Conghaileach
3rd August 2002, 15:03
Belfast, 30 July: There were distressing scenes throughout Northern
Ireland yesterday when it was revealed that a former RUC Special
Branch officer had been found to have no connections with loyalist
assassination squads.
The shock revelations came in a BBC documentary during which the
unnamed officer openly admitted his non-involvement. "For many years
now, I have been highly embarrassed by my shameful past," he said.
"Especially since every other SB man I know has been up to his eyes
targeting Republicans."
The latest unprecedented report has caused shock waves within the new
Police Service of Northern Ireland. "It is absolutely amazing to think
that this individual was not detected much earlier," a PSNI spokesman
commented last night. "But such things are bound to happen from time
to time and we intend to set up an immediate inquiry to investigate
the matter thoroughly."
Meanwhile, the DUP continued to dismiss claims of non-collusion. Its
leader, the Rev. Ian Paisley, insisted that the reputation of the
police should not be tarnished because of one isolated incident. "If
there is any blame involved, it rests squarely on the shoulders of
this one rotten apple who has slipped into the barrel," insisted Dr.
Paisley. "We can only hope that there are no more like him and that
normal day-to-day police collusion with the UVF is continuing as
usual."
Ireland yesterday when it was revealed that a former RUC Special
Branch officer had been found to have no connections with loyalist
assassination squads.
The shock revelations came in a BBC documentary during which the
unnamed officer openly admitted his non-involvement. "For many years
now, I have been highly embarrassed by my shameful past," he said.
"Especially since every other SB man I know has been up to his eyes
targeting Republicans."
The latest unprecedented report has caused shock waves within the new
Police Service of Northern Ireland. "It is absolutely amazing to think
that this individual was not detected much earlier," a PSNI spokesman
commented last night. "But such things are bound to happen from time
to time and we intend to set up an immediate inquiry to investigate
the matter thoroughly."
Meanwhile, the DUP continued to dismiss claims of non-collusion. Its
leader, the Rev. Ian Paisley, insisted that the reputation of the
police should not be tarnished because of one isolated incident. "If
there is any blame involved, it rests squarely on the shoulders of
this one rotten apple who has slipped into the barrel," insisted Dr.
Paisley. "We can only hope that there are no more like him and that
normal day-to-day police collusion with the UVF is continuing as
usual."