Irish Examiner view: Ruling sheds light on PSNI concerns

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal ruled yesterday that a covert surveillance operation authorised by a senior PSNI police offer, intended to try to identify a source giving information to two journalists, was unlawful. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Developments in the North over the last 24 hours or so should give pause to all on this island.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal ruled yesterday that a covert surveillance operation authorised by a senior PSNI police offer, intended to try to identify a source giving information to two journalists, was unlawful. The case relates to a television documentary made by Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney about the 1994 loyalist paramilitary massacre in Loughinisland, Co Down, and a specific confidential document which appeared in the documentary.