A 'collusive act'

Nine people's lives were taken when three car bombs tore through the narrow main street of Claudy. Whilst the IRA have never admitted responsibility for the massacre it is widely believed they were to blame.

The 26-page Ombudsman's report, awaited since 2002, centred on allegations of the involvement of Catholic priest Fr James Chesney. The report has uncovered evidence that there was contact between the head of the Catholic Church, Cardinal William Conway and then Secretary of State, William Whitelaw over hiding the role of the priest in the deadly attacks.

It is believed church and state colluded because of the ramifications for the wider security situation in Northern Ireland, had the supposed direct involvement of a cleric in terrorist activity emerged.

Whilst the report concedes that the RUC could not have prevented the Claudy attacks it does state: "Intelligence which the RUC obtained in the weeks and months following the Claudy bombings, presented significant investigative opportunities, which were not pursued in relation to Father James Chesney's alleged involvement in the atrocity."

However, during a sombre and at times emotional press conference at Claudy's Diamond Centre yesterday, those directly affected by the bombings presented a united and resolute determination that the report spearheaded by Ombudsman Al Hutchinson should be regarded only as a stepping stone in their almost 40 year quest for justice.

After a lengthy and reportedly intense discussion with the Ombudsman, relatives and survivors gathered to give their reaction to the press.

UUP Alderman Mary Hamilton, seriously wounded in the attack, told the Sentinel: "I am really disappointed. But, this report was an investigation into how the police, state and church handled the investigation. This report should be regarded as a foundation to move the investigation forward. There are people in government today who know all about what happened at Claudy and they should come forward and be honest and speak to the families. If they had been there that morning and saw what we saw and experienced it they may feel differently."

Mark Eakin, whose sister Kathryn at eight-years-old was the youngest victim of the bombs, also believes that the stage is now set for an investigation into Claudy that has a much wider remit.

"I think this now has to go a stage further. So far there have been references to the Northern Ireland Office, Fr Chesney and the Catholic Church. I think now this has to go Westminster who ultimately made the decision to brush Fr Chesney under the carpet."

Gordon Miller who lost his 60-year-old father David in the attack simply said: "As far as I am concerned there is nothing new in this report - nothing has changed."

James Miller, grandson of David Miller said: "I'm still trying to take this all in. I'd also call on the British Government, including the Prime Minister to let us know whatever information they have. A lot of people are grieving. I am grieving for a grandfather who was taken away from me when I was two years of age."

Relatives of victim James McClelland, Colin McClelland and Tracy Deans also expressed a desire for the fight for justice to continue.

Asked if she thought that the steps taken by the Catholic Church and the state to obscure Fr Chesney's involvement was for the greater good within the context of 1972, the worst year of the conflict, Tracy Deans said: "I would have said that until I read the report and learned that Fr Chesney continued his IRA activity after he was moved to Donegal. If he had been arrested and due process had taken place how many lives could have been saved?"

And, Colin McClelland said: "We hope this kick-starts a process whereby these people can get justice - the justice they deserve. This is an atrocity that should never ever have happened and we all have a part to play in making sure these people get justice."

Marjorie Leslie, injured in the atrocity told the press: "I know the remit of the report was to look at the role of Fr James Chesney. But, he did not do this alone. Also I would like some sympathy and understanding shown to the relatives and victims of Claudy. people are hurting, they are missing their husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters and mothers.

"This invasion into their lives may be difficult, but it is a necessary step. I think today should be the beginning of the investigation into the bombing and I sincerely hope that if people do have information they should come forward and tell the relevant authorities."

And, East Londonderry MLA Gregory Campbell has called on the Prime Minister to apologise to the victims and their families of the Claudy atrocity.

He said: "The Government have to do something now and David Cameron as Prime Minister should apologise to the families about the part the state played.The Catholic Church should open up their files and let them know what they know.

"The families now need the support of the wider community and the Government now need to take action to implement some of the things that have flowed from the report."

The MLA emphasised: "That is what needs to happen now. The worst thing that could happen is after the families suffering the renewed pain for the report to be shelved and nothing happens."