The editor of the Sunday Independent, Mr Aengus Fanning, today said the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeal to overturn the conviction of Paul Ward for the murder of Veronica Guerin is "extremely disappointing and is a considerable surprise to us all".
"I have always believed that Veronica was murdered by the Gilligan gang," said Mr Fanning. "Nothing that has happened today convinces me otherwise."
Ms Guerin’s mother Bernie defended the role of the gardai investigating the case, saying the judgment had appeared to cast aspersions on the role of the Lucan Garda team, led by Assistant Commissioner, Mr Tony Hickey.
"These are as fine and decent a body of men as it is possible to meet. It would be almost impossible in a dozen lifetimes to encounter a more professional, decent or honourable man than Mr Tony Hickey," she said.
"While I am disappointed by today’s decision, the unceasing grief and heartbreak over the murder of my daughter remains my predominant emotion," said Mrs Guerin.
"Following John Gilligan’s conviction, I expressed the opinion that justice, as we know it in this country, did not appear to be done. Unfortunately today’s verdict confirms this belief. I know that my daughter Veronica would share my feeling of anger today," she said.
Mr Fanning also said that the support of all of Veronica's colleagues in the Sunday Independentwas with her mother Bernie, husband Graham, son Cathal, brothers and sisters.
"At least we can take some consolation from the fact that the State today secured an order against John Gilligan for €17 million. This represents the profits from his illegal drug dealing, which Veronica so courageously exposed," said Mr Fanning.
