Irish Examiner view: Ruling sheds light on PSNI concerns

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. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Wed, 18 Dec, 2024 - 01:00

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.