Menu
19/11/2007
Peer Insists Quinn Murder Was IRA
A war of wars has developed between UUP peer, Lord John Laird and the government over the brutal murder of Cullyhanna man, Paul Quinn.
The Secretary of State has dismissed "speculation" about responsibility for the murder even though a paramilitary watchdog linked the killing to the IRA.
In the House of Commons the Secretary of State Shaun Woodward first said that the Irish Justice Minister had assured him that there was “no information at this stage that the killing had been authorised or carried out by any paramilitary grouping”.
However, Lord Laird later highlighted the contradiction between Mr Woodward and the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) whose spokesman, John Grieve said he believed the killers had IRA connections.
“We do believe that those who were involved in the attack on him – in his brutal murder – included people who are members or former members or have associations with members or former members of the Provisional IRA,” Mr Grieve said.
A Northern Ireland Office spokeswoman, in response to Lord Laird, said: “We have no doubt that the IMC will make an assessment of responsibility for this murder in their next report.
“We do not, however, believe that speculative comments about responsibility are going to aid the police investigation or assist the prosecution of anyone brought to justice for this crime.”
But Lord Laird has since slammed Mr Woodward for “sleeping through the tea party”, adding: “The IMC, south Armagh residents and numerous commentators all believe PIRA was behind the murder of Paul Quinn.
“What is Mr Woodward saying? That 20 guys in total, eight or nine of them with surgical gloves, getaway cars and a getaway van were out for a walk on Saturday afternoon when they just decided to clip someone around the ear?”
Lord Laird has already named those he believed were responsible for the murder in the House of Lords under parliamentary privilege.
(BMcC)
The Secretary of State has dismissed "speculation" about responsibility for the murder even though a paramilitary watchdog linked the killing to the IRA.
In the House of Commons the Secretary of State Shaun Woodward first said that the Irish Justice Minister had assured him that there was “no information at this stage that the killing had been authorised or carried out by any paramilitary grouping”.
However, Lord Laird later highlighted the contradiction between Mr Woodward and the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) whose spokesman, John Grieve said he believed the killers had IRA connections.
“We do believe that those who were involved in the attack on him – in his brutal murder – included people who are members or former members or have associations with members or former members of the Provisional IRA,” Mr Grieve said.
A Northern Ireland Office spokeswoman, in response to Lord Laird, said: “We have no doubt that the IMC will make an assessment of responsibility for this murder in their next report.
“We do not, however, believe that speculative comments about responsibility are going to aid the police investigation or assist the prosecution of anyone brought to justice for this crime.”
But Lord Laird has since slammed Mr Woodward for “sleeping through the tea party”, adding: “The IMC, south Armagh residents and numerous commentators all believe PIRA was behind the murder of Paul Quinn.
“What is Mr Woodward saying? That 20 guys in total, eight or nine of them with surgical gloves, getaway cars and a getaway van were out for a walk on Saturday afternoon when they just decided to clip someone around the ear?”
Lord Laird has already named those he believed were responsible for the murder in the House of Lords under parliamentary privilege.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 February 2024
Appeal Issued Following Craigavon Robbery
Detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a recent robbery in the Craigavon area. A 17-year-old boy was travelling on his e-bike at approximately 12.
Appeal Issued Following Craigavon Robbery
Detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a recent robbery in the Craigavon area. A 17-year-old boy was travelling on his e-bike at approximately 12.
11 July 2018
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird Dies Aged 74
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird has died at the age of 74. Having became Stormont's youngest MP in 1970 when he won a by-election caused by the death of his father, Lord Laird resigned from the UUP five years ago after being accused of breaking parliamentary rules.
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird Dies Aged 74
Former Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Laird has died at the age of 74. Having became Stormont's youngest MP in 1970 when he won a by-election caused by the death of his father, Lord Laird resigned from the UUP five years ago after being accused of breaking parliamentary rules.
06 June 2023
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
03 June 2013
UUP Suspends Lord Laird
The Ulster Unionist Party has suspended Lord Laird from its Westminster team following claims that he agreed to carry out parliamentary work for payment. The news follows a report by the Sunday Times, in which undercover journalists filmed three peers appearing to offer help to a fake solar energy company.
UUP Suspends Lord Laird
The Ulster Unionist Party has suspended Lord Laird from its Westminster team following claims that he agreed to carry out parliamentary work for payment. The news follows a report by the Sunday Times, in which undercover journalists filmed three peers appearing to offer help to a fake solar energy company.
22 April 2024
SDLP Criticises Decision Not To Prosecute Soldiers For Perjury
The SDLP has described a decision not to prosecute British soldiers and a member of the IRA for perjury following their evidence to the Saville Inquiry as "another blow for the Bloody Sunday families".
SDLP Criticises Decision Not To Prosecute Soldiers For Perjury
The SDLP has described a decision not to prosecute British soldiers and a member of the IRA for perjury following their evidence to the Saville Inquiry as "another blow for the Bloody Sunday families".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
