A police inquiry into one of the biggest scandals ever to rock British intelligence has recommended that two IRA veterans, one a key Sinn Féin figure, be charged, the Guardian has learned. These were given by Tony Blair’s government as a secret concession to Sinn Féin during negotiations leading up to reaching a political settlement in Northern Ireland. Boutcher’s naming of the other former IRA member who now works for Sinn Féin is, however, potentially a much more politically controversial move. This man has links to the current Sinn Féin leadership who promoted him through the party’s ranks. One source close to Operation Kenova has warned that a decision on whether to act on Boutcher’s recommendations may take up to two years.

Source: The Guardian October 05, 2019 06:56 UTC