Hume 'was alienated from Derry CRA' inquiry told

Social Democratic and Labour Party leader John Hume was ‘‘alienated’’ from the Derry Civil Rights Association which organised the march that became known as Bloody Sunday, it was claimed today.

Hugh Logue also told the inquiry into the killings that Mr Hume appeared reluctant to participate in the march because he had doubts about the Derry CRA.

A figurehead in Derry for the past three decades, Mr Hume did not attend the demonstration in the city on January 30 1972 at which 13 Catholic men were shot dead by troops.

He has told the inquiry in a statement that he withdrew support for the march the week before, after clashes at an anti-internment demonstration at Magilligan Strand, Co Derry - which he did attend.

However, yesterday, Derry CRA official Michael Havord claimed its members blocked a request for the Foyle MP to speak at the march - and alleged Mr Hume believed the Derry CRA was ‘‘politically dangerous’’.

Mr Logue, a European Commission official now attached to the Stormont Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers, said he asked Mr Hume to speak at both demonstrations.

Mr Logue, who was on the executive of the North Derry CRA and the central Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association in 1972, said Mr Hume ‘‘had a considerable amount of confidence in the North Derry CRA, a confidence that did not extend to the Derry CRA. He agreed to Magilligan’’.

He added later: ‘‘When he indicated that he had doubts, his primary doubts at that time were about the organisers - not so much in terms of stewarding - I think his doubts rested with the Civil Rights Association in this city from which he was alienated.’’