‘Truth recovery’ should apply to entire island

THE recent debate about a “truth recovery process” in Northern Ireland to address the perceived need for a calling to account of the events of the Troubles is to be welcomed as part of the advance of reconciliation on this island.

As the theologian David Tombs of TCD has pointed out, the truth can often be a very painful thing to examine, as it requires that we look at and acknowledge the shadow side to our actions.

As a possible addition to the debate, I would like to point out the complete absence in our media and in our discussions in the South of any reference to a need for the Government and the State apparatus here to account for its actions during the Troubles.

There are many people, including the family of the late Garda Richard Fallon, who believe that a truth recovery process has relevance throughout the 32 counties and not just for those in the North.

It is hard to imagine how a thorough reckoning could be arrived at without the participation of the whole island.

Finian Fallon

32 Newmarket Square

Wards Hill

Dublin 8