Key Takeaways
- The publication of a report on the IRA’s activities marks the end of a seven-year investigation, but not the end of the journey for families of victims seeking answers.
- The report’s failure to name "Stakeknife", a high-ranking IRA member, is a matter of deep regret and is insulting to the families of those murdered.
- The use of "neither confirm nor deny" (NCND) policy by the government is seen as a block to families getting confirmation and is not enshrined in any legislation.
- The families of victims are calling on the government to drop its use of NCND and provide more answers, including naming Stakeknife.
- The report’s authors fought hard to name Stakeknife, but were ultimately unable to do so.
Introduction to the Report
The publication of a report on the activities of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) has been met with a mixed reaction from the families of those murdered by the organization. While the report marks the end of a seven-year investigation, it is not the end of the journey for those seeking answers and justice. KRW Law, who represent the families of some of the victims, have issued a statement expressing their thoughts on the report’s publication. They acknowledge that the report "points the way forward to getting more answers", but also express their disappointment and frustration at the failure to name "Stakeknife", a high-ranking IRA member who is widely believed to have been a British agent.
The Significance of Stakeknife
The identity of Stakeknife is a crucial aspect of the report, and the failure to name him is seen as a major omission. Stakeknife is believed to have been a key figure in the IRA, and his actions are thought to have had a significant impact on the organization’s activities. The families of those murdered by the IRA are eager to know the truth about Stakeknife’s role and the extent of his involvement in the organization. By not naming him, the report is seen as incomplete and unsatisfying, leaving many questions unanswered. The statement from KRW Law notes that "the dogs in the street" know who Stakeknife is, highlighting the widespread knowledge of his identity and the absurdity of not naming him in the report.
The Use of NCND Policy
The government’s use of "neither confirm nor deny" (NCND) policy is seen as a major obstacle to families getting the answers they seek. This policy, which is not enshrined in any legislation, is used to block the release of information that is deemed sensitive or potentially damaging to national security. However, the families of victims argue that this policy is being used to protect the government and its agents, rather than to protect national security. They are calling on the government to drop its use of NCND and provide more answers, including naming Stakeknife. The statement from KRW Law notes that the Kenova team, who authored the report, "fought hard to name Stakeknife", highlighting the efforts that were made to include this information in the report.
The Impact on Families
The failure to name Stakeknife and the use of NCND policy is having a significant impact on the families of those murdered by the IRA. They are feeling frustrated, angry, and insulted by the government’s refusal to provide them with the answers they seek. The statement from KRW Law notes that not naming Stakeknife is "a matter of deep regret" and is "insulting to the families". The families are calling for more transparency and accountability, and are seeking justice and truth for their loved ones. They believe that the government has a responsibility to provide them with the information they need, and that the use of NCND policy is a block to this information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the publication of the report on the IRA’s activities is a significant step forward, but it is not the end of the journey for the families of those murdered. The failure to name Stakeknife and the use of NCND policy is a major obstacle to families getting the answers they seek. The government must drop its use of NCND and provide more transparency and accountability if it is to provide justice and truth for the families of those murdered by the IRA. The statement from KRW Law highlights the need for the government to take a more open and honest approach, and to prioritize the needs of the families of victims. Only by doing so can the government hope to provide the closure and justice that the families so desperately seek.