Irish American org gives "cautious welcome" to Irish-British Legacy Framework

Martin Galvin, the National Freedom for All Ireland Chair of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), has responded to Ireland and the UK's new Joint Framework to address the legacy of The Troubles.

Announced jointly by the Irish and British governments in September, "The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework" is a fundamental reform of the UK's controversial 2023 Legacy Act, which was opposed by all political parties, victims and survivors groups, wider civil society in Northern Ireland, and the Irish Government.

It was also opposed by Irish American groups, including the AOH.

In a statement issued on October 1, Galvin said the AOH gives the Joint Legacy Framework a "cautious welcome," but added that it awaits "the terms of actual British legislation" and, "crucially, whether new laws are applied in a manner that can finally provide justice to courageous victims’ families, who have endured 50 years of British bad faith and injustice."

Galvin said the AOH's reaction "follows our study of the agreed framework, our year-round consultations with victims’ groups, and meetings with Irish government representatives, including Tanaiste Simon Harris and key Department of Foreign Affairs personnel."

He continued: "We again commend the Irish government for bringing Britain to the European Court and for its major efforts to secure this framework agreement with Britain that has the potential, if legislated and applied in good faith, to give justice on legacy issues."

Galvin went on to highlight concerns the AOH has raised with the Irish Government, which include "the degree to which the British Secretary will retain a veto on disclosure on crucial items, such as the role of paid British agents in Troubles killings."

The AOH is also concerned about "possible staffing by current Chief Investigator Peter Sheridan and other high-ranking RUC Members, given the evidence of Royal Ulster Constabulary collusive behavior during the Troubles."

Another AOH concern focuses on statements by British Prime Minister Starmer about special protections for former British Army troopers.

"Will 'special protections' become a thinly disguised amnesty for troopers who committed murder, or an excuse to block legacy investigations?" Galvin asked.

Galvin continued: "We appreciate that the Irish government is keenly aware of these issues and following them closely.

"We finally wish to commend and reaffirm our support for victims' relatives of Troubles’ killings. These grief-stricken families have endured all British efforts to deny them justice and delay until families gave up. They have overcome every obstacle.

"As always, AOH will continue to stand behind these victims’ relatives as they test the new laws in their fight for truth."