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Disappeared families 'given cold welcome at Stormont'

Anne Morgan, sister of Disappeared victim Seamus Ruddy, by locked gates to the steps of Stormont. Picture by Hugh Russell.
Anne Morgan, sister of Disappeared victim Seamus Ruddy, by locked gates to the steps of Stormont. Picture by Hugh Russell. Anne Morgan, sister of Disappeared victim Seamus Ruddy, by locked gates to the steps of Stormont. Picture by Hugh Russell.

THE families of the Disappeared were initially 'locked out' from the steps of Stormont yesterday during their annual walk of remembrance.

Every year, families of people abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans during the Troubles take part in a 'Silent Walk' at Stormont and lay a wreath in memory of their loved ones.

The families normally walk from the statue of Edward Carson and lay a wreath on the steps of Parliament Buildings.

However, Oliver McVeigh, whose 19-year-old brother Columba is among the 16 Disappeared, said the families were given a "cold welcome" on Monday.

He said gates were locked at the front of the steps to Parliament Buildings and families had to wait until they were opened.

"We did get to lay the wreath in the end but it wasn't the most auspicious of welcomes," Mr McVeigh said.

Mr McVeigh said Stormont staff had been told on Friday that the families of the Disappeared would take part in their annual walk.

"This has never happened in the ten years that we have been doing this walk," he said.

"They did not really show us too much goodwill.

"It took a bit of a gloss off the day."

The Assembly was contacted for comment but had not replied by late last night.

The Silent Walk came just a day after the anniversary of Columba McVeigh's disappearance.

Mr McVeigh, from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA 40 years ago.

Although extensive searches have been carried out at Bragan bog in Co Monaghan, his remains have yet to be recovered.

The remains of three other men still have not been found. They are: former Cistercian monk Joe Lynskey; English teacher Seamus Ruddy - who is believed to have been buried in northern France - and British army captain Robert Nairac.

Mr Ruddy's brother Terry and Mr Lynskey's niece Maria were among those who took part in yesterday's walk.

Earlier this year the remains of Disappeared victims Kevin McKee and Seamus Wright were discovered in a shallow grave near Coghalstown in Co Meath in June - 43 years after they vanished.

At the weekend Mr McKee's sister Philomena made an emotional plea for fresh details about other missing victims.

"In the last year the Megraws have got Brendan back, the Wrights have got Seamus back and we've got Kevin," she said.

"I hope and pray that the four families still waiting will get the phone call that meant so much to us.

"If anyone has any information please give it to the ICLVR (Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains)."

Anyone with information can contact ICLVR's confidential telephone number on 00800 55585500 or write to ICLVR, PO Box 10827, Dublin 2.