Rank hypocrisy

FORTY-seven years ago, in the heat of a frenzied riot and believing themselves to be under fire, British Paratroopers panicked and fired on the crowd, killing 14 people.

The result was the national trauma known as Bloody Sunday.

Yesterday, at the end of a protracted hue and cry, one of those soldiers was charged with murder.

Some will say this has been an iniquitous, politically driven witch-hunt. Others that justice must take its course – however long the delay.

But one thing is certain. If this man is to be prosecuted for events that took place nearly half a century ago, then so should the scores of IRA terrorists who murdered hundreds of innocent civilians in cold blood.

To hound this ageing veteran while they sleep soundly in their beds after being given written amnesties by Tony Blair is an act of monstrous hypocrisy.

And it is a gross betrayal of the duty of care we owe to those who risk their lives for their country.