15 year-old Paul Whitters was struck in the back of the head by a plastic bullet fired by the RUC during disturbances in Great James Street on 15th April 1981. He died in hospital ten days later.
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has described yesterdays ‘In Their Footsteps’ campaign in London, which focused on lost lives from the Northern Ireland conflict, as ‘poignant and powerful’.
Sammy Devenney and Paul Whitters (from Derry) whose shoes were on display in Whitehall.
Mr Durkan attended the ‘sea of shoes’ display in Whitehall symbolising lost or injured loved ones from the Troubles (including victims from Derry) and the subsequent House of Commons event which called for ‘the truth to be set free’ and an independent mechanism to deal with the legacy of the conflict.
Mr Durkan told Derry Daily, “I was particularly taken aback by the poignant and powerful ‘In Their Footsteps’ display on Whitehall.
“Whilst the families may have different needs and demands, they speak with a united voice in asking for truth, justice and acknowledgement for their losses.
“The House of Commons event which followed the poignant and powerful display allowed families to explain to MPs their genuine concerns and that they do not want a partial outcome on the past.
“The families stressed how long they had campaigned for inquests or secured commitments for new inquests.
“They are therefore anxious and suspicious about any recent proposals which could divert or delay the proper course of a proper inquest.
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