Reacting to the publication of the McCullough Review, Sinn Féin’s policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly MLA said, “The McCullough Review sets out a stark assessment of PSNI practices around surveillance of journalists, lawyers and others. Sinn Féin welcomes the depth of his work in uncovering the scale of activity and recognises the limitations of what he could access.
“The independent review covered a period from 2011 to 2024.
“It is now clear that elements of PSNI’s ‘defensive operations’ – including trawls like Operation Settat and Operation Pudding – were unnecessary, disproportionate and therefore unlawful. The deliberate use of covert intelligence to identify journalistic sources, and surveillance activity in and around court buildings, are particularly egregious. Such practices strike at press freedom and legal professional privilege. Policing can never be above the law.
“Recognising the gravity of what has been revealed, the Policing Board – on a cross-community basis and with the support of its members – has treated this as a Section 59 report from the Chief Constable under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000. This is unprecedented and underlines the seriousness of the failings identified.
“Sinn Féin is assessing the 200-page report and the actions necessary to restore confidence. Public trust – especially among those targeted – has been badly damaged. That trust will only be rebuilt by firm, transparent and time-bound accountability.
“Given the gravity of these issues, we are actively considering pursuing a Section 60 inquiry to fully examine how and why these practices were authorised and conducted, and to ensure cooperation from all relevant agencies. The public deserves the full truth – not a partial picture.
“We also see merit in implementing the Patten recommendation on enhanced oversight: appointing a senior judicial figure based here to supervise surveillance, the use of informers, undercover deployments and communications interception. This added layer of independent scrutiny would be a practical safeguard against any return to unlawful practices.”
Sinn Féin MP for Belfast North John Finucane added, “Confirmation that the PSNI accessed the phone data of journalists & lawyers is both shocking & inexcusable.
“Today, I joined with investigative journalists Barry McCaffrey & Trevor Birney as they responded to this news. Press freedom & the integrity of our legal system are central to any democracy. Policing must never be above the law.
“Change within the PSNI is essential to ensure this never happens again.”
