It's reported that a number of soldiers in the Irish army and at least six garda officers colluded with the IRA, according to a dossier to be submitted to the Smithwick inquiry in the coming weeks.
The dossier, compiled by the Armagh-based group Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (Fair), includes testimony from a former Irish army officer who approached the group with the names of soldiers and gardai who helped the Provisional IRA during the Troubles. Justice Peter Smithwick is heading an inquiry into allegations of garda collusion in the killings of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan, the two most senior RUC officers killed by terrorists during the Troubles. They were brutally shot to death in March 1989 as they crossed into Northern Ireland after a meeting with the Irish police in Dundalk.
I'm not in the least surprised that there was collusion. However since IRA/Sinn Fein are SO BIG on calling for enquiries into "State Collusion" when it comes to Northern Ireland affairs, I'm sure they will be joining in calls for clarity here. After all, if it is proven that both the Irish Army and the Irish Police worked with the IRA, is it POSSIBLE that some within the Irish Government also participated supporting for terrorism?
This is very serious David and I wonder if the truth, whatever it may be, will ever be allowed to come out.
Posted by: aileen | July 30, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Just to clarify David, are you calling for inquiries into collusion involving both Loyalists and Republicans, or no inquiries at all?
Posted by: BB | July 30, 2006 at 10:39 AM
Just to clarify; I have been demanding that ALL terrorists are arrested and brought to justice. All who have broken the law by providing support to such should also be made amenable to the reach of law. This is difficult because too many voted in FAVOUR of letting terrorists get away with murder in 1998 but I maintain my stance.
As for "collusion" - IF the Irish Government and its various arms, including the Army and Garda, helped assist the IRA then they need exposed and brought to justice.
Similarly, if loyalist scumbag terrorists were in any way assisted by the UK Government this too should be exposed.
I am not in favour of costly "enquiries"- I believe the law already provides all that is needed for prosecution.
Perhaps BB you could clarify if you supported the mass release of murderers, gangsters and psychopaths released under the auspices of the Belfast Agreement?
Posted by: David Vance | July 30, 2006 at 10:52 AM
I remember a few years ago that two RUC inspectors were ambushed and killed by the IRA after they had visited counterparts in the Garda. Apparently, one of the Irish officers had tipped of the IRA on the whereabouts and itinerary of the RUC officers. Have there been any developments in the investigation of this case, or were the murdered men on the wrong side?
Posted by: Allan@Aberdeen | July 30, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Allan,
I think this is the IRA outrage I refer to in the second paragraph. The investigations go slowly - give it enough time, y'know, and the "problem" vanishes as witnesses age and die.
Posted by: David Vance | July 30, 2006 at 02:02 PM
You're right David. Obviously the 'investigation' will take some time.
Posted by: Allan@Aberdeen | July 30, 2006 at 03:43 PM