Dáil 'must vote on collusion claims'

The Irish parliament must agree an all-party motion condemning alleged collusion by British security forces in the North atrocities, it was claimed tonight.

Government TD Sean Ardagh said the harrowing stories of victims’ families convinced him that loyalist paramilitaries colluded with British police and soldiers in shootings and bombings.

The Dáil in Dublin today heard statements on a debate on the issue which was recommended in 2006 by a parliamentary committee chaired by Mr Ardagh.

He said: “We were stunned into silence by the real harrowing stories that were told to the committee. Those memories survive with those people and will continue long after that day and this day.”

The Dublin TD welcomed Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s support for a future all-party Dáil motion on collusion.

“I hope that the party whips will make every effort to find an agreed wording on the question of collusion.”

“Initially I wasn’t sure and was accepting there wasn’t collusion, but as one report after report came, it was fixed that there was collusion between the British security forces and the perpetrators of these dastardly crimes.

“Sections of the British establishment took the view that the end justified the means that were being used.”

Sinn Féin criticised the British Government for refusing to hand over official files which could help the investigation of Troubles’ atrocities.

Co Louth TD Arthur Morgan called on the Taoiseach to continue pressure on UK prime minster Gordon Brown.

He also pressed Mr Ahern to meet Dáil parties in coming days to agree a Dáil motion on the issue.

“Then we could have had a real debate and a productive outcome.

“The survivors and the relatives of the victims of collusion deserve a serious and concerted approach that goes beyond simply restating our view,” he told the Dáil.

Mr Ardagh also claimed that the Northern Ireland Office didn’t give full co-operation on atrocities when requested by official reports.

“That in itself indicated that there was something to hide. I believe that a blind eye was turned to a lot of paramilitary activities,” he added.