Report queries HET's independence

The HET was set up to re-examine murders of the Troubles

Questions have been raised about the independence of the Historical Enquiries Team (HET).

A University of Ulster report suggested it was compromised by the presence of so many former RUC and Special Branch officers in senior positions.

Its author, Dr Patricia Lundy, was given high-level access to the body, set up to re-examine murders of the Troubles, over a two-year period.

Sir Hugh Orde said the vast majority of relatives were happy with its work.

"I think it would be good for her (Dr Lundy) to meet some of the families who I have heard speak in such powerful terms," said Sir Hugh.

"Quite frankly, if we deliver no more outcomes, we have more than delivered enough already in terms of our contribution to dealing with the past.

"Dr Lundy may well want to look at what else is going on but it would be a very short report, because, at the moment, the only show in town, delivering real outcomes for real people, is ours."

In a statement, the University of Ulster academic said her report was "still under discussion with key participants", and was never intended to come into the public domain at this stage.