'Disappeared' families seek leads

DNA tests are being carried out on remains found last month in Wicklow

The families of "the Disappeared" have appealed for fresh information about where their loved ones were buried.

In a letter to media outlets, they said some people with information had not contacted the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains.

They said new leads would not be used in court or passed to other agencies, adding: "We don't want revenge or retribution, all we want is closure."

Tests are ongoing on remains thought to be Danny McIlhone, missing since 1981.

The discovery was made in the County Wicklow mountains last month. The IRA has claimed responsibility for the west Belfast man's death.

Theirs is a story of unimaginable pain and suffering, and this will continue until the remains of their loved ones are returned James Nesbitt Who were the 'Disappeared'?

The families, who described themselves as the "forgotten victims of the Troubles", said they believed "that time is running out for us" but the discovery was encouraging.

"It underlines what we have always believed, that with the right information, the remains of our loved ones can be recovered."

They added: "If you believe in justice and human rights then do the honourable thing and tell the Commission what you know so that we can give our loved ones a Christian burial and let us have a grave to visit and grieve."

Actor James Nesbitt will join the families later at an event organised by the Wave Trauma Centre to appeal for help finding their bodies.

"Theirs is a story of unimaginable pain and suffering, and this will continue until the remains of their loved ones are returned," he said.

"The families have always said that they don't want revenge or retribution, but closure, and every time I meet them the dignity they show in the face of their suffering is humbling."

The IRA admitted in 1999 that it murdered and buried nine of the so-called Disappeared - Seamus Wright, Kevin McKee, Jean McConville, Columba McVeigh, Brendan Megraw, John McClory, Brian McKinney, Eamon Molloy and Mr McIlhone - in secret locations.

The bodies of four - Eamon Molloy, Brian McKinney, John McClory and Jean McConville - have been found.

Others who vanished during the Troubles include Gerry Evans, Charles Armstrong, Robert Nairac and Seamus Ruddy, who disappeared in France and whose murder was admitted by the INLA.

• The confidential telephone number of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains is 00800-55585500 while its postal address is ICLVR, PO BOX, 10827, Dublin 2.