Call for information about 1974 bombings

CLLR BRENDAN Thornhill sought a suspension of standing orders requesting that the new Garda Commissioner pass on all the relevant information he has relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and the Miami Showband killings.

This week the Police Service of Northern Ireland deputy chief constable Drew Harris was appointed as the Garda Commissioner for a five year term, starting from September.

At the very start of Monday’s monthly Wicklow County Council meeting, Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Vance passed on his best wishes to Mr Harris on his appointment and called for a letter of congratulations to be sent to the new Garda Commissioner on behalf of the council.

Cllr Thornhill, an ex Garda, requested a suspension of standing orders from the meeting’s agenda due to the recent appointment of Mr Harris.

‘This is a defining moment for Irish history,’ said Cllr Thornhill. ‘The Good Friday Agreement was signed over 20 years ago and showed things were ready to help both the north and the south. Mr Harris could help with legal issues in relation to matters that happened in the past. We wish him very well. In the interest of the state I request that Mr Harris pass on all the relevant information of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974 and the Miami Showband massacre of 1975,’said Cllr Thornhill.

His call for a suspension of standing orders was seconded by Cllr Joe Behan.

Cllr Irene Winters was the first councillor to object, stating that Garda matters were totally removed from those of the local authority.

‘This is Wicklow County Council. We have a big agenda here in front of us. Garda matters are Garda matters and Council matters are council matters. It isn’t our place to discuss these investigations here.’

Cllr Vincent Blake said the appointment of Mr Harris had already been welcomed at a Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting held earlier that morning in the council chamber.

Cllr Tommy Cullen felt that Cllr Thornhill’s request was ‘quite relevant’ but that Mr Harris was likely to be bound by the official secrets act of Britain.

Councillors voted against allowing the suspension of standing orders.