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09/07/2012
Boston College Tapes 'Could Be Handed To Police'
Material from the Boston College tapes could be handed over to the PSNI next month.
The tapes, which include audio recordings of IRA members, were taken as a history project on the strict understanding that their contents would not be made public until the speaker died.
But now the US Court of Appeal has ruled a transcript of an interview with Dolours Price should be given to police who have re-opened an inquiry into the 'disappearance' of Jean McConville more than 40 years ago.
Ms Price, who bombed the Old Bailey in 1973, allegedly uses the taped interview to discuss the death of Mrs McConville, who was murdered and secretly buried by the IRA.
Michael McConville, her son, welcomed the prospect of the tape's contents being aired in public, telling the BBC that the people involved in his mother’s murder should be "named and shamed".
The interviewers behind the Boston College Belfast Project, former IRA member turned academic Anthony MacIntyre and journalist Ed Moloney, have argued against the tapes' material being disclosed, saying this could harm the peace process.
They plan to challenge the ruling on the grounds that Mr MacIntyre and his family's personal safety will be threatened if the contents of interviews are made public before the interview subjects die.
And historian Richard English told the Guardian handing the tapes over would make trust a "rarer commodity" and make it difficult to research the Troubles.
An American court is considering its decision on whether other interviews from the project can be given to the PSNI.
(NE)
The tapes, which include audio recordings of IRA members, were taken as a history project on the strict understanding that their contents would not be made public until the speaker died.
But now the US Court of Appeal has ruled a transcript of an interview with Dolours Price should be given to police who have re-opened an inquiry into the 'disappearance' of Jean McConville more than 40 years ago.
Ms Price, who bombed the Old Bailey in 1973, allegedly uses the taped interview to discuss the death of Mrs McConville, who was murdered and secretly buried by the IRA.
Michael McConville, her son, welcomed the prospect of the tape's contents being aired in public, telling the BBC that the people involved in his mother’s murder should be "named and shamed".
The interviewers behind the Boston College Belfast Project, former IRA member turned academic Anthony MacIntyre and journalist Ed Moloney, have argued against the tapes' material being disclosed, saying this could harm the peace process.
They plan to challenge the ruling on the grounds that Mr MacIntyre and his family's personal safety will be threatened if the contents of interviews are made public before the interview subjects die.
And historian Richard English told the Guardian handing the tapes over would make trust a "rarer commodity" and make it difficult to research the Troubles.
An American court is considering its decision on whether other interviews from the project can be given to the PSNI.
(NE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
