TD invites families of the ‘Disappeared’ to the Southside

A LABOUR Party TD has invited families of Northern Ireland’s

‘Disappeared’ to bring a moving exhibition to the Southside.

Dublin Mid West TD, Robert Dowds, was part of the delegation of politicians who travelled to Belfast to meet the families of those people who were abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA during the Troubles.

The Labour delegation, which also included TDs Ged Nash, Aodhán � Ríordáin and Jack Wall, has reiterated the call for those who have information on the Disappeared to come forward.

The issue was highlighted recently in a hard-hitting TV documentary.

According to Deputy Dowds, the families asked the delegation to continue to give them support and to raise awareness about the issue in Dublin.

Now, in a bid to keep the issue in the spotlight, Deputy Dowds is inviting the families of the victims to the Southside to host an exhibition for the public on their ongoing search for their loved ones’ remains.

“I was part of the delegation that visited Belfast for a series of pre-arranged meetings with political representatives and community groups,

? he explained.

“We visited the exhibition on the Disappeared at Belfast City Hall where we had an opportunity to meet with several of the families.

“It was very clear to us that the families continue to experience the abject pain of not knowing where their murdered family members’ remains now lie.

“They are satisfied with the support they have received to date from the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and the Irish Government, and we expressed our continuing solidarity and support in their ongoing search for justice and finality.

?

He added:

“Families are convinced that there are people out there who participated in the abduction, transport, execution or burial of their loved ones who hold the key for them to locate where their loved ones lie.

“It is only right and just that any individual who is withholding vital information regarding the Disappeared should come forward and help bring this devastating chapter to an end for the families concerned.

“The families have also asked us to continue to highlight their plight publicly and to keep the issue at the top of the agenda.

“To this end, I invited them to the Southside to present their exhibition to members of the public.

?