RELATIVES of the victims of the 1971 Ballymurphy massacre in Northern Ireland by British troops accused Westminster yesterday of being more interested in legalising fox hunting than in justice.

A fresh inquest is being held into the deaths, but relatives are unhappy at the length of time government organisations are taking to disclose files to the coroner’s court.

John Teggart, whose father Danny was among 10 people shot dead during the attack by British toops, said: “The British government, made up of millionaires, is more interested in bringing back fox hunting than they are at bringing justice and truth to our families.”

Politicians in the Irish republic are preparing to debate a motion calling for a British public inquiry into the massacre and support for the families.

Communist Party of Ireland leader Eugene McCartan said: “The CPI has always supported the efforts by relatives and communities in their campaigns seeking justice and accountability from the British government for the actions of its armed forces.”