Responding to comments by the Garda Commissioner on the Smithwick Report TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“Commissioner Callinan claims that he accepts the conclusions of the Smithwick Report and yet says that it is “beyond comprehension” that any member of the force colluded with the Provisionals.
“Frankly, it should be beyond anyone’s comprehension how the Commissioner can claim to accept the Report and yet cast doubt on its key finding!
“It is beyond dispute that the Republic acted as a safe haven for terrorists throughout the Troubles. Why else did they flee south after attacks?
“The Commissioner needs to face up to the reality that the Republic’s forces of law and order were a major factor in sustaining the IRA campaign in Northern Ireland. In fact, it is my belief that Smithwick is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to collision between the Garda and militant Republicanism.”