Irish Examiner view: Confronting the legacies of bitter conflict

Any rational discussion on the future reunification of Ireland requires a comprehensive truth and reconciliation process first

A man walks past graffiti on a wall in the Creggan area of Derry ahead of a remembrance walk to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Two recent events, connected by the bloody legacy of nationalism and division in Ireland, indicate the difficulties which may lie ahead for the truth and reconciliation process which must be engaged as a precursor to any rational discussion on future reunification.

In the aftermath of the commemoration of Bloody Sunday in Derry, 50 years ago in 1972, there was much commentary about the collapse of criminal charges against soldiers who had served in the North during the Troubles.