The following letter appeared in todays edition of the Belfast Telegraph and indicates the level of concern shown from the loyalist working class public at the antics of the Historical Enquiries Team in the hounding of Protestants, whilst seemingly showing a disregard for republicans.
Over the past few weeks I have seen history repeat itself before my very eyes, a journey which many have taken before and if we don’t suitably address the issues of the past in a constructive inclusive manner, many may walk their footsteps again. Many ex-prisoners from the troubles era now play proactive roles in the management of the peace process; many others have successful businesses whilst some have vanished into almost obscurity leading quiet family lives. We have ex prisoners at the seat of power in government organising the policies of the country. No one is condoning their actions of the past, but what must be recognised is that almost to a man they endorsed the Good Friday Agreement and the beginning of a new era in our troubled history for our young. Of course my point surrounds the actions of the Historical Enquiries Team (H.E.T), never mentioned in a referendum voted by the people of this country and brought onto the scene in 2005 after the St Andrews agreement between the four largest political parties. The majority of those arrested have already served long prison sentences for other offences, which leads me to the question – What are we achieving by locking these old men away for a token gesture of two years? Hardly closure for loved ones. If this is allowed to continue, where will it end. A futile, destabilising and costly process for all communities who voted unanimously to move forward in the name of peace and prosperity after so many troubled years.
David Whiteside
