§ Q8. Mr. GodmanWhen he last met the Taoiseach to discuss matters relating to the issue of a review or a public inquiry into Bloody Sunday; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI last met the Taoiseach on 12 December in the margins of the European Council meeting in Luxembourg and we have spoken on the telephone regularly since then, including on the issue of 1012 Bloody Sunday. I recognise that the pain and distress of 30 January 1972 still exist after 26 years; we have a duty to address that. The mass of material prepared by the Irish Government has required thorough examination by more than one Government Department. We hope to be in a position to make a statement on it soon.
§ Mr. GodmanDoes the Prime Minister agree that to end that dreadful affair, in the interests both of the families of those killed and of wider public confidence, an inquiry should be held sooner rather than later and its overriding aim must be to uncover the truth? Does he also agree that the families of those killed neither demand nor seek revenge or the prosecution of the soldiers concerned? They demand, rightly and properly, the uncovering of the truth of that awful day, which can best be achieved by an inquiry.
§ The Prime MinisterI understand the strong feelings of the relatives of those killed on Bloody Sunday. I know how strongly my hon. Friend feels about this issue. Like many others, he has a long-standing interest in Northern Ireland. However, it would not be right to pre-empt the statement that we shall make. I assure him that we are investigating all the evidence submitted to us very carefully and will make a judgment based on the facts.
§ Rev. Martin SmythI understand the Prime Minister's concern to take matters quietly, calmly and logically. However, when speaking with the Taoiseach, has he asked for an apology from, and even an investigation into, those who armed and financed the Provisional IRA in the early days? Given that others are asking for an inquiry into so-called Bloody Sunday, has he had anything like an apology from those who commissioned and commanded Bloody Friday in Belfast, when innocent citizens were murdered?
§ The Prime MinisterMany innocent people on both sides have been murdered over the years in Northern Ireland and those who are responsible for the killing should show remorse—of course they should. That should happen whatever circumstances gave rise to the killing. We shall examine carefully the evidence that has been submitted to us. That is our duty as a Government. The hon. Gentleman will know that we are looking at how to have a proper monument to the victims of violence and the killings in Northern Ireland. We are well aware that that has happened on both sides.