Long struggle against power of the State

I WAS moved by Fergus Finlay’s column headlined ‘Was de Róiste framed because he refused to tell a lie?’ (Irish Examiner, August 1).

I have long admired his work and thank him for his support in clearing my name.

It is now, and has always been, up to the Government to ensure that I get fair procedures — after nearly 40 years of cover-up. Justice delayed is justice denied. To this end I am seeking support in righting this wrong from all the democratic forces in our Republic.

I don’t blame anyone for not being attracted to my quest up to now. Even nowadays a lone individual’s struggle against the power of the State is hard for people to grasp.

In 1997, when secret forces leaked my ‘disgrace’ to the press in order to damage my sister Adi’s presidential campaign I was encouraged once again to take up my struggle. I have now become determined to continue that fight until the end. One’s good name is priceless and, more often than not, the victim seems to get the blame.

Dónal de Róiste

26 Cabhsa Inismhór

Baile an Chollaigh

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