08/05/2002

DUP leader accuses Saville Inquiry of discrimination

The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Dr Ian Paisley has accused the Bloody Sunday Inquiry of “political discrimination”.

Having ignored a witness summons to attend the Inquiry on Tuesday, Mr Paisley testified on Wednesday following a threat that he would be reported for contempt of court if he ignored an order to appear.

Giving his testimony on Wednesday Dr Paisley accused the Inquiry of “political discrimination” and said that he was amazed by their attitude to him and the obvious haste to get him there.

Lawyers had wanted to question the North Antrim assembly member why his party called off a counter demonstration planned for the same day outside the Guildhall at the last minute. However Mr Paisley said that he was not involved in the planning of the demonstration and did not know why it was called off.

He said the tribunal should ask the party officer quoted in the press at the time, adding that this man had not been questioned or ordered to give evidence.

Christopher Clarke QC, counsel to the inquiry, assured him every effort was being taken to get him to give evidence.

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry sitting in Derry is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by British Army soldiers during a civil rights march in the city. A 14th person died later.

Set up by British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1998 following a campaign by the families and relatives of those killed, the Blood Sunday Inquiry is expected to report its findings in 2004. By which time the Inquiry’s bill is expected to top more than £120 million.

(AMcE)




Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
12 May 2010
Hamill Probe Seeks Public's Views
The Robert Hamill Inquiry is inviting members of the public to submit their views on any issues they believe the Inquiry should cover in its recommendations. The Inquiry intends to deliver its report, together with a series of recommendations, to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the end of the year.
06 February 2004
DUP unveil 'corporate' NI Assembly proposals
The Democratic Unionist Party has unveiled short-term proposals to reconstitute the NI Assembly without ministers. The hardline unionist party has revealed a plan that would appear to circumvent some of the many problems that face the British and Irish governments who are currently attempting to get a power-sharing Assembly back on course.
12 September 2024
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
20 September 2021
Call For Public Inquiry Into Dalradian Gold Mine Projects
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has called on the Planning Appeals Commission to launch a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine projects. Making the call, Minister Mallon said: "In June 2020 I announced that the Dalradian Gold Mine project at Greencastle, County Tyrone would be the subject of an independent Public Inquiry.