Paul Murphy

Paul Murphy has announced plans to consult on ways of dealing with events in Ulster's troubled past.

A statement released to parliament on Thursday did not rule out following the South African example of a truth and reconciliation commission.

The Northern Ireland secretary said that the province should "find ways of dealing with the past which recognises the pain, grief and anger associated with it".

He added that any system to be put in place should also enable the people of Ulster to "build a better future for the next generation".

"I want to proceed in a way which respects the feelings of all concerned and which takes nothing for granted," said Murphy.

"Over the weeks ahead I will be embarking on a programme of discussion with a wide range of people with relevant experiences and expertise.

"These discussions will initially take the form of private soundings which will in due course lead to wider consultation.

"I will also be commissioning work of relevant international experience which will cover the sort of processes which others have used in seeking to come to terms with the past."