Bloody Sunday Inquiry on the Horizon: Government Considers Independent Probe

Strategic Insights -

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has reportedly asked British Prime Minister Tony Blair to launch a full investigation into the 1972 killing of 13 civilian marchers by paratroopers in Londonderry, sparking speculation of a new inquiry. Labour Party officials believe both Blair and Ulster Secretary Mo Mowlam are sympathetic to Ahern's request, with one official stating that he genuinely believes both leaders support the call for a new inquiry. The move comes as the next anniversary of the Bloody Sunday killings approaches on January 30, with Ahern pushing for a resolution before then.

Key Takeaways:

  • Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has requested a full investigation into the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
  • Labour Party officials believe Blair and Ulster Secretary Mo Mowlam are sympathetic to Ahern's request for a new inquiry.
  • A Downing Street spokesman confirmed that Ahern and Blair spoke on the phone about the killings, but declined to comment on whether Ahern called for an inquiry.
  • Dr. Norman Godman, chairman of the Labour Party backbench Northern Ireland Committee, will question Blair about the issue in the House of Commons next week.
  • There has been speculation that Blair may offer an apology for the killings and order a new "nonprosecution" inquiry.
  • Ulster Secretary Mo Mowlam has stated that she would hope for a resolution before the next anniversary of Bloody Sunday on January 30.

Statistics:

  • 13 civilian marchers were killed by paratroopers in Londonderry in 1972.
  • The next anniversary of the Bloody Sunday killings is on January 30.
  • Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has asked for a full investigation into the killings.
  • The Labour Party backbench Northern Ireland Committee has been discussing the issue with Ulster Secretary Mo Mowlam "on several occasions."

Sources:

  • Belfast Telegraph
  • Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ)