late pope was “an avid champion of peace and peace-building”.
“He rightly called out the Russian invasion of Ukraine and consistently called for peace between those two countries,” he said.
“And likewise, when it came to what was going on at the moment in Palestine, he rightly called out what he described as Israeli terrorism on the people of the Gaza Strip.”
Acknowledging differences
The Ulster Unionist Party's Jim Rodgers said: “I never had the opportunity of meeting [Pope Francis], although I have met previous popes, but he came across as a very deep-thinking man, a caring individual, and one who would have gone the extra mile to try and bring people together.
“I think all of us should respect his tremendous leadership, the way he went about his business, and I offer our deepest sympathy to all those of the Roman Catholic faith.”
The TUV's Ron McDowell acknowledged the differences between himself and the pontiff but nonetheless extended his condolences to the Catholic community.
“The difference between a Shankill Road Orangeman and an evangelical, and the Pope — there's a gulf between the two,” he said.
“But nonetheless, I think of the people of the city that I represent as a civic leader.
“And I think of the people, those Catholics that have stood on conservative platforms with me.
“I think of the people that have come to me for help, whom I have helped with housing and am still helping, who may be heavy of heart this evening.”
SDLP council group leader Seamus de Faoite described the late pontiff as a “man of great moral authority”.
He added: “He was someone who used his position as head of the Catholic faith to reach out, to bring inclusion to people where quite often there had not been.
“I think, in the context of today's world, that moral authority will be deeply missed.”
The Green Party's Anthony Flynn also offered his condolences.
“I'm speaking as someone who lost his faith a very long time ago, but I can humbly say that, throughout the years, I've had nothing but respect for Pope Francis and how he conducted his work over the past decade,” he said.
“Largely, the Catholic Church has been seen as a bastion of conservatism and protectionism throughout its recent history, but Pope Francis paved the way for modernising views, particularly regarding LGBTQ people and on women serving in the church.”
No 10 knew SF's O'Hare admitted kill bid but still sought amnesty for her
Sam McBride, Belfast Telegraph, April 25th, 2025
ATTORNEY GENERAL FEARED TONY BLAIR'S PUSH FOR A SECRET PARDON COULD LEAK
Downing Street knew that senior Sinn Fein figure Rita O'Hare had admitted trying to kill a soldier and said she was proud of it — but it still put enormous pressure on the legal system to grant her a secret amnesty.
The revelation — which involves an individual who Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness repeatedly told ministers was crucial to the peace process — is contained within previously confidential Government files declassified at The National Archives in Kew.
O'Hare, who was Sinn Fein's representative in the US and then its point of contact with the Irish Government, had fled Northern Ireland in 1972 while on bail for the attempted murder of a soldier, Frazer Paton.
Sinn Fein repeatedly attempted to go outside the terms of the Good Friday Agreement to secure a secret amnesty for O'Hare and other IRA fugitives — despite the party now saying that it is strongly opposed to an amnesty for all those involved in the Troubles.
The minutes of a meeting between the Attorney General, Gareth Williams, Secretary of State Peter Mandelson and a small group of civil servants on July 6, 2000, recorded that Mandelson said “that, in O'Hare's case, he had, on balance, argued on public interest grounds that she should not be prosecuted.
“The Attorney General said he had not reached a decision yet but he bore in mind that the offence was a serious one, that the victim was, as far as we were aware, still alive and that she had admitted the offences […] the Attorney General added that issues of disclosure would arise in such a case.
“He said that if a decision was made not to prosecute, there was the possibility that the affidavit sworn by O'Hare in the extradition proceedings from the Republic would be leaked. The affidavit expresses her pride in what she was doing when she shot the soldier.”
It appears that the affidavit referred to was a sworn statement O'Hare had given to the High Court in Dublin in 1978 prior to it ruling that her alleged offence was “political” and thus she couldn't be extradited to Northern Ireland.
Other files discovered last year by the Belfast Telegraph show how successive Attorneys General, along with the Director of Public Prosecutions in Belfast, resisted intense and sustained political pressure emanating from Downing Street, and stood over their refusal to drop the case against O'Hare.
Ministers knew about Blair’s ‘On the runs’ letters
The files also show that ministers and officials knew what they were secretly doing to try to allow wanted, on-the-run terrorists to return without prosecution would be difficult to defend in public.
In a confidential July 18, 2000, memo to Tony Blair, Peter Mandelson said bringing in legislation to give a de facto amnesty to IRA members “is obviously the more satisfactory way of meeting the Sinn Fein point if we wish to do so”. But he went on to say: “I have serious doubts about the effect on the Government's standing of taking through Parliament a bill on these lines in the next session.
“It would revive all the emotions around the original sentences legislation, but without the cover of the Good Friday Agreement, which contained nothing about fugitives.
“It would be easy for our opponents to identify individual cases involving horrendous terrorist offences. At the very least, it would be argued that it was premature to wipe the slate so clean while the IRA still held on to its arms.”
Another file shows that Blair privately admitted that, in his haste to do a deal with the IRA over decommissioning, he hadn't properly thought through the consequences of allowing on-the-run terrorists back into the UK without any prosecution or penalty.
In January 2001, senior NIO official William Fittall recorded that “in private exchanges with Bill Jeffrey and with me, the Prime Minister went through more thoroughly than he had done previously the balance of arguments in relation to OTRs [On The Runs].
“He acknowledged that he had not previously focused on the conceptual difference between mitigating penalties, as under the early release scheme, and treating crimes as if they were not crimes.”
The note added: “He still judged, overall, that the interests of the peace process justified not proceeding with prosecutions and extraditions for old offences, but he recognised that there were issues of principle which would be vigorously argued in Parliament if legislation was brought forward...”
As it became clear that Sinn Fein was — yet again — not going to sign up to support the police, he said that “the Irish [Government] could not resist the temptation to press proposals on policing which were wholly unrealistic. More generally, they paid little more than lip service to the need to secure a package which Trimble could live with.
“Policing remains the issue where Dublin will back Sinn Fein on demanding more, even if, on the substances, Dublin have more sympathy for the SDLP's shopping list.”
Ultimately, 187 IRA fugitives would get 'letters of comfort', allowing them to return to the UK — but O'Hare would not be one of them.
She died in 2023 and was buried in Dublin, with Gerry Adams giving the oration at her graveside.
New IRA behind trouble at Derry parade, court told as man is charged
George Jackson, Belfast Telegraph, April 25th, 2025
Violence which flared in Londonderry on Easter Monday is believed to have been orchestrated by the New IRA to prevent police from investigating a dissident republican parade, a court heard yesterday.
A man charged with offences under the Terrorism Act was at the parade in a “professional capacity” providing security, his lawyer said.
Thomas Joseph Moore (55), from Farren Park on Buncrana Road, has provided security at several events in the city, including a visit by former US President Bill Clinton, his solicitor said.
Moore appeared before Derry Magistrates Court yesterday and was charged with assisting in arranging a meeting which he knew to be supporting a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA.
He was further charged with aiding and abetting unknown persons in wearing paramilitary clothing in support of a proscribed organisation and aiding and abetting unknown persons in failing to comply with conditions imposed by the Parades Commission.
When charged with the three offences, each of which carries a maximum jail sentence of six months, the defendant replied: “This is all nonsense. All I was doing was stewarding.”
A PSNI detective inspector said that he could connect the defendant to the offences.
Petrol bombs
The detective said that at Monday's parade, after which 50 petrol bombs were thrown at the PSNI, the defendant was seen liaising with masked men.
The officer said the Derry parade was an annual event which “traditionally results in significant public disorder”.
He said that on Monday a number of the participants were masked and observed to be wearing paramilitary-style uniform.
“This was a direct failure to comply with the first condition set by the Parades Commission,” he added.
The officer said Moore was identified, by an air support unit, directing a group of masked men to the parade starting point.
He added: “There were several outbursts of public disorder with petrol bombs being thrown at police by youths. One petrol bomb struck a building that needed to be extinguished by police.
“It is assessed that this is highly likely to have been orchestrated by the New IRA to prevent police from disrupting the now illegal parade.”
The detective told the court that Moore, at the end of the parade, was observed walking to a dark coloured gazebo, adding: “The only purpose of this gazebo appears to be to facilitate the changing of clothes by the masked and uniformed parade members.
“At that stage, police believe young people were shamelessly and deliberately used to distract police from that area and distract police from gaining evidence of people changing out of their parade clothing.”
He said the gazebo was later recovered by the police in the defendant's security company van as he drove from the scene after the parade.
The officer told Deputy District Judge Brian Archer that bail was objected to on the basis that the defendant could interfere with witnesses in an ongoing police investigation.
The officer added that, if granted bail, the defendant could leave the jurisdiction. He also described the defendant as being “influential in the republican community”.
Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey told Judge Archer that the defendant had worked in the local security business for 35 years, during which time he worked as a steward at numerous public events, including international football matches, music festivals and the 1995 visit by Bill Clinton.
“He was at this parade on Monday in a professional capacity,” the solicitor said.
“One of the police officers there has worked with the defendant at previous public events and the defendant has worked hand-in-hand with the PSNI at a multitude of events during his security stewarding career.
“His name, address, mobile phone number and van registration number were all on the application form submitted to the Parades Commission for this event.”
Granting bail, Judge Archer said the defendant did not have a relevant record, the last entry being over 30 years ago.
He said the defendant had stewarded at many public events in a security capacity and he did not have any role in organising last Monday's parade.
He then released Moore on his own bail of £500 on the condition that he continued to reside at his current address and would not participate in any republican events.
Judge Archer also refused a police application to have the defendant electronically monitored when on bail.
A solicitor for the Public Prosecution Service said the bail decision would be appealed.
The case was adjourned until May 22.
'Concern' as council chair poses with Lynagh tribute
Garrett Hargan, Belfast Telegraph, April 25th, 2025
SF MAN JOINS PARTY CHIEF MCDONALD IN PICTURE HONOURING NOTORIOUS IRA MAN
A Sinn Fein council chair's presence at an event where one of the IRA's most notorious figures was commemorated has sparked a row.
The DUP has raised “serious concerns” following the appearance of councillor Eugene McConnell beside a banner honouring Jim Lynagh, a senior figure in the terror group's East Tyrone Brigade.
The party has reported the matter to the Standards Commissioner for local councils.
Mr McConnell is the chair of Mid Ulster District Council and a councillor for Clogher Valley.
Photographs show Mr McConnell standing behind a banner for 'Oglach Jim Lynagh Cumann, Clogher'.
The banner depicts firearms and paramilitary symbolism, a move the DUP says is “deeply offensive” to victims of IRA violence.
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald is pictured alongside him.
It is understood the photograph was taken in Carrickmore on Sunday, where Ms McDonald addressed an Easter commemoration.
Lynagh was shot dead by the SAS at Loughgall as the IRA mounted a gun and bomb attack on the village's RUC base in May 1987.
Eight IRA men were shot dead in the ambush. Anthony Hughes, a civilian who was travelling through the village in a car at the time, was also killed.
‘Deeply concerning’
Paul McLean, the DUP group leader on Mid Ulster District Council, hit out at Mr McConnell's actions: “It is deeply concerning that Councillor Eugene McConnell, as chairman of Mid Ulster District Council and its first citizen, took part in an event last Sunday commemorating Provisional IRA terrorist Jim Lynagh.
“By standing behind a banner displaying firearms and paramilitary imagery, Councillor McConnell's actions will understandably be seen as offensive and hurtful to the many victims of IRA violence.
“Whether intended as a tribute or not, this act appears to glorify an individual associated with sectarian terrorism and sends a profoundly damaging message about the values we are meant to uphold as elected representatives.
“The Councillors' Code of Conduct clearly states that we must promote mutual respect, uphold the law and avoid any conduct that could bring our office or council into disrepute.
“There can be no moral ambiguity when it comes to condemning terrorism.
Glorifying terrorism
“Glorifying those involved in sectarian violence only undermines the work of all who strive for peace and reconciliation in our communities.
“The DUP group will ensure that the Sinn Fein chairman, and any other councillors involved in this matter, are held accountable.
“We will also be referring this incident to the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards for investigation. Councillor McConnell's actions have damaged public confidence and must be addressed with the seriousness they warrant.”
Sinn Fein has been contacted.
At Sunday's event, Ms McDonald repeated Sinn Fein's calls for a border poll by 2030, saying: “This is a time of great change. We are living in the end days of partition as a new generation looks to the possibilities of unity with fresh hearts.
“The conversation is live, happening in real time. We must prepare for unity referendums this decade.”
