Martin criticises ‘extraordinary slight’ against Lynch over reports on bombing

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has criticised what he said was an “extraordinary slight” on the legacy of former taoiseach Jack Lynch by reports about the Smithwick Tribunal.

His party contacted RTÉ over reports on Tuesday that Mr Lynch instructed gardaí not to co-operate with the RUC in its investigation into the Narrow Water bombing when 18 British soldiers were killed by the Provisional IRA in Aug 1979.

During the tribunal’s hearing, an unnamed witness, who was the chief investigating officer of the attack, said the taoiseach at the time decreed that killings near Warrenpoint were a “political crime” and that “no assistance would be given to the RUC”.