Report ‘points at collusion’

Sinn Fein’s John O’Dowd said that the state failed to protect Mrs Nelson.

“This is a lengthy report and we will take time to study it in detail,” he said.

“However, the evidence uncovered by the Inquiry will make uncomfortable reading for the British State.

“The State failed to protect Rosemary. Intelligence leaked from the RUC. The Special Branch failed to co-operate in the investigation.

“Members of the RUC assaulted and threatened Rosemary and nobody has ever been held to account for the murder.”

He continued: “What is clear on an initial reading is that the evidence uncovered by the Inquiry team does not match its conclusions in terms of collusion.

“Nationalists in Lurgan, Portadown or Craigavon do not buy the ‘bad apple’ argument. The findings of this report point clearly at collusion. No amount of disgraceful spinning by Owen Paterson will alter that reality.”

Mr O’Dowd added: “The publication of the report today into the murder of Rosemary Nelson would never have happened had it not been for the tireless campaigning by Rosemary’s family, and I pay tribute to them today and offer them our continuing support and solidarity.”