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The Belfast Telegraph, 27 April 2005:

Second inquest into 1976 Dundalk killing

By Michael McHugh

Campaigners for the family of alleged UDR murder victim Seamus Ludlow last night welcomed news that a second inquest is to be held into his death.

The Dundalk forestry worker was shot dead in May 1976 and dumped in a lane near his home, allegedly by north Down loyalists from the Red Hand Commandos who were also allegedly connected to the UDR, although no one was ever convicted.

Mr Ludlow's family have been campaigning for a full public inquiry into his death amid concerns about the failed joint Garda/RUC murder investigation.

Louth County Coroner Ronan Maguire announced his intention to hold a preliminary inquest into the death in May after being asked to re-open the case by the Irish Attorney General.

Ludlow family solicitor James MacGuill said there were a number of issues to be addressed.

"There are circumstances which led to him being abducted and there were also issues surrounding the political use of his death by the Garda in their failure to inform the family.

"There was also the issue surrounding the manner in which suspects were not fully investigated. It was better for people to think that the IRA had shot someone," he said.

Initially, the family was told republicans may have shot 47-year-old Mr Ludlow, who was picked up on his way home from a bar near Dundalk, as an informer.

The RUC interviewed four men in relation to the killing but none were prosecuted.

One of the interviewees allegedly claimed to have witnessed the event and identified the killers and their UDR and paramilitary background.