The Ulster Unionist Party’s East Antrim MLA John Stewart, is calling on the PSNI and Garda to investigate claims made in a recent video posted online by Bellaghy Sinn Fein in tribute to the IRA terrorist Francis Hughes.
John Stewart MLA said:
“The recent video posted by Bellaghy Sinn Fein in tribute to the IRA terrorist Francis Hughes raises a number of important issues that require further scrutiny and have a bearing on all legacy investigations.
Firstly, Gerry Adams admits to having Hughes stay with him in Donegal, presumably when Hughes was on the run.
Secondly, a 'friend' states that whilst in Donegal with Hughes, a pub owner, who he describes as a 'top Fine Gaeler' enabled Hughes to escape from the Garda who had police cars at both the front and rear of the pub.
“With regard to the first instance, to knowingly harbour a wanted man, suspected of multiple murders and attempted murders is undoubtedly illegal activity and should be the subject of a police investigation.
“With regard to the second incident, the PSNI should contact the Garda in a bid to establish who this Fine Gael publican was, because his actions undoubtedly cost lives.
“These admissions point us to the very crux of the issue of legacy investigations. Just how can republicans – or anyone else for that matter - demand that long retired soldiers be pursued through the courts for alleged offences 50 years ago, if republicans are able to publicly admit to very serious offences and be given a free pass?
“I will therefore be writing to the PSNI to ask them to take the appropriate action.”