Ombudsman’s Report challenged by Jim Shannon MP
DUP Strangford MP Jim Shannon rejects allegations of police collusion with loyalist paramilitaries in the Police Ombudsman’s Report on the murders at Sean Graham bookmakers on 5th February 1992 when five people were murdered by a gunman. The allegations extend to the Loughinisland shooting also in 1992 when six people were killed and to other murders.
Members of the families who lost loved ones at the Ormeau Road shooting at Sean Graham’s are calling for the report to be released and finally made public.
Letter to the Editor.
Dear Sir,
It is with much concern that I read the ‘findings’ of the ombudsman’s report on the 1992 Sean Graham murders, findings which presented ‘collusive behaviours’ and yet presented not a shred of evidence.
Findings which tarred decorated RUC officers decisions and actions without putting any context. Findings which have underlined the entrenched feeling that the Ombudsman is not an impartial body, but is yet another tool in the hands of Republicanism to rewrite the history of this Province, to make it seem that the actions of those who bombed and murdered at large from any community were somehow justifiable.
The bravery of RUC officers that ran towards the bomb instead of running away, that saw 302 funerals taking place and thousands living with the physical and emotional torment of guerrilla war fare is yet again ignored by a report which has not one shred of substantive evidence to back up allegations.
Where are the callings of natural justice answered? They are not. We are a deeply divided society and rather than truth and reconciliation – this report hardens the divide as some mistrust the Police and others remember what it was to comfort your colleagues’ widow, to pick up body parts after a bomb and to know that you had never once stepped out of line and yet will forever be tarnished by a report which has no evidence, lacks judicial credibility and yet will see you judged in the court of public opinion for generations to come.
Those officers who have spoken to me have outlined shame – not in their actions during their service which saved the lives of members of all communities – but in this system which they now believe is in place only to vindicate the evil actions of terrorists whilst their dignity, their honour, their sacrifice is smeared – and little wonder they think this.
Yours
Jim Shannon MP,
34a Frances Street,
Newtownards,
BT23 7DN.
