Sinn Fein’s Begley calls for “truth and justice” over Troubles murder of councilor Patsy Kelly

Posted By: July 25, 2018

Belfast Telegraph. July 2,4 2018

Sinn Fein MP  Orfhlaith Begley has called for funds to be released to complete an investigation into the murder of an independent nationalist councilor in Co Tyrone during the Troubles.

The body of Patsy Kelly was found weighed down in a lake after he went missing when locking up a bar in Trillick, Co Tyrone on July 24, 1974.

No one has ever been convicted in relation to his death and his family has claimed that security forces were involved.

In November of last year, his family traveled to Downing Street with then Sinn Fein MP Barry McElduff and MP Francie Molloy to ask Prime Minister Theresa May for her help with the case.

Ms. Begley said it is deplorable that the family of Patsy Kelly is still being denied their right to truth and justice on the 44th anniversary of his murder.

“The Police Ombudsman said in August 2017 that he expected the investigation to be finished this year however they have now pushed this back another 12 to 18 months,” the West Tyrone MP said.

“In June, the Police Ombudsman’s office claimed they did not have the adequate resources to complete the investigation into the police conduct of Patsy Kelly’s murder investigation. This has highlighted the need once again for adequate funding and resources to be provided for legacy cases.

“The necessary resources must be made available to complete this investigation and the delays that have added to the family’s grief should stop. The family, at a minimum, deserve, to know the truth.

Ms. Begley said that she was working to raise the issue of Mr. Kelly’s murder in Dublin.

“Following on from the Kelly family’s visit to 10 Downing Street and Westminster last year, I believe it is important that this denial of truth and justice be raised in Dublin. I have requested that the Kelly family have the opportunity to raise their case in Leinster House,” she said.