Gary Streeter defends inviting Brighton Bomber to Parliament to talk forgiveness
SENIOR Tory Gary Streeter has defended inviting the man who planted the Brighton bomb to Parliament to talk about forgiveness.
The MP for South West Devon jointly chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Conflict Issues which is hosting the event former IRA terrorist Patrick Magee will attend tomorrow – one day after the 25th anniversary of the 1984 attack aimed at wiping out the Conservative Cabinet.
Magee will appear alongside Jo Berry, whose 59-year-old father Sir Anthony Berry was one of five killed in the blast which blew apart the seaside town's Grand Hotel, and left 34 others seriously injured.
The invitation to Magee by the All Party Group and UK-based charity The Forgiveness Project has prompted outrage in some quarters.
Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was left paralysed by the attack and who was himself injured, said Magee had never shown any regret or contrition for his actions in Brighton.
"Magee killed five of my friends on that day," he said. "If he wants to talk of forgiveness he could name and give evidence against those who helped him procure explosives."
Mr Streeter said of Lord Tebbit's criticism: "I totally understand his position and have nothing but respect for him and his position," but added, "If this were easy there wouldn't be any conflict. We have to make difficult decisions and be prepared to forgive and move on.
"They [Magee and Ms Berry] are talking about reconciliation and how you can forgive people. If you don't try and deal with the past in this kind of way conflict will be perpetuated.
"Sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand and move on to avoid conflict in the future."
The event would also provide an opportunity to challenge Magee.
"My intention is to ask him why he has never shown any remorse for killing those people," said Mr Streeter, a Christian.
The Tory MP said he knew many people who were in Brighton at the time of the bombing.
"I recognise the particular sensitivities of this matter. Sometimes we have to move out of our comfort zone," he said, and added: "I think it's excellent timing. It's a good time to try and grapple with some of these very difficult issues and find a way through future conflicts."
Magee was sentenced to eight life terms in 1986 with the recommendation he serve a minimum of 35 years in prison, but was released in 1999 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Magee first met Jo Berry in 2000 and has been working with her ever since to 'promote peace and understanding'.
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by Joel, Plymouth
Saturday, October 10 2009, 2:44PM
“Mick barbican
as stated by mr Streeter "My intention is to ask him why he has never shown any remorse for killing those people,"”
by Lee, Plymouth
Friday, October 09 2009, 8:20PM
“So who went up the spout Mick......Darling or Brown? You can't have Tudor Evans as he went up with the Priest last year?”
by Mick, Barbican
Friday, October 09 2009, 7:36PM
“Lee quote- "The old priest continued: ¿Jesus died between two lying thieves; I would like to do the same"..
As a matter of interest one of the crooks said to Jesus he was sorry, so Jesus said "today you'll be with me in paradise"
The other crook remained unrepentant and went up the spout.”
by Mick, Barbican
Friday, October 09 2009, 7:33PM
“Joel quote-"why insult someones religious beliefs and call them an idiot for trying to bring peace and resolution?"
The bomber is UNREPENTANT, that makes all the difference, because as far as I know he hasn't said he's sorry.
Who'll be invited over next, Bin Laden?”
by bt, plymouth
Friday, October 09 2009, 7:17PM
“excellent post lee”
by Lee, Plymouth
Friday, October 09 2009, 6:49PM
“Subject: The Old Priest
An old priest lay dying in the hospital in London. He had faithfully served the people of the nation's capital for many years. He motioned for his nurse to come near.
¿Yes, Father?¿ said the nurse.
¿I would really like to see Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling before I die¿, whispered the priest.
¿I'll see what I can do, Father¿, replied the nurse.
The nurse sent the request to the Houses of Parliament and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived; Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling would be delighted to visit the priest.
As they drove to the hospital, Brown commented to Darling, ¿I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it certainly will help our images and might even get me re-elected.¿
Darling agreed that it was a good thing.
When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Brown's hand in his right hand and Darling's hand in his left.
There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.
Finally Gordon Brown spoke: ¿Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?¿
The old priest slowly replied, ¿I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
¿Amen¿, said Brown.
¿Amen¿, said Darling.
The old priest continued: ¿Jesus died between two lying thieves; I would like to do the same..”
by Joel, Plymouth
Friday, October 09 2009, 4:53PM
“Everyone has their opinions on this matter, and that is fine, but why insult someones religious beliefs and call them an idiot for trying to bring peace and resolution. Even if it is completely the wrong idea, is it not good that we have a local politician who cares enough to try?
Everyone has to have something to moan about it seems, and the stories in the herald that get the most comments are usually the ones that present an opportunity for people to bad mouth others.
So someone is trying something in an attempt to help other, for no personal gain, and quite possibly at the cost of their popularity.
Rather than b*tch and moan, why not do something to better the world in a way that YOU fell is acceptable.
I'm disapointed that the people of Plymouth seem to have a complete lack of discernment, mocking and attacking one of the most honest and genuine MP's in the country.
Yours blessed to have a local MP like Mr Streeter.
Joel”
by Percy Vere, sofa
Friday, October 09 2009, 4:47PM
“Surely you mean the No Balls Peace Prize?”
by Benny Factor, Oslo
Friday, October 09 2009, 4:30PM
“I think Gary Streeter should win the Nobel peace prize.”
by Mick, Barbican
Friday, October 09 2009, 2:32PM
“Quote-"My intention is to ask him why he has never shown any remorse for killing those people," said Mr Streeter"
Just ask him in an-email mate, then if he shows genuine remorse think about inviting him over but not before”