Congressman applauded after saying Troubles victims ‘on both sides’ need closure

The chairman of the US House of Representatives’ powerful Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal has said that legacy issues should not get in the way of Troubles victims getting the information they seek about their loved ones.

The comments came as MPs debated the UK Government’s controversial legacy laws in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

Speaking to Irish senators, Mr Neal said: “We cannot allow the fallout from Brexit to divert Ireland from the path of peace and progress, and we must not allow the clock to be turned back.”

He said there was “work to do” to protect and reinforce peace in Northern Ireland and to ensure it does not go “awry”.

“The legacy issue, as well, should not be allowed to get in the way of what those families need to know about what really happened.

“That is a very important consideration.

“And so that everybody knows, when they come to Washington, we meet with all the families regardless of their tradition, because there was enough pain inflicted by both sides on the other that those families need closure in their lives.”

These comments received a round of applause from members of Ireland’s upper house, Seanad Eireann.

Mr Neal went on to mention Bloody Sunday, the Birmingham Six, the Finucane family and the cause of victims campaigner Raymond McCord.

“We need to know,” he said.

Congressman Neal is leading a bipartisan US delegation, made up of four Democrats and four Republicans, as part of a trade mission and to “underscore the significance of the Good Friday Agreement”.

The delegation has met with political leaders in Belgium, the UK and Ireland in recent days, and is due to travel to Belfast on Wednesday morning for further meetings with politicians.