Madam, - On RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland on November 30th Sean Ardagh TD mentioned British refusal of co-operation as a reason for not holding a public enquiry into the "widespread collusion between British security forces and terrorists [ that] was behind many, if not all, of a number of atrocities on both sides of the Border that resulted in 18 deaths in the mid-1970s" (The Irish Times, November 30th).
But an official tribunal might usefully also inquire into why the Garda and the Government were not "more vigorous in their attempts to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators". Fianna Fáil dismissed the then Garda Commissioner, Edmund Garvey, on its return to office in 1977. The reasons have never been properly explained.
Some former members of the British security forces might cooperate with a public inquiry. Colin Wallace and Fred Holroyd have spoken freely about collusion. Holroyd met Commissioner Garvey in 1975, with other British forces personnel. John Weir, a former RUC-UVF member, also appears willing to talk. Retired RUC detective Johnston Brown, who wrote Into the Dark, detailing his own impeccable record in the RUC, might have relevant information to impart. Others with information are likely to appear once an official enquiry, with all the required safeguards, is set up.
A precedent has been set with an enquiry into alleged Garda collusion in the killing of RUC officers. Why not one for Irish citizens killed as a result of alleged collusion by British military and police officers? The alternative offered is a Dáil debate. But those outside parliament with personal information would not be able to contribute. One might be forgiven for getting the impression that there is an attempt to limit inquiry. - Yours etc,
NIALL MEEHAN,
Offaly Road,
Dublin 7.