Stevens report 'both grave and damning'

SDLP leader Mark Durkan has described the Stevens Report as "both grave and damning" and called for an immediate public judicial inquiry so that "the truth can be told".

The report, released today, revealed that security forces in Northern Ireland did collude with loyalist paramilitaries in the murder of solicitor Patrick Finucane and student Brian Adam Lambert in the late 1980's.

The 24-page report, which has been described as an interim report, was published today – 14 years after his first investigation into the disputed murders was launched.

Mr Durkan added: "The man who was responsible for the day-to-day conduct of the Stevens investigation was Hugh Orde, the new Chief Constable. The SDLP on the Policing Board expects him to take all steps to ensure that these abuses can never happen again and that any police officers guilty of criminality are rigorously pursued."

Sinn Fein MLA, Alex Maskey also called for a full international judicial inquiry following the publication of the Report. He said: "Sinn Fein have raised the issue of the British policy of collusion with loyalists for many years. The role of the British military, through FRU and the RUC through the Special Branch controlled and directed loyalists death squads.

"This is not about rogue elements within the British system, it is about a state policy sanctioned at the highest level."

In his report Sir John concludes that there is enough evidence uncovered to "lead me to believe that the murders of Patrick Finucane and Brian Adam Lambert could have been prevented".

He added: "I also believe that the RUC investigation of Patrick Finucane’s murder should have resulted in the early arrest and detection of his killers.

"I conclude there was collusion in both murders and the circumstances surrounding them. Collusion is evidenced in many ways. This ranges from the wilful failure to keep records, the absence of accountability, the withholding of intelligence and evidence, through to the extreme of agents being involved in murder."

Sir John also accuses the security services of obstructing his investigation, which he describes as "cultural and widespread" within parts of the army and the RUC.

Earlier in the day Michael Finucane, the son of murdered solicitor, Pat Finucane said the report would confirm that the British policy in Northern Ireland "was - and may yet be – to harness the killing potential of Loyalist paramilitaries, to increase that potential through additional resources in the shape of weapons and information and to direct those resources against selected targets so that the Government could be rid of its enemies".

"Simple policy. Simple operation. Simply chilling," he added.

The Stevens enquiry has been the largest investigation undertaken in the United Kingdom – resulting in 9,256 statements being taken, 10,391 documents recorded (totalling over one million pages) and 16,194 exhibits seized.

The inquiry has led to 144 arrests, and so far 94 people have been convicted. To date 57 separate reports have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (NI) for his direction.

(GMcG/MB)