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27/08/2010
RUC 'Not To Blame' On Claudy Failures
There have been continuing claims in the North that the RUC is being used as a 'scapegoat' for the failure to arrest a priest suspected of the bloody Claudy bombing in 1972.
Further allegations that officers wanted to investigate him have also been backed by a bomb victim's relative.
Gordon Miller spoke out amid ongoing anger at the revelations in the NI Police Ombudsman's report, which found evidence of a cover-up between the British Government and Catholic Church to protect Father James Chesney.
As reported in the Belfast News Letter, Mr Miller - who lost his father David in the atrocity - feel that the police actions cannot be seen in isolation.
Yesterday, the BBC reported that a Special Branch detective said they were within 15 minutes of launching an operation to search Father Chesney's house but they were told not to proceed, because "the matter was under control".
Earlier this week, a former RUC Inspector who also worked with Special Branch - and who was himself shot in an IRA murder bid - told 4NI that the RUC was being used as a "scapegoat" for something that was ordered from higher authority.
He is convinced that "senior police officers at the time wanted to pursue prosecutions against those involved but were stymied by Government".
The Police Ombudsman's report confirmed that detectives believed Fr James Chesney was involved in the Claudy bombing which killed nine people.
See: RUC 'Scapegoat' For Claudy
(BMcC/GK)
Further allegations that officers wanted to investigate him have also been backed by a bomb victim's relative.
Gordon Miller spoke out amid ongoing anger at the revelations in the NI Police Ombudsman's report, which found evidence of a cover-up between the British Government and Catholic Church to protect Father James Chesney.
As reported in the Belfast News Letter, Mr Miller - who lost his father David in the atrocity - feel that the police actions cannot be seen in isolation.
Yesterday, the BBC reported that a Special Branch detective said they were within 15 minutes of launching an operation to search Father Chesney's house but they were told not to proceed, because "the matter was under control".
Earlier this week, a former RUC Inspector who also worked with Special Branch - and who was himself shot in an IRA murder bid - told 4NI that the RUC was being used as a "scapegoat" for something that was ordered from higher authority.
He is convinced that "senior police officers at the time wanted to pursue prosecutions against those involved but were stymied by Government".
The Police Ombudsman's report confirmed that detectives believed Fr James Chesney was involved in the Claudy bombing which killed nine people.
See: RUC 'Scapegoat' For Claudy
(BMcC/GK)
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Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
