McCord seeks U.S. justice for son

“I’ve had more Christian charity in 12 minutes in Congress than I’ve had in 12 years back in Belfast,” he said. 

From his visit this week, McCord is hoping to achieve justice for his son. He is urging Congress to write a letter calling on British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to meet with him and his family.

McCord is also seeking a congressional resolution requesting the Irish and British governments to hold an independent public inquiry into Raymond’s murder, and he also hopes Congress will hold their own congressional hearing into his son’s killing. 

McCord, a pipe fitter by trade, has had a series of meeting with high-ranking members of Congress about his son’s murder and is very optimistic that a congressional hearing will take place in the coming months.

“I’m very optimistic from the meetings I’ve had, and there is not one person who has given me a negative response,” said McCord. “They are very well briefed on my son’s case and very sympathetic, and it just amazes me.

“Unionist politicians within the community at home have met me in the past, but after I left they have forgotten me.”

Prior to speaking with the Irish Voice, McCord had a meeting with Congressman Bill Delahunt’s office. Delahunt is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and is chairman of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight.

“Bill Delahunt is the man to get the job done,” said McCord.

McCord, who arrived in the U.S. early last week and is due to leave this weekend, has attended numerous dinner functions where he has told his story to those in attendance.

During his time in the U.S. he also met with the Northern Ireland Bureau and the British ambassador in Washington.

When asked, 12 years on, what motivates him to keep fighting the fight, McCord said it was his promise to his son. “Raymond keeps me going,” he said.

“I didn’t get justice. I didn’t get truth. Nuala O’Loan exposed what went on and the government accepted it but they didn’t do anything. The government had not yet put their hands up over issues related to collusion. It’s one thing to put their hands up in Parliament and say it’s a terrible thing what happened to Raymond McCord Junior, but it’s another thing to do something about it,” he added.

“I would love to go back to Belfast and have a normal life same as everyone else, but that won’t happen until I have justice for my son.”

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Nster.com