The Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice Spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has accused the Pat Finucane Centre of a disgraceful slur on the RUC in advertising material used for at an event at a bar near Keady which referred to ‘an RUC gun and bomb attack.’  

Doug Beattie MLA said:

“In the course of our Troubles the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) had 302 officers murdered by terrorists and some 900 injured. This does not take into account any that may have succumbed to mental health issues or suicide.

“As a force they stood with incredible bravery, professionalism and a stoic defence of the rule of law. In doing so they no doubt prevented Northern Ireland slipping into a full scale civil war and during the Troubles the jails were full of terrorists – both loyalist and republican – because of the dedication to duty of the men and women of the RUC.  

“The Pat Finucane centre recently publicised an event at a bar near Keady and stated ‘the bar survived an RUC gun and bomb attack on 5 June 1976.’

“This is nothing less than a sickening and abhorrent attempt to smear the force. This disgraceful slur is disrespectful to the officers, to victims and to society. It is certainly a long way from the claim on the Pat Finucane Centre’s own website which says ‘The PFC is a non-party political, anti-sectarian human rights group advocating a non-violent resolution of the conflict on the island of Ireland.’

“The attack on the Rock Bar was carried out by terrorists, nothing more, nothing less. It was investigated by the RUC and evidence was sought to secure convictions for those responsible. There is no doubt that during the course of the Troubles a very small number of police officers broke the law and disgraced the force. This is true of any profession – be it doctors, teachers, accountants or lawyers.

“It is very clear to me that the campaign to rewrite the history of the Troubles is gathering pace and that part of that agenda is served by republican organisations and individuals seeking to portray the RUC as the villains of the piece. I say again, this cannot be allowed to happen.

“The Ulster Unionist Party has warned of the inherent dangers posed by the Historical Investigations Unit (HIU) and how it will undermine the RUC through non-criminal misconduct charges. It needs to be opposed and we as a society need to oppose the continual attacks on the brave police men and women of the RUC GC who stood between the terrorists and terrorised.”