30 years on but Louth farmer's murder is still no closer to a resolution

An investigation led by a retired British police officer into the murder of Tom Oliver poses some interesting questions, writes Mick Clifford

(Left to right) Former chief constable Jon Boutcher and Eugene Oliver the son of Tom Oliver who was murdered by the Provisional IRA in 1991. Photo: Arthur Carron/PA

On July 19 last, RTÉ’s Six One News carried an item on the murder of Tom Oliver, a farmer from Co. Louth who was abducted, tortured and murdered by the Provisional IRA in 1991. 

The murder of the popular father of seven sparked outrage in the Cooley peninsula, leading to a major demonstration against the Provos and the ostracisation locally of known IRA people.