Shatter's comments on pardon for WWII soldiers

Nash welcomes Minister Shatter's comments on pardon for WWII soldiers

Deputy Gerald Nash has expressed his satisfaction with comments from Justice Minister, Alan Shatter that a pardon may be on the way for those who deserted from the defence forces to fight for the Allies in World War II.

"I first raised this issue with the Minister last July and I have highlighted it many times since at home and abroad. I truly believe an injustice was done to these men and that we should acknowledge that. I appreciate that there are great sensitivities involved, which the Minister must be cognisant of, but I look forward to the day, hopefully soon, when the honour of these men is fully restored.

"I have received an extraordinary response to this story. Poignantly many of the messages of support I have received are from outside of Ireland, from family members whose fathers and grandfathers were forced to immigrate having been placed on the so called "starvation list." Every year that passes we lose more and more of these veterans. It would be wonderful for them and their families to finally acknowledge their contribution."