Irish Republican News · December 8, 2003

FRU SPOOKS BLOCK CORY REPORT

Members of the British intelligence services have blocked the publication of the Cory Report, according to reports at the weekend.

Senior ``intelligence figures'' are said to have threatened the British government with a series of court injunctions in a bid to delay the report findings being published.

The Sunday Life newspaper reported that lawyers acting on behalf of members of the shadowy Joint Services Group (formerly the Army's Force Research Unit, the FRU) had formally contacted the British government and threatened legal action.

``The official government line is that they are still considering the legal and security implications of the Cory report, prior to publishing its findings,'' a source said.

``The reality is, intelligence figures have said they will injunct the government, and block publication of Cory's report until intelligence chiefs have studied his findings minutely.

``Clearly, the spooks are very concerned at how deep Cory has delved into their world.''

Judge Cory has recommended a total of five public inquirie, with full power of subpoena, in the cases of Pat Finucane, Rosemary Nelson, Billy Wright, Robert Hamill and RUC officers, Harry Breen and Bob Buchanan.

BARRON REPORT TO EMERGE

Meanwhile, the Barron report on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974 will be published next Wednesday or Thursday.

The document analyses the planning and execution of the car-bombs which claimed 33 lives of innocent civilians in the two locations on one day.

An Irish Government spokeswoman confirmed that there would be alterations to the report and that some names have been deleted.

It is thought the 300-page report will make sensational findings of collusion between the RUC police in the North and the unionist paramilitary UDA. It is believed that the bombings were carefully planned to alienate public opinion in the 26 Counties against the IRA and the conflict in the North.

The 300-page report also catalogues a series of failures in the official investigation by the police in the 26 Counties into the killings.

The report's author, Justice Henry Barron, will outline his findings to the Justice Committee of the Dublin parliament on Thursday. It will show that the UDA had ``sophisticated assistance'' from within the British Crown forces, according to reports.

One insider was reported as saying that the findings would prove embarrassing for some, but would ``give Sinn Féin a further lift in the polls''.

It is believed the Irish government delayed the publication of the report's findings until after the November 26 election in the North to avoid boosting Sinn Féin's tally at the polls.

The report will be released for publication after it has been assessed by the committee, it is understood. Further public hearings into the Barron report are likely to be scheduled in the New Year.

The report has taken nearly four years to complete, with much delay encountered in requests to the British authorities for assistance and information. It was first begun by former Chief Justice Liam Hamilton in January 2000, and taken over on his death by Mr Justice Barron.

Urgent Appeal

Despite increasing support for Irish freedom and unity, we need your help to overcome British and unionist intransigence. We can end the denial of our rights in relation to Brexit, the Irish language, a border poll and legacy issues, with your support.

Please support IRN now to help us continue reporting and campaigning for our national rights. Even one pound a month can make a big difference for us.

Your contribution can be made with a credit or debit card by clicking below. A continuing monthly donation of £2 or more will give you full access to this site. Thank you. Go raibh míle maith agat.