‘Vindication of the RUC’ says Gardiner

Mr Gardiner said: “The key finding of the Nelson enquiry, that there was no collusion by the police or any other government agency in the murder of Rosemary Nelson, is an important vindication of the RUC.

“While the report says that it cannot exclude the possibility that rogue elements within the police might have been involved, it is important to remember that no organisation is immune from rogue elements within it. It is also important to remember, however, that this latter assertion is not backed by any evidence of any kind and cannot, therefore, be considered as having equal validity with the main findings that there was no collusion by the police.

“I believe that it is important for all of us to remember the immense sacrifice the RUC made to protect the lives of ordinary citizens from a brutal terrorist campaign. Without their service and sacrifice we would not have made the political progress we have made.

“I want to extend my sympathies to Rosemary Nelson’s family and I can understand their unhappiness with all that has happened since they have lost a wife, a mother and a daughter. Our thoughts must always be with the victims.”