Allegations of corruption 'a lie'

A former Garda detective sergeant, who said claims he was involved in the murders of two RUC officers were “a monstrous lie”, said it would also be equally wrong to say that he was corrupt, a smuggler and a fraudster.

Owen Corrigan told the Smithwick Tribunal that one of his key accusers, double agent Peter Keeley, was a liar and a fantasist.

Mr Corrigan said the allegations he colluded with the IRA were part of a British establishment plan to deflect attention from British security forces’ collusion with loyalist death squads.

Neil Rafferty, for Mr Keeley, said Mr Corrigan was “making up this British conspiracy because it is the oldest trick in Irish political life”.

The tribunal resumes tomorrow.