The problem with the prosecution of soldiers over events in Ulster is that it does now seem one-sided, the page having been turned on so many terrorist atrocities. A truth and reconciliation committee such as was held in South Africa might have been a good idea in the province.
Of course, it's not the people who really should be held responsible who find themselves in the dock; Colonel Derek Wilford, in command on the ground in Londonderry that day who deliberately ignored a direct order not to send troops into the bogside, or Major General Robert Ford, head of the Army in N Ireland at the time who said shortly beforehand “I am coming to the conclusion that the minimum force necessary to achieve a restoration of law and order is to shoot selected ringleaders.” Of course not. It's just some poor bloody squaddy who happens to be the only one they can put together enough evidence for a prosecution.
Exactly, Giles. Which is why I believe there is a strong argument for not charging.
