Ruling by British attorney-general may lead to identification of Garda mole involved in double RUC killing

A recent ruling by the British attorney-general regarding the investigation of a double murder in south Armagh more than twenty years ago, is expected to lead to the naming of a Garda mole believed to have been involved in the killings.

RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Robert Buchanan were shot dead by the IRA near Jonesboro in March 1989, while they were returning from meeting with high-ranking Garda officers in Dundalk.  Its believed the purpose of the meeting was in relation to the alleged cross-border smuggling activities of Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy and IRA activity in south Armagh at the time.

The RUC men were traveling in an unmarked car when they were ambushed shortly after they crossed the border.  Both were shot dead at the scene.

The Smithwick Tribunal, led by retired judge Peter Smithwick, was established in 2005 by Dáil Eireann to investigate suggestions that Garda members colluded in the murders.

During the past week, an undertaking has been given by the British attorney-general to lawyers acting for witnesses in the Tribunal that no evidence given by them or made in statements will be used in evidence against them in any criminal proceedings taking place in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

One of the key potential witnesses, former British Army agent, Kevin Fulton, has already made an initial statement to the tribunal but has refused to agree to testify without immunity from prosecution.

It is understood Fulton told lawyers that he can connect a then-serving Garda officer to the killings and also that of Tom Oliver, a farmer from Riverstown, Dundalk, who allegedly informed police about IRA activity.  He was abducted by the IRA, shot and his body dumped in Belleek in July 1991.