Cathal BarryBishop Edward Daly has welcomed the decision by police in the North to restart an investigation into the events of Bloody Sunday.
The retired Bishop of Derry, who ministered to the victims on the day, told The Irish Catholic he was “happy” the PSNI has decided to resume their inquiries. “I am happy if the families of the victims are happy and they seem to be. I welcome it,” he said.
The events of ‘Bloody Sunday’ on January 30, 1972 saw 13 Catholic civil rights marchers shot dead in the Bogside area of Derry after British paratroopers opened fire on crowds at the demonstration. Fourteen others were wounded and one later died.
A PSNI probe had been launched following the publication of the Saville Inquiry in 2010 which found that those shot were innocent. The investigation, however, was effectively brought to an end last year due to financial constraints.
Bishop Daly, who was called as a witness to the Saville Inquiry, said he did not think he would be re-interviewed as part of the current investigation.
“It has been a long period of time since, but I think my original statements will hold still,” he said.
The new team of 12 detectives, which is being led by senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Ian Harrison, began its work this week. Peter Madden of Madden & Finucane Solicitors who represents the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday “cautiously” welcomed the development.
“We will be meeting with DCI Harrison shortly in order to seek assurances in relation to the police’s commitment to seeing this investigation through to a successful conclusion, and in particular that this investigation will be adequately resourced to enable it do so and to restore public confidence,” he said.