'Even after almost fifty years, truth still matters. Answers still matter. Families still have the right to both'
SDLP Councillor Malachy Quinn has said the findings into the murder of Rory O’Kelly are a stark reminder of the human cost of the Troubles and the importance of truth and accountability for families who have waited decades for answers.
Rory O’Kelly, a Coalisland man, solicitor and founding member of the SDLP, was murdered by the Provisional IRA after returning to his hometown to attend a funeral.
Commenting on the report, Cllr Quinn said in a statement that Mr O’Kelly was deeply committed to civil rights, justice and public service.
“Today’s report into the murder of Rory O’Kelly is a stark reminder of the terrible human cost of our past, but also of just how important truth can be for families who have carried unanswered questions for decades.
“Rory was a Coalisland man, a solicitor, a founding member of the SDLP and someone deeply committed to civil rights, justice and public service,” he said.
“The finding that his murder was carefully planned, and that he was targeted because of his work with the Director of Public Prosecutions, underlines the appalling nature of what happened to him.
“What struck me most was the testimony of Rory’s daughter Anne and the impact that finally receiving answers had on her brother Roger shortly before his death.
“That demonstrates something very important. Even after almost fifty years, truth still matters. Answers still matter. Families still have the right to both.”
Cllr Quinn said Mr O’Kelly should be remembered about how he lived his life.
He continued: “No organisation, whether state or non-state, should ever believe that the passage of time removes its responsibility to provide truth and accountability to the families affected by our past.
“As an SDLP representative in Coalisland today, I believe it is particularly important that we remember Rory not simply because of how his life ended, but because of how he lived it — standing against injustice, serving others and pursuing the peaceful and democratic politics upon which the SDLP was founded.
“My thoughts are with the entire O’Kelly family today, and with every family who continues to search for answers about what happened to their loved ones.”