Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Fulfil Billy’s last wish for victims of abuse
Priest in plea to politicians for Jean Mcconville’s son
POLITICIANS must act on recommendations of an abuse inquiry Billy Mcconville gave evidence to, his funeral heard yesterday.
A priest told mourners: “There are those with the power to implement the findings of the Historical Institutional Abuse public inquiry. They must do so, immediately, as a matter of urgency.”
The 50-year-old passed away on Monday without seeing any form of justice for years of abuse he suffered in care following the abduction and murder of his mother Jean Mcconville in 1972.
He had told the HIA of his suffering and following its report, chairman Sir Anthony Hart had called for a number of measures including compensation for victims.
The recommendations, however, face delays because of the failure to restore power at Stormont.
DEFIANCE
Billy’s coffin was carried into St Paul’s Parish Church in West Belfast feet first – a dying wish as a sign of defiance, still standing up to Church.
Fr Patrick Mccafferty told mourners: “We are well aware of the horror of abuse, to which Billy and the others were subjected, by those who had a most grave duty and responsibility, before God, to provide safety, loving care and nurturing affection. The sufferings inflicted on these innocents must never be forgotten.”
He also paid tribute to other families of the Disappeared “who still await the return of their loved one’s remains: Lisa Dorrian, Joe Lynskey, Columba Mcveigh and Robert Nairac”.