RUC corruption Ombudsman uncovers more collusion

FURTHER proof, if it were needed, of the twisted face of the RUC in the eyes of nationalists, has again been demonstrated by the North’s Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan.

Her investigation into the assassination of GAA official Seán Brown is a damning indictment of the politico-religious bias that characterised a force which, thankfully, has been replaced by the PSNI.

Not only was the investigation incomplete and inadequate, but crucial files went missing. It is patently obvious no serious attempt was ever made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Faced with a long catalogue of their failings, the police have been forced to re-investigate yet another killing of a Catholic by loyalist murder squads.

With Justice Minister Michael McDowell on the brink of appointing a garda ombudsman, the performance of Nuala O’Loan is a compelling reminder of the need to give her counterpart in the Republic both the independence and the teeth necessary to do the job without fear or favour.