Madam, – It has been deeply moving to hear the generous and dignified apology from the British prime minister, David Cameron, for what happened in Derry in January 1972. My parents, who grew up in Northern Ireland, could never have envisaged such an apology.
Virtually every family across that entire community was affected by the turmoil which followed Bloody Sunday. My cousin and best friend, Fr Noel Fitzpatrick, was shot dead on a Belfast street.
Many acts of outrageous violence, inflicting unfathomable grief, were committed in the name of Ireland.
I also, would like to say “On behalf of our country, I am deeply sorry”. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Having left Derry after what I witnessed on Bloody Sunday as a 17-year-old, it is difficult to put into words the absolute elation I feel that the “real truth” about what happened there has finally been told in such a comprehensive, indisputable manner by Lord Saville’s report.
An apology issued to the people of Derry by a British prime minister, especially a Conservative one, is something that I would never have believed possible. The forthright and sincere apology given by David Cameron was truly magnanimous and by broadcasting it live to the people of Derry and the world, it has finally lifted a dark cloud which hung over the city and its diaspora for the past 28 years.
I wish to praise the relatives of those murdered on that ignominious day for their courage and determination throughout the past 38 years as they sought to clear the reputations of their departed ones.
By their dignified approach they have proven to be an inspiration to us all and I feel that the “truth” of the Saville report will prove to be an important part in the healing process between all the parties of the conflict. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – “As I was walking leaving Guildhall Square someone shouted to me, ‘a good day for Ireland’. ‘It was’, I wanted to shout back, ‘a good day for Ireland and a good day for England’.”
This concluding comment by Denis Bradley in his response to the publication of the Saville report and the response by the British prime minister (Opinion, June 17th) is perhaps the most significant statement by any spokesperson seeking atonement between Ireland and Britain. Denis Bradley has ever shown courage and integrity when it is most needed. – Yours, etc,