SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that allegations from former Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan that the PSNI monitored journalists and lawyers phones on a dedicated laptop to avoid scrutiny must be independently investigated.
Mr Eastwood submitted a series of parliamentary questions on authorisations granted to police to monitor the phones of journalists and lawyers in Northern Ireland last month.
It was previously revealed that the PSNI were monitoring the phones of journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney.
Colum Eastwood said: “Additional allegations about the PSNI’s use of surveillance against journalists and lawyers is extremely concerning, particularly coming from a former Assistant Chief Constable.
“Last month I submitted a series of Parliamentary Questions seeking information about the number of authorisations granted to police to monitor the phones of journalists, lawyers and politicians precisely because the disclosure of information to date has been inadequate.
“It is my strong view that a public inquiry with powers to compel disclosure is now necessary.
“It is no longer enough for political leaders to say nothing is off the table – we need to act to address this quickly.”
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