The event today was hosted in Stormont’s Senate Chamber
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston hosted a deeply moving event this morning (Monday 10 March) in Stormont’s Senate Chamber to mark European Day for Victims of Terrorism, an occasion he described as both a privilege and an honour.
The annual commemoration, initiated following the election of Jim Allister to the Assembly, has become a significant tradition, one that Mr Gaston was proud to uphold.
The event saw the chamber filled beyond capacity with innocent victims from across Northern Ireland, who gathered to hear heartfelt testimonies from those affected by terrorism.
Speaking at today’s event were (L-R) Pamela Wilson, David McCaughey and Caroline D’Eath
Among the speakers was Colette Murray, who spoke of losing her brother in a sectarian murder perpetrated by loyalists. Pamela Wilson shared the pain of losing her father, RUC officer David Dorsett, in a devastating IRA bombing. Caroline D’Eath, daughter of UVF victim Gerald D’Eath, and David McCaughey, whose cousin Dougald McCaughey was one of three Scottish soldiers murdered on 10 March 1971, also delivered powerful accounts of their personal tragedies.
In a statement following the event, Mr Gaston - MLA for North Antrim - emphasised its importance:
“I was humbled and privileged to host an event this morning to mark European Day for Victims of Terrorism.
“Today’s event was a welcome corrective to the attempt to airbrush victims from the record and a reminder of what innocent people suffered.”
North Antrim TUV MLA Timothy Gaston speaking at today’s event.
He went on to highlight the ongoing relevance of the occasion, particularly in light of recent remarks by the First Minister, who has claimed there was “no alternative” to such acts of violence. “At a time when the self-styled First Minister for all makes such claims, the need to mark victims’ day has never been greater,” Mr Gaston added.
The event was co-sponsored by SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt, demonstrating cross-party support for the commemoration.
Mr Gaston expressed his gratitude to South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) and Ulster Human Rights Watch for their invaluable assistance in ensuring the event’s success.
“I would like to express my thanks to SEFF and Ulster Human Rights Watch for their help in making the event a success. I also appreciated the co-sponsorship of Patsy McGlone and Mike Nesbitt,” he said.
The testimonies and overwhelming attendance underscored the enduring impact of terrorism on families and communities across Northern Ireland. For many, the event served as both a solemn tribute to those lost and a vital platform to ensure their stories are not forgotten.