Murdered RUC officer relaxed about security, inquiry told

MURDERED RUC Supt Bob Buchanan was relaxed about security precautions during regular visits to Dundalk Garda station, and on the day he was killed had spent time exchanging pleasantries with gardaí before leaving with RUC Chief Supt Harry Breen, to go back across the Border.

Supt Buchanan was described as a “very friendly” once-a-week visitor to Dundalk Garda station who on his last visit had chatted and accepted well wishes on his imminent promotion and transfer out of south Armagh, to Newtownards, Co Down, the Smithwick Tribunal was told yesterday.

The tribunal was also told Supt Buchanan always travelled in his own car, a red Vauxhaul, which was usually parked outside the front of the Garda station.

Within two hours of chatting with Garda officers on a visit on March 20th, 1989, Supt Buchanan and fellow RUC officer Chief Supt Breen were murdered by the IRA as they returned to Armagh. The tribunal is inquiring into suggestions that members of An Garda Síochána, or other employees of the State, colluded in the killings.

Retired inspector Vincent Rowan yesterday recalled the last visit of the RUC officers. He told the tribunal he had congratulated Supt Buchanan on the promotion and transfer after Supt Buchanan emerged from a meeting with Garda Chief Supt John Nolan and Chief Supt Breen.

Mr Rowan told the tribunal he could not remember who had told him Supt Buchanan was being transferred before he broached the subject with the RUC man.

But he said one of the officers present in the Garda station must have known and told him, because he clearly remembered offering congratulations.

Counsel for the tribunal Justin Dillon said officers present who might technically have been in a position to relay news of the transfer were Sgt George Flynn, Chief Supt Nolan, Supt Pat Tierney and Insp Frank Murray.

Mr Dillon said Mr Flynn had told the tribunal he had not known of Supt Buchanan’s impending transfer, while Supt Tierney and Chief Supt Nolan “did not tell the [tribunal] chairman” [Judge Peter Smithwick] they had informed Mr Rowan of the impending retirement.

Mr Dillon said this appeared to leave Insp Murray who was unfortunately deceased. Mr Rowan said he could not remember which officer had divulged the information.