The disappearance of victims remains one of the most disgraceful acts during the period known as ‘The Troubles’. The fact we are still searching for the remains of ‘The Disappeared’ nearly 50 years later is testimony to the callousness of those who perpetrated these crimes. It also shines a light on those who supported these appalling actions through political activities, excusing and justifying such actions.

The torture, murder and disappearance of Columba McVeigh, a 19-year-old, is one of those chilling acts that can never be justified. Everyone, regardless of political affiliations, should be critical of those who carried out such acts but even more so those who ordered such a strategy.

New information brought forward by an unnamed republican, identifying three individuals in the murder of Columba McVeigh, has prompted the Sinn Fein leader to call for anyone with information to pass it to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR). Yet one of those named, as the grave digger, is a Sinn Fein member well known within his community. If this individual is not willing to go to the ICLVR and pass on accurate information, then surely the Sinn Fein leader must pass his name and other details to the police for investigation.

I am reminded how a coroner criticised Sinn Fein over their failure to engage with the Kingsmill inquest. It seems yet again that Sinn Fein is using perfunctory words to cover their tracks in answering a question that only requires internal dialogue to get to the truth. I will be writing to the police to enquire if they have been passed the names and information of the individuals identified in this case and what action they will be taking.