Buchanan family asks police officers to assist tribunal

THE FAMILY of the RUC superintendent killed in an IRA ambush in 1989 has called on retired RUC officers and those serving in the PSNI to co-operate with the Smithwick Tribunal.

The tribunal is inquiring into suggestions of Garda-IRA collusion in the murders of Supt Bob Buchanan and Chief Supt Harry Breen, who were assassinated as they returned from a meeting with gardaí in Dundalk Garda station.

In a statement issued at the weekend, the Buchanan family acknowledged the tribunal of inquiry was “endeavouring to obtain the truth” in relation to the killings.

However, the family said “it is known that a number of serving or retired police officers who hold valuable information” which would assist the tribunal have been reluctant to come forward.

The family also said there were others who may not realise the importance of the information they possess. They said a short discussion would clarify the position in relation to a number of matters and stressed “there can be no compulsion” for non-Republic of Ireland residents to attend.

The family have asked that anyone who may have something to contribute speak in confidence to their solicitor, Ernie Waterworth, of McCartan Turkington Breen Solicitors of Belfast. Mr Waterworth can be contacted at 004428-9032 9801.

“If, following discussions, such witnesses do not wish to give evidence, the matter will end there,” the statement said.

Earlier this month, tribunal chairman Judge Peter Smithwick wrote to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter advising him of the need for additional time for the tribunal to complete its hearings. Judge Smithwick said that since the hearings had begun, a number of people previously unknown to the tribunal had come forward with potentially important information, which needed to be investigated.