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Last Monday's motion in the Assembly by the DUP calling on the Irish government to apologise for its role in the "birth of the IRA", on first glance, might appear a somewhat reasonable position.
But it could be viewed as seeking to exploit victims with gesture politicking the principle aim.
In the longer-term, this does a great disservice to all victims and survivors of the conflict.
Asking the Irish government to apologise is simply old-hat reactionary politics.
If the DUP was genuinely interested in victims' right to truth, then they would have put forward a motion that sought broad political and community support.
Such a motion would have had truth at its core. It would have called on all the armed participants in the conflict to acknowledge that they all had specific areas to address.
It would have said that, with goodwill, intention and political generosity, all would constructively engage to seek productive and meaningful ways forward aimed at addressing outstanding matters, enabling a progressive start dealing with the past.
It would also have recognised that this area is of huge importance for our society and requires genuine cross-party support. The DUP motion is letting us all down.
If we are to build a new society, then the posturing, politicking and use of hurt must end.
A process of full reflection, resolution and national reconciliation must then begin.
MARK THOMPSON
Director, Relatives for Justice
