Republican News · Thursday 30 November 2001

Public Inquiry into Abbeylara essential

Sa ráiteas ar an Sathairn, 24 Samhain, dúirt Comhairleoir Máirtín Ó Fearaiosa go bhfuil se thar a bheith tábhachtach go gcuirfear Fiosrú Poiblí le chéile chun scrúdú a dheánamh i gcás John Carthy a fuair bas in Abbeylara, Co. an Longfoirt.

Sinn Féin Councillor Martin Ferris has called for the immediate establishment of an independent Public Inquiry into the shooting of John Carthy in Abbeylara by the Garda Emergency Response Unit.

In a statement, Councillor Ferris said: "This week's High Court victory by the Gardai, in which they attempted to undermine the Dail inquiry into events which culminated in the shooting dead of John Carthy, is a serious setback to all those who are concerned with accountable and trustworthy policing in this State, as well as being a further blow to the grief-stricken Carthy family in Abbeylara. Public confidence in the Garda Síochána is at an all-time low following a litany of incidents, including Abbeylara, the indefensible harassment of the McBrearty family in Donegal and the revelations concerning the Advance Pitstop tyre contract.

"There exists a widespread public perception that the Gardaí are accountable only to themselves, and the contempt which the force‚s management has shown towards the elected representatives of the Oireachtas has reinforced that perception. A full and independent Public Inquiry into events at Abbeylara last year is now absolutely essential, and must be accompanied by a complete overhaul of procedures relating to Garda accountability and the investigation of complaints against the force."