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THE FAMILIES OF the victims of the deadliest bomb to hit Belfast during The Troubles have reacted angrily to the news that information on who carried out the attack was handed to the PSNI.
Fifteen people were killed when a bomb exploded in McGurk’s Bar in north Belfast in December 1971.
The attack was carried out by loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). During a sentencing hearing yesterday of PSNI informant Gary Haggarty at Belfast Laganside Courts, it was revealed that Haggarty had provided information to the PSNI several years ago, in relation to identifying the perpetrators.
The families say this information was not passed on to them or included in Historical Enquiries Team investigations into the bombing.
A statement from the families said that the PSNI was protecting the identities of perpetrators.
“Our clients have long alleged that the PSNI have sought to protect the identities of some or all of those involved, whom, following confirmation at an Information Tribunal hearing in London in December 2016, they know were state agents.
Our clients further allege this was done not only to protect these agents, but also to protect the reputation of the RUC, who contributed considerably to the cover-up which followed the bombing.
Niall Ó’Murchú of Madden & Finucane said:
“Given the serious implications that this is likely to have, we can confirm that we have today written to both the Chief Constable of the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman Michael Maguire, to obtain clarity about what their respective offices did, and didn’t do, in relation to these revelations.
“This is a matter of the utmost seriousness, and both OPONI and the PSNI have questions to answer.”
Gerard Keenan, whose parents Sarah and Edward Keenan were both murdered in the bombing said:
“This revelation that the PSNI recently had new and potentially important information about the McGurk’s Bar bombing is a shock. The Police Ombudsman had oversight of Gary Haggarty’s debrief interviews and should have known about this as well.”
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Not even one ‘Swan-direction’ joke?
That’s one now, terrible it may be but they all count :-)
Call Simon Peg and Nick Frost! #specialists
you totes watched it when it was on this week as did I
Cornetto?
“Just in… the swan is making its way down o’connell street… reports of high casualties and cars set a light… president higgins will address the nation shortly after 09:00 a.m local…”
Will we get hourly updates on its location and condition.
Yes.
Yes keep us updated Daragh. It says Swans in Irish folk lore carry the souls of lost, neglected and abandoned children and they should be cared for when in need.
One of the Children of Lir coming from PCRS in Finglas – despondent as has lost it’s Medical Card even though is clearly unwell – like Hames Reilly ‘s Health Service – Swan is GOING DOWN THE TUBE
Johnny b quiet
Would it have been the candidate in the Bray local elections – Feathers O’Kelly ( look it up – he’s supported by the Harbour Bar) pulling a political stunt to get attention on the day of the election? Cheap stunt bird , thought you had more class…..
The Swan was going to a Crazy birds audition in the 02…..
They taste like salmon flavoured chicken
A child has been lodged in the Tunnel of Goats… If a nurse could please come to the Tunnel of Goats… A goat and a child have now become lodged together, and a nurse has become involved in the incident… Another nurse is required to remove the nurse mentioned previously…
The other big news story in Dublin besides what are referred to as eight story skyscrapers by the educated, was the man who kicked a pidgeon into the air breaking his wing and his two legs, and just kept on walking,plus the usual stabbings and shootings,Dubs, dont you just love em.
Swanning around in the port tunnel
It’s reopen
Wonder was it the same swan I encountered? http://renovatinglpa.blogspot.ie/2014/03/swan-walk_29.html
Going through it now and it’s only one lane southbound
Was there a swansong sung whilst in there? Tunnel Of Love by Bruce Springsteen perhaps?
some neck, etc…..my goodness Shatter is a Greek god
Just seen him queuing for one direction on Jones Road
A swan has just messed up the trains at castleknock. Delays of 30mins. What has got into this swan??????
Well,she was only going in 1D
have your say