Seamus Ludlow family begin next phase in quest for justice in Dundalk today

The family of Seamus Ludlow, the 47-year-old forestry worker from Thistle Cross in north Louth who was murdered by a UVF/Red Hand Commando UDR gang in May 1976, held a press conference in An Táin Theatre in Dundalk today, to launch an information leaflet to highlight their case to the general public.

In a statement the family shared at the press conference, the family say that to date there has been no effective investigation into the murder of Seamus Ludlow. The family are currently engaged in legal battles in both the Republic and Northern Ireland to seek justice for Seamus.

Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law, solicitor to the Ludlow family, said, “This is a case where the members of the British Army working in conjunction with loyalist paramilitaries entered another jurisdiction and committed murder.

"There is considerable public interest in ensuring that all facts and circumstances of this murder are known, including the Gardaí's response and their investigation.”

The family's solicitor referred to two public inquiries in England, one in relation to the death of Alexander Litvinenko and the other in relation to the death of Alexander Perepilichny, and the benefit public inquiries into both gave.

“It is in the government's gift to hold the two further Commissions of Investigation under the Commission of Investigation Act 2004”, Mr Booth continued. “The point of these inquiries was to remove time, expense and length from Inquiries. This was to ensure a quicker and more cost-effective way to deal with these issues.”

“There has also been a number of recent examples of Inquiries being held under Section 42 of Garda Síochána Act 2005.

“In respect of the Kenneally Inquiry, the most recent Inquiry to be granted, this was done so after representations were made to Charlie Flanagan. He decided that it was then in the public interest.”

“It is our view that the public interest test has been met in the Republic of Ireland the further commissions of investigations should be immediately implemented as per the recommendations of the Joint Committee of the Oireachtas”, Mr Booth concluded.

Following statements by members of the Ludlow family and Mr Booth, questions were taken from those present, with Louth Sinn Féin TD Gerry Adams commending the family and their solicitor for “all the work you have been doing, and indeed all those families who are searching for the truth.”

Deputy Adams then asked, “would it be helpful if the TD's and seanadoirí were able to bring forward a motion calling for the implementation of the Barron report?”

Welcoming Deputy Adams comments, Michael Donegan said “absolutely”, with Mr Booth adding, “I believe that it would be helpful. If we could get cross party support for it.”

Fianna Fáil TD Declan Breathnach, who was also present at the press conference welcomed Gerry Adams' comments, saying, “since joining the Oireachtais, the issue of collaboration with TDs, including Gerry, and what he has just said I certainly commend and will work with him and Jim O'Callaghan(Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Justice and Equality) to put additional pressure on.”

Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat following the press conference, Deputy Breathnach said:

“I think that the request for a public inquiry should be at least listened to.

"I think this particular case along with a lot of others, whether people are looking for redress or closure is very important.

"Because I do think after a long period of years, 43 in this particular case, we all know the family want to know what happened.

"I think the issue of how people are to get to grips with, whether they want justice, and I mentioned earlier that justice delayed is justice denied. But there are quite a lot of families out there who just want the truth and would be acceptable of that.

“But in this specific case, the Ludlow family made a presentation to the local authority many years ago, before I went into the Oireachtais; I firmly believe that the onus is on the Oireachtais memebers.”

Welcoming Gerry Adams comments on cross party collaboration to bring forward a motion, Breathnach added:

“To be able to highlight it again in the Oireachtais, and I see it as my duty as Vice Chairman of the Good Friday Implementation Committee to see that at least they get a hearing, that further highlights this family's tragedy on seeking closure.”

Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí Ó Murchú shared his thoughts with the Democrat, saying:

“The whole idea of this is to highlight the issue, a man that was killed in this area by people who were allegedly members of the British Armed Forces. There has been an absence of truth. There has been a failure by the Gardaí and there has been a failure to follow through at Governement level.”

Cllr Ó Murchú welcomed the comments from both Gerry Adams and Declan Breathnach on potential cross party collaboration to move the process forward, “to a point where the family would get justice, would get the truth and an element of closure.”