The British Prime Minister was hailed in the House of Commons yesterday for his "courageous decision" to order a full-scale judicial inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday.
And Mr Tony Blair won the surprise backing of the Conservative leader, Mr William Hague, on the strength of his personal satisfaction that there was "genuine, fresh and compelling evidence" to warrant reopening the investigation.
With Liberal Democrat, SDLP and other nationalist backing assured, that left the Ulster and Democratic Unionists isolated in a hushed and sombre Commons chamber. And with an air of resignation palpable over the unionist benches, the interventions of Mr David Trimble and the Rev Ian Paisley proved predictably hostile but distinctly unspirited.
Mr Blair said his "difficult" decision signalled the crucial difference between the standards of a democratic society and those of terrorist organisations. And he paid a moving tribute to the "dignity" of the families of the victims: "Most do not want recrimination. They do not want revenge. But they do want the truth."
Mr Blair said he shared the belief that it was in the interest of everyone that that truth be established: "It is also the way forward to the necessary reconciliation which will be such an important part of building a secure future for the people of Northern Ireland."
As expected, Mr Blair announced that the new tribunal of inquiry would be headed by a top law lord, Lord Saville of New digate. The other two as-yet-unnamed members of the inquiry team are expected to come from the Commonwealth.
The Prime Minister's spokesman said later that the members had not been named because Parliament had first to approve the establishment of the tribunal; discussions had to be held with the governments of the countries from which they would come; and Lord Saville might have views on who should assist him.
Mr Blair said the Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 required hearings to be conducted in public unless there were "special countervailing considerations". Questions of immunity for persons giving evidence would be for the tribunal to consider in individual cases, and to refer to the Attorney General as appropriate. The tribunal would have full power to call witnesses and command papers, and the government's intention was that its findings would be made public.
Mr Blair recorded his admiration for the security forces in Northern Ireland and their response to years of terrorism. There had, he said, been many victims of violence before and since Bloody Sunday. Given more than 3,000 people had been killed it might be asked why such attention should be paid to one event.
But Mr Blair said: "Bloody Sunday was different because, where the state's own authorities are concerned, we must be as sure as we can of the truth, precisely because we do pride ourselves on our democracy and our respect for the law, and on the professionalism and dedication of our security forces."
Mr Blair said he had reread Lord Widgery's report and considered the new material. He emphasised that a new inquiry could be justified only if an objective examination of the available material gave grounds for believing the events of that day should be looked at afresh. He told the House: "I have been strongly advised that there are indeed grounds for a further inquiry. We believe that the weight of material now available is such that these events require re-examination."
Mr Hague said he was "naturally sceptical" about reopening an investigation conducted 26 years ago but accepted the Prime Minister's judgment. He also welcomed the decision not to offer an apology for Bloody Sunday ahead of the fresh inquiry, and added: "When it comes to discussing apologies, it would be right and helpful to our hopes for peace to have an apology or see some sign of contrition from terrorist murderers on both sides of the terrorist divide."
Mr John Hume, the SDLP leader, expressed his "very deep appreciation" for Mr Blair's decision and for his tribute to the dignity of the families. Bloody Sunday had been a terrible tragedy and it was right and proper that the full truth be established. He hoped it would prove "a major part of the healing process in our divided society".
But Mr David Trimble, the UUP leader, said Mr Hume's hope was likely to prove misplaced. "Opening old wounds like this is likely to do more harm than good," he said.
Prompting Labour cries of "shame", Mr Trimble accused Mr Blair of being "mealy-mouthed" in respect of the circumstances surrounding "an arrest operation" which "went wrong" following "an illegal republican parade".
And in a call echoed by Dr Paisley, Mr Trimble said: "We have heard that the Irish prime minister pressed for this inquiry. Will our Prime Minister ask the Irish prime minister to look into the actions of his party when it connived at the creation, funding and arming of the Provisional IRA?"
Mr Blair disagreed with Mr Trimble's assessment: "It cannot be said that this is a situation in which those that were killed were engaged in illegal activity."
Sir Edward Heath - who was prime minister at the time and has opposed an inquiry - said the speed of the Widgery Report had been in response to the demand of the then House of Commons. There was no point continuing arguments which were now for the new inquiry.
But he said: "The Prime Minister said he hoped this would see an end to the matter. I share that hope. But it is a hope."
Mr Menzies Campbell, for the Liberal Democrats, said that far from being "mealy-mouthed" Mr Blair had been courageous, "not least because some of the conclusions may be a painful and disturbing experience".