Ms Catherine Heaney:

We want to acknowledge the input and support of Deputy Kelly. It is a very close community and he was able to ascertain the impact that this had, particularly on the family. He followed the matter closely. Concerning the issue around the media coverage, we did not talk about post-truth or alternative facts then but there were lots of them, and I think that has been hugely damaging to Michael's reputation. I have often said that it is hard to kill a dead man. He really had been defamed, and was not available to contest that. I think that is an important point to have on the record, and I thank Deputy Kelly.