Claudy D-Day

A spokesperson for the Police Ombudsman's office yesterday confirmed processes were "still on course" to release the report on Tuesday, August 24, at 11am.

The Ombudsman's investigation was first launched in 2002 after an initial police probe, and the report was expected to be released a number of years ago.

At the centre of the investigation were claims that a Catholic priest, Fr James Chesney, was involved in the bombings and that a cover-up between Church and State led to him escaping justice.

It is believed the Police Ombudsman's office sees the new report as a "significant" document.

However, Councillor Mary Hamilton, who was injured in the blasts, has claimed the report would do little to alleviate the suffering still felt in the village.

It is understood that those effected by the bombing will meet in the Diamond Centre in Claudy at 10.30am on Tuesday, and the report will be released at 11am.

However, Mrs Hamilton said yesterday her thoughts were "no different today than they were 10 years ago" as she believes the report will not help bring anyone to justice.

"I still believe the people of Claudy have not got a fair deal and seem to have been forgotten. The powers that be have produced this report, but findings will prove little comfort to the people of Claudy as far as I can see. It seems they protected the priest and the people in Claudy have come second, their lives did not mean anything and they were sacrificed," she said.

"For me the report will not change anything. There will never be any tangible results out of it, and no one will be made amenable for the death and destruction caused on that day.

"I honestly think the findings will be devastating for people because they will realise that no one will be brought to book for what happened and for all the lives that were lost. This is so final.

"If anything, this will do more damage than good. I had hoped there might be some kind of outcome from this process, but now we realise there is not going to be one. I just feel that the perpetrators have had a chance to live their lives but the people of Claudy did not, and innocent people going about their work and play had their lives ruined.

"I imagine there will be a lot of tears on Tuesday," concluded Mrs Hamilton.