McClarty and Robinson demand justice for Claudy victims

The Ulster Unionist representative said: “Many people will have been shocked at the news that senior figures within the RUC, government and Catholic church colluded to ensure that Father James Chesney escaped justice for his role in the Claudy atrocity.

“The inescapable fact is that nine innocent people – five Catholics and four Protestants were murdered that day.

“The dead, the injured and their families were and still are entitled to justice. That is the benchmark of a democracy, that the rule of law should apply equally to all citizens, and that no-one should be given a free pass because of their religion or occupation.”

Mr McClarty reflected: “Northern Ireland was on the brink of total disaster in 1972, and doubtless the Government and senior ranks of the RUC feared that the arrest and conviction of a Catholic priest in connection with the Claudy massacre would have tipped the Province over the edge.

“In 2010 we are in a different place, and it is long past time for a full investigation into the Claudy bombing and the activities of Father James Chesney so that those of his co-conspirators who are still alive can be named, shamed and convicted by a court of law.

“The victims and their families have waited long enough.”

DUP MLA, George Robinson, said: “Sadly, due to the fact so many of those involved in the cover up are now dead, it will be virtually impossible to establish the real truth surrounding the Claudy bombing.

“This should not however stop the naming and shaming of those who were involved – even very senior church, RUC or NIO officials.

“There are other living suspects in the case who have not been interviewed in relation to their involvement in the massacre, and it is now essential that this occurs so the families may be able to find closure after almost 40 years and justice is seen to be done”.