Families of the Disappeared seek new talks with Sinn Féin

Families of victims murdered and secretly buried by the IRA are to seek new talks with the leadership of Sinn Fein, it emerged today.

Seven of the 19 bodies have yet to be recovered, and relatives fear the process of locating them might be abandoned unless new information is disclosed about their whereabouts.

Oliver McVeigh, from Donaghamore, Co Tyrone, whose brother Columba vanished in 1975 aged 17, said today: "That is our biggest worry and that's why it is absolutely critical that people who know come forward."

The organisation, the Families of the Disappeared, had a meeting last week in Dundalk, Co Louth with Justice Minister Alan Shatter and the Northern Ireland Office Minister Hugo Swire.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains is the body in charge, but no more victims have been found since the recovery just over a year ago on Waterfoot beach, Co Antrim of the remains of Peter Wilson, who was aged 21, when he went missing from his home in west Belfast in 1973.

Relatives are planning to seek a meeting with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, as well as representatives of the Irish Republican Socialist Party.

Mr McVeigh said: "All we ask is that we are able to bring our loved ones home for Christian burial. The process is more or less on hold at the moment, nothing will happen unless fresh information comes through.

"We welcome the commitment given by Mr Shatter and Mr Swire of their continued support for the Independent Commission and a renewed commitment to continue to lobby and advocate on our behalf with those who can provide much needed answers.

Mr McVeigh, who met Mr McGuinness in Cookstown, Co Tyrone last January, added: "It has been a year since there has been any discovery, and who knows there might even be a possibility that the process will be scaled back even further? It might wind up for good and therefore it's important we maintain the pressure on republicans."