Republican News · Thursday 25 July 2002

McKerr and Jordan famiilies appalled at delay

The families of Gervaise McKerr and Pearse Jordan both shot dead by the RUC in separate incidents in 1982 and 1992 have called on the British government to tell the truth about taking steps to enforce damning human rights judgements.

Thirteen months after unprecedented European judgements criticised the State role in handling the aftermath of the controversial killings, the families continue to be obstructed in their quest for the truth by the government and judiciary. The British government has failed to address the severe criticisms raised by the European Court.

Patricia Coyle, Partner with Madden & Finucane, who represent the McKerr/Jordan families, said "the delay in implementing these judgements is overwhelming. The failure of the government suggests a tactical strategy to delay proper investigations for another ten years.

"We have written to Jane Kennedy, Security Minister at the NIO who has told us that the government has drawn up a package of measures and submitted this to the Committee of Ministers.

"We have had no clarification as to what this package of measures is, when it was submitted or when the Committee of Ministers will consider it. A year after the judgements, we are no further forward."