Taoiseach Simon Harris is to confer with the affected families and survivors of the disastrous Stardust incident. A demand for an official public apology has been made by the kin of the 48 youngsters who tragically lost their lives in the fire that swept the nightclub in North Dublin in 1981. Mr. Harris has shown an inclination to provide such an apology.
Welcomed by the Taoiseach himself, the group of 40 arrived at the Government’s premises around 11 in the morning. Prior to this, they had met with the leader of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald.
In a breakthrough, a jury in the inquest made a definitive decision on Thursday, categorizing all deaths as unlawful. This contradicts the initial verdict in 1982 which stated that the fire had been ignited purposely.
The jury, comprising seven women and five men, gave a majority verdict, stating that the disaster started due to an electrical mishap in the bar’s hot press in the wee hours of Valentine’s Day, 1981.
Susan Behan, the sister of John Colgan who was one of the victims, voiced her opinion that the Government should formally apologise, calling it the ethical move.
Anticipating her converstion with Taoiseach Simon Harris, Ms Keegan who lost two of her sisters in the fire, Mary aged 19 and Martina aged 16, stated that the families are desiring an apology which acknowledges their 43 years of needless, systemic mistreatment by the State.
In her somber reflections, she added that it was glaringly obvious to the affected families in 1981 itself, that they and the people who lost their lives were victims of unlawful conduct. Yet their assertions were met with dismissal and ridicule.
Addressing the same issue, Taoiseach said on Friday “It is a priority for me to engage with the families who have felt ignored for so long and reassure them that I am paying heed to their agony. No doubt, I intend to apologize on behalf of this country as its Taoiseach, but initially I believe it is only right to get to know them better.”
He stated, “I am keen to offer apologies to these families, but I believe it is fair and correct to meet with them first.” Post the meeting held this morning, a communique was released by Mary Lou McDonald, emphasising that it is “crucial that the State now delivers an apology that bestows the shortcomings of governments not just from 43 years past after this calamity but every single day that followed.” She went on to say, “For forty years, they have contended the various hurdles that the State presented before them.” More updates will follow.