ArchBishop expresses shame over Claudy

The ArchBishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, Dr Dean Brady, has expressed his personal distress, grief and shame at the possible involvement of a priest, either directly or indirectly, in the Claudy bombing.

He said that any involvement by a priest in acts of terrorism brings distress to all Catholic priests and to the whole Catholic community.

He said: "My first reaction to the possibility of any such allegation being true is one of absolute horror.

"My heartfelt sympathy is for the relatives of the victims whose grief has not lessened over time and must be intensified by the prevailing suspicion and speculation with respect to this shameful crime."

He has stated that ultimately this issue was and is a matter for the civil authorities and the police who at the time did not arrest or prosecute possible suspects.

He also vowed that the Church would co-operate fully with any ongoing investigation.