Inquiry sought on Saor Eire link

The family of a garda shot dead in a 1970 bank robbery have called for an inquiry into alleged links between the then government and Saor Éire, the subversive republican group that was blamed for his murder.

Mr Finian Fallon (35), the youngest of the garda's five children, said he believed a body of evidence now existed to show there were contacts between the government and the militant group, which comprised mainly former IRA men and non-political criminals.

Claims this week by retired army lieutenant Mr Dónal De Róiste that he had been "framed" in 1969 by a double agent with links to Saor Éire and the government added impetus to the need for an inquiry, said Mr Fallon.

"The ideal would be a truth and reconciliation commission. Failing that, I think ours is an important enough case to investigate in its own right. We are not seeking retribution against anyone. We just want the truth so we can bring this to a close."

Garda Fallon (43) was killed on April 3rd 1970 while chasing raiders who had just held up the Royal Bank of Ireland on Arran Quay. Both the Provisional and Official IRA denied involvement. Instead, blame fell on Saor Éire, a militant faction which was believed to be involved in gun-running to Northern Ireland in 1969. The group was also suspected of plans to kidnap politicians and foreign diplomats in 1970.

Saor Éire never admitted responsibility for the murder of Garda Fallon. It did, however, issue a statement, denying the garda was killed "in the course of protecting the public". It said: "He died protecting the property of the ruling class, who are too cowardly and clever to do their own dirty work."

Mr Fallon, a former member of the Progressive Democrats on whose ticket he ran in two previous elections, said the family would be lobbying the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, on the issue. However, he said, "we're not holding our breath as we've yet to get the Government to budge despite previous approaches."

He said he understood there was at least one significant file on the murder which had yet to be released by the Department. "But irrespective of that there is a case to answer. It needs to be investigated."

He said the family were now taking legal advice and "if the door remains closed we will have no choice but to take a case against the Government."

Referring to the De Róiste case, Mr Fallon added: "This latest revelation about government contacts with Saor Éire is the final piece in the jigsaw. An independent inquiry must be established with powers to subpoena witnesses and documents. The Government has proved itself unwilling to look at these matters in full and has a vested interest in ensuring that the truth is not told."