THE DECISION by former IRA members to meet the legal team of the Smithwick Tribunal marks the first time the organisation has co-operated with a formal inquiry in the State.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said it was the party that facilitated the meeting with the three former IRA members, two of whom had leadership roles, one nationally and the other in South Armagh.
Mr Adams said the tribunal had asked the party’s leadership if it could facilitate an engagement with the IRA but this was not considered possible as the IRA has been stood down and had “left the stage”. He said a number of former members had agreed to meet three members of the tribunal’s legal team in recent weeks on a voluntary basis and this had been facilitated by Sinn Féin.
“Having established the process between the tribunal and these former volunteers, Sinn Féin played no further role in the process, though our understanding is that the people involved were in a position to answer all questions about the IRA action in which the two RUC officers were killed,” he said.
“Sinn Féin facilitated this process because of our commitment to assisting bereaved families if and when we can. This may not be possible in all cases.”
The development was welcomed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who said the IRA and Sinn Féin should agree to co-operate with other inquiries and investigations.
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson has said the Smithwick Tribunal should be given the freedom to complete its investigation without “artificial deadlines”.
Mr Donaldson has criticised the imposition of a deadline of late November for the completion of the inquiry’s work. However, he added: “It is a significant step forward that representatives of the Provisional IRA are co-operating with the Smithwick Tribunal.”
