The Bloody Sunday inquiry was urged today to determine the extent of former British prime minister Sir Edward Heath's responsibility for the deaths of the 13 people shot dead by troops in Derry over 30 years ago.
In his final submission to the Saville Inquiry, Lord Gifford QC said the inquiry needed to pronounce in its report on the responsibility of British political leaders, including Sir Edward, for "the disaster of Bloody Sunday".
The-then prime minister had authorised tough action knowing there was a risk of bloodshed on a potentially large scale, he said.
"It is serious for the reputation of men who have held the highest office of state. It is important for the families also that you should pronounce up to what level, military and political, you hold people responsible for the acts of the soldiers on Bloody Sunday."
Prior to Bloody Sunday on January 30th, 1972, a choice had been made, initially it seemed at a military level, to allow a measure of tolerance for unlawful marches, he said.
But he said: "By the end of January the choice was made to enforce the law with rigour. In the making of that choice, the prime minister played a decisive role."
Sir Edward "did not urge restraint" he said. "He felt no need because he had made a choice that the law should be observed, if necessary at the cost of damage to the marchers at the hands of the army."
He added: "Taking off the kid gloves, which Sir Edward Heath clearly authorised, and applying the law with rigour, as he clearly intended, was something which had a price and the risk was deliberately run."
PA