DUP member to be quizzed in inquiry into 1974 murder

A FORMER member of the Northern Ireland Assembly is expected to be questioned by detectives investigating the murder of a man whose body was found in a lake nearly 30 years ago.

Oliver Gibson, a member of the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party and an ex-soldier in the Ulster Defence Regiment, is likely to be interviewed in connection with the death of Co Tyrone councillor Patrick Kelly.

Mr Gibson, 69, refused to comment last night but insisted: "I have nothing to hide and I have nothing to fear."

UDR soldiers have been at the centre of republican claims of collusion between the killers of Mr Kelly and the security forces in Co Tyrone.

Police in Derry confirmed a team had been formed to probe the murder of Mr Kelly, who was found with two 56lb weights strapped to his body, in Lough Eyes near Lisbellaw in Co Fermanagh.

The father-of-three disappeared after locking up the Corner Bar in the village of Trillick, Co Tyrone, on July 24, 1974. That same night, bloodstains, shirt buttons and cartridge cases were found on the roadside a mile from the town, where it is believed he met his killers.

The 33-year-old Catholic's body floated to the surface of the lake three weeks later. He had been shot a number of times.

Police had been under intense pressure to launch a fresh investigation into the murder amid the allegations of collusion.

Nationalists in the area had claimed illegal mobile UDR checkpoints were operating in the area on the night Mr Kelly disappeared. In January 1999, his family claimed they had been told a former UDR man had broken down in public and confessed to being involved in the killing. They said he had wept in a bar before naming members of the UDR who he claimed were involved.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Hunter, who is heading up the inquiry team, said: "my objective is to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring those responsible for Mr Kelly's murder before a court."

The family of the murdered Independent Nationalist Omagh District Councillor confirmed last night they would not co-operate with the fresh police investigation.

Mr Kelly's brother, Peter, said the family did not believe the new investigation would uncover the truth.

The Sinn Féin councillor said: "personally speaking, and for the party I represent, I would prefer to have an independent probe headed by a person from outside the country.

"We don't have much faith in the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the Police Service of Northern Ireland."