TAKEN in isolation, the words posted on social media platform X by DUP leader Gavin Robinson following the acquittal of Soldier F last week may not have attracted significant controversy.
He wrote: "I welcome today's common sense judgement. Soldier F trial has been a painful and protracted process. There needs to be a better way of dealing with the legacy of the past and to ensure no rewriting of it."
While many would take issue with any suggestion that the independent workings of the justice system represent a rewriting of history, the argument has frequently been made that the courts may not be the most appropriate forum for addressing legacy issues.
However, what caused widespread shock and enormous offence was Mr Robinson's decision to attach an image of the insignia of the Parachute Regiment to his post.
There can be no conceivable explanation for doing so other than to signal support for the regiment, which was responsible for shooting dead 13 innocent people on Bloody Sunday, with a 14th victim dying later from his wounds.
Regardless of whether the case against Soldier F met the high criminal threshold of proof 'beyond reasonable doubt', there is no doubt about the murderous actions of Paratroopers on that day in 1972.
Lord Saville, following an exhaustive inquiry, was absolutely clear that there was no justification for opening fire without warning on unarmed civilians.
Then prime minister David Cameron issued an unequivocal apology, saying what happened was "unjustified and unjustifiable", with the head of the British army concurring.
The trial judge in the Soldier F case also stated that he had been part of a group responsible for "shooting in the back unarmed civilians fleeing from them in the streets of a British city", adding: "Those responsible should hang their heads in shame."
Ciarán Shiels, a lawyer representing Bloody Sunday families, described Mr Robinson's post as "an appallingly offensive and deliberate action designed to offend and hurt bereaved and wounded persons".
Indeed, DUP representatives have accepted in the past that the flying of the same image on flags near Derry is unacceptable and designed to offend.
It is only thanks to significant acts of political leadership that we have been able to put the terrible of years of violence behind us, and the same ongoing leadership is required if we are to fully realise the vision of a peaceful, prosperous society for all.
It is clear that Mr Robinson has caused enormous hurt with his actions and the onus is now on him to acknowledge this and apologise.
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