Full Breakdown
John Swinney’s Call to “Move On” Prompts Protest by Families of IRA Victims
5/18/2026, 9:57:00 PM
Core Event: First Minister Urges Public to “Move On” from the Troubles
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney told reporters that “people have got to move on” from the Troubles after being asked about Sinn Féin’s historic links to the Provisional IRA. The comment, made while discussing potential SNP-Sinn Féin cooperation, sparked a planned protest outside Holyrood by veterans, victims’ families and the South East Fermanagh Foundation.
Background & Context: The Troubles, Sinn Féin and Recent Political Shifts
The Troubles, a three-decade conflict in Northern Ireland, left 140 Scottish soldiers dead. Sinn Féin now leads the Stormont government alongside the Democratic Unionist Party. The 2024 elections placed nationalist first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, intensifying scrutiny of cross-border political ties.
Key Figures & Groups
Key participants include First Minister John Swinney; Alex Blair, brother of Lance Corporal Donald Blair; SEFF director Kenny Donaldson; MSP Jamie Hepburn, whom Blair has contacted; and veteran associations coordinated by SEFF.
Data & Statistics
140 Scottish soldiers were killed in Northern Ireland during the Troubles; the 1979 Warrenpoint bombing killed Lance Corporal Donald Blair.
Official Statements & Responses
Swinney said that in 1986 he would have doubted a Good Friday Agreement signed by Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams, yet the accord materialised. He argued the “world’s moved on” and that dialogue with Sinn Féin, though controversial, is a step toward reconciliation, reiterating that “people have got to move on”.
Criticism & Opposition
Victims’ families and veteran groups say Swinney’s remarks downplay IRA-related trauma and ignore the need for acknowledgment of past violence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Over the last week, we have heard directly from many former Scottish soldiers and from families who had loved ones murdered as a consequence of the Troubles, murdered through the actions of Provisional IRA terrorism, and they are deeply hurt and insulted by what the SNP leader John Swinney has stated.” — Kenny Donaldson, Director, South East Fermanagh Foundation
- “He said his family still live with the trauma of Donald’s death every single day.” — Alex Blair
- “They were very upsetting to us and lot of other people. There were 140 Scottish soldiers murdered by the IRA and them and Sinn Fein were one of the same.” — Alex Blair
- “John Swinney needs to publicly apologise for his gross statement the other day. Failure to do so will further divide our country. If there is no apology I intend contacting every veterans association to take him and the SNP government to task. If he won't meet me, then I'll come to the steps of the Parliament to see him.” — Alex Blair
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Blair claims the Irish Government holds evidence on his brother’s death, but no official confirmation exists. No one has been charged for the Warrenpoint bombing, and the SNP has not replied to Blair’s apology request.
What’s Next
SEFF and veteran groups will protest outside Holyrood this week. Blair seeks a face-to-face meeting with Swinney via MSP Jamie Hepburn; continued pressure may elicit a formal response from the Scottish Government.
