Pat Kenny had Brian Feeney and Chris Ryder on this morning (sound file). Both agreed that Donaldson and Stormontgate is the first of many disagreeable reminders of the dirty war played between the authories and paramilitary groups. Ryder says that it should really surprise no one, considering the DUP leader in particular was regularly the beneficiary of so-called leaks from the RUC throughout the Troubles. Both agree that however things are resolved (Feeney claims the Enquiries Act is likely to restrict any independent inquiry to the extent of being useless), what must be established is the ‘primacy of politicians’ – ie, all arms of the state are answerable to politicians.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty