Irish Republican News · July 12, 2006

IRA statement on McConville case

The Provisional IRA has issued a statement affirming that Jean McConville had been an informer at the time she was killed in 1972 following a declaration by Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan that she had no evidence to corroborate the claims.

The IRA said: “Following a public request from the family of Jean McConville, the IRA carried out a thorough investigation into all the circumstances surrounding her death.

“That investigation confirmed that Jean McConville was working as an informer for the British army. The conclusion of this investigation was reported to Michael McConville. The IRA accepts he rejects this conclusion.

“The IRA regrets the suffering of all the families whose loved ones were killed and buried by the IRA.”

The mother and widow was one of the ‘Disappeared’, her body one of a handful unrecovered following 30 years of conflict. It was eventually traced to a County Louth beach in 2003.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said: “I have been meeting with the McConville family for some time. My sole interest has been to help the family.

“Whatever about the circumstances surrounding Jean McConville’s killing, the burial of her remains was a great injustice to the family. And the family endured significant hardship in the years which followed.

“Sinn Féin has worked hard in recent years to resolve the issue of those remains buried by the IRA and still not recovered and we continue to talk to the Irish government on this matter.”

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.