Claudy plea to PM

Just over a week after the launch of the Police Ombudsman's findings into the decimating triple car bomb attack of July 31, 1972, one of those injured has drafted a letter to the UK's leading politician.

Writing to the Prime Minister Ulster Unionist Alderman Mary Hamilton reveals her feelings about the findings in the wake of the Ombudsman's report.

Mrs Hamilton states: "Since the publication of the Report I have had time to reflect and feel a growing dissatisfaction and unease at the outcome of a Report which raises more questions than answers.

"Whilst short on detail, the Report at least makes it clear that the Claudy families have been victims of a conspiracy which involved the government of the day, the forces of law and order and the Roman Catholic Church."

In the week since the launch of the report political fallout has continued over the alleged involvement of priest Fr James Chesney. The report centres on the RUC handling of the investigation into his supposed involvement in the attacks which claimed nine lives. Allegations against Fr Chesney within the report are based on RUC intelligence files from the era and name Fr Chesney as the 'Quarter Master' and 'Director of Operations' of the IRA's South Derry Brigade.

The report also contends that a cover-up of Fr Chesney's involvement took place between the hierarchy of the RUC, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, William Whitelaw and the Primate of the Catholic Church in Ireland at the time, Cardinal William Conway.

Whilst the report concludes that the RUC could not have prevented the Claudy attacks it does say: "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 to Father James Chesney's alleged involvement in the atrocity."

Mrs Hamilton's letter to the government also states: "Not so long ago I witnessed the very public outcome of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry which brought justice to the families, and whilst not excusing its actions, at least showed accountability and leadership of a British Prime Minister in being willing to take responsibility for the past wrongs of a previous government.

"The families of Claudy cannot, and should not be expected to, accept less and I am therefore calling upon the government to take whatever actions it must to ensure that there is full disclosure of all the events pertaining to Claudy."

The Unionist councillor also tells the Prime Minister that she finds it difficult to countenance "that there is a lack of documentary evidence which would shed light on events and we are all aware of individuals, central to events, then and now, who have been willing to attend other enquiries, who I feel sure are likely to have information which they could make available."

And, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Reverend Doctor Ken Good has backed calls for a statement from David Cameron. Whilst Bishop Good welcomed an expression of remorse from current Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Patterson after the publication of the report, he said: "Similar words from the prime minister would also be helpful."

Bishop Good continued: "When an injustice has taken place, what is needed from those representing authority is that they are clear and unequivocal in acknowledging it. The difficulty faced by the survivors and relatives in this situation is one of assessing how wise it is to allow their hopes to be raised. To raise one's hopes of a breakthrough by means of the justice system, only to have them dashed again by disappointment only adds further to one's distress and pain.

"At this point after the event, it is understandable that the expectations of the Claudy families of gaining any kind of legal resolution are very low indeed. To date, not only have terrorists done their worst and got away with it, but the system of legal justice has failed them also."

As the letter was on its way to Downing Street yesterday, Mrs Hamilton told the Sentinel: "I am not going to build up a lot of expectation but I have to write to David Cameron for the sake of the families. At the very least we should get a reply and we'll see where it goes from there."