Judge Peter Smithwick, a former president of the District Court and chairman of the Smithwick Tribunal, has died.
Kenova lead, former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "I was greatly saddened to be told of the death of Judge Peter Smithwick, a former president of the Irish District Court and chairman of the Smithwick Tribunal.
"The Smithwick Tribunal examined events surrounding the murders of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Robert Buchanan of the RUC, in March 1989. Judge Smithwick issued his findings report 3 December 2013 with a finding that on a balance of probabilities, there had been collusion between members of the An Garda Siochana and the Provisional IRA resulting in murder of the police officers.
"I was fortunate enough to meet with Judge Smithwick and the counsel that he appointed to assist his tribunal as part of my Kenova investigation. I learnt a huge amount from him and the tribunal’s work.
"He was a man of huge intellect, humility and he had a steely determination to pursue the truth. I recall him asking me rhetorically 'Jon when does something stop being of a national security interest?' The entire Kenova team send his family and loved ones our condolences."