SF to challenge Orde on Stevens report

Sinn Féin will publicly challenge PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde today to release a controversial dossier of state collaboration…

Sinn Féin will publicly challenge PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde today to release a controversial dossier of state collaboration with loyalist killers.

South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey will demand complete publication of former Scotland Yard chief Lord Stevens's report into collusion when he meets Mr Orde at a Policing Board meeting in Belfast.

With prosecutors having ruled out any charges against soldiers or police officers suspected of involvement in the murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane, Sinn Féin insists there are no further excuses for Mr Orde keeping details secret.

Mr Maskey said that full disclosure was in the public interest.

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Following three investigations into loyalist paramilitary agents and informers, Lord Stevens found in 2003 that rogue elements within the police and

British army helped terrorists to kill Catholics in Northern Ireland during the 1980s.

Central to his inquiry was the Ulster Defence Association shooting of Mr Finucane in front of his family at their north Belfast home in February 1989.

Files were prepared on at least 20 individuals, but in June this year the Public Prosecution Service finally confirmed no charges would follow. Insufficient evidence was said to be critical to the decision.

PA