TUV South Down Assembly candidate Councillor Henry Reilly this morning attended the service marking the 40th anniversary of the Kingsmills massacre.
Commenting Councillor Reilly said:
“It was moving to attend today’s solemn service as I have done every year now for some time. Of course, because this year is the 40th anniversary of the massacre it has understandably received greater media attention than in previous years.
“When one meets the sole survivor and the loved ones of those who were slaughtered that day you are struck by the fact that as far as they are concerned the massacre is not something which happened four decades ago but something they live with every day.
“Even by the brutal standards of the blood soaked IRA Kingsmills stands out as a particularly savage and callous act. It can justly be compared with the worst excesses of Islamic State. Here were men returning from their place of work taken out and shot because of their religion.
“Their only crime was that they were Protestants.
“It is sobering to remember that just a few short months ago a report commissioned by Her Majesty’s Government reminded us that the origination behind Kingsmills remains in existence and is still gathering intelligence. The terrorists who used guns to kill ten innocent Protestants that dark and miserable January evening retain weapons which would allow them to do the same again should they decide that doing so would further their cause. The wicked IRA Army Council which oversaw those cold blooded sectarian murders remains in place.
“And yet some Unionists continue to partner Sinn Fein/IRA in government – knowing that it is overseen by the IRA Army Council!
“Northern Ireland will only see true peace and genuine progress when those responsible for deeds like Kingsmills are brought to justice, not elevated to power. From meeting the victims today I was struck once again by the fact that their desire for justice remains undiminished. It is a damning indictment of Northern Ireland and our political process that with all the talk about addressing victims needs at the current time no one expects any deal to result in those behind Kingsmills being held accountable before the courts.”