Police
Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan had concerns over the investigation into the loyalist
murder of Co Louth man Seamus Ludlow, it has emerged. Although Mrs O'Loan
could not mount a probe as it was outside her jurisdiction, she examined
both RUC files and Garda material relating to the killing of the forestry
worker almost 30 years ago.
It is
understood she was concerned by information contained in documents held by
both forces.
Mrs O'Loan,
who has uncovered failings in police investigations into a number of murders
in the north, examined files after a meeting with the Ludlow family.
Her spokesman
confirmed last night (Wednesday): "As a consequence of that review of
the material, she also had some concerns about the murder investigation.
"We took
the view that to investigate those concerns and issues, you would have to
begin by focusing matters in the Republic and that was outside her
jurisdiction."
News of the
ombudsman's unease over aspects of the original probe comes after an inquest
into Mr Ludlow's death – ordered by the Republic's attorney general –
confirmed a verdict of unlawful killing.
The
47-year-old forestry worker was abducted and shot dead by loyalists while on
his way home after a night out in Dundalk in May 1976.
No-one has
been charged with his murder.
The victim's
family have long campaigned for a public inquiry amid persistent allegations
that his killers were protected by both the RUC and gardai.
The findings
of a private inquiry into Mr Ludlow's murder, the 'Barron Report', have been
delivered to the Irish government.
However, the
details of the dossier have yet to be made public.
Earlier this
week, a new inquest into Mr Ludlow's death was held at Dundalk Courthouse.
A retired
Garda officer, who was part of the murder investigating squad, said the RUC
gave him the names of four suspects connected to the UDA in early February
1979.
However, the
inquest was told that although the information was passed to Garda
headquarters, the force's 'subversive' unit did not issue any further
investigation into the men.
Labour justice
spokesman Joe Costello yesterday said the publication of the Barron Report
was now crucial in light of details that emerged during the inquest.
"There
must be no question of suppressing or delaying publication of the report
because of any embarrassment that may be caused for any individuals,"
he said.
"It is
essential that the report should now be published to allow the Oireachtas
Committee to consider in full its implications, to hold hearings, and to
make any recommendation that may be required in regard to possible further
inquiries into the many still unanswered questions about Mr Ludlow's death
and the inquiry into his murder."
An Irish
government spokesman said legal advice was still being considered in
relation to the report.
