Can Hilary Benn finally cut through the Gordian knot of legacy? |
MOST people know the legend of the Gordian knot, tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, which it was prophesied only a future conqueror of Asia could untie.
Along came Alexander the Great, with little time or patience to unravel the intricacies of the knot, so he simply slashed through it with his blade.
The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, must wish he too could simply cut through the issues surrounding legacy, because it’s increasingly clear that it is becoming a Gordian knot.
Finding a resolution which brings justice, truth and reconciliation whilst satisfying all sides is an almost impossible task. But Benn is trying hard.
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Many of the issues faced by the current incumbent of Hillsborough Castle are not his making.
Benn inherited an omnishambles from the previous Tory government and, in particular, the hasty and reckless attempts by vested interests in protecting errant former British security personnel and their shady bosses.
The Conservative government rushed through legacy legislation, which only succeeded in alienating all the local political parties – a feat in itself. It also went ahead and appointed commissioners and set up a framework and infrastructure around a legacy body which no-one agreed to.
The body embarked on a public relations exercise to win over hearts and minds, but the overwhelming........