Published Wednesday, 25 August 2010
A Police Ombudsman's report on Tuesday revealed that Government, Church and RUC conspired to protect a priest suspected of involvement in planting the car bombs.
It said the victims were "failed" by a "collusive act" which "compromised" an investigation into the attack which killed nine people and injured dozens in the Co Londonderry village.
Owen Paterson, who made an apology to the Claudy families on behalf of the UK Government, has said a further inquiry will not take place as it "wouldn't have anyone to interview."
"Some have called for an inquiry but, tragically, all the main players are now dead," Mr Paterson told UTV.
"We gave the Ombudsman eight years to go through all the information he wanted, from us, the RUC and the Catholic church so, tragically, I don't think the inquiry would have anyone to interview."
However the survivors of the atrocity have said they still have as many questions as ever.
Ulster Unionist councillor Mary Hamilton - who, along with her husband, owned the Beaufort Hotel which was destroyed by one of the blasts - said the Ombudsman's report was only the beginning.
"I will continue to press for those to be answered - the lives of the people of Claudy are no less valuable than those lost during Bloody Sunday," she said.
"We have as many questions as ever."
Marjorie Leslie, who was injured during the explosions, has also backed calls for a fresh investigation.
Speaking about the alleged role of Catholic priest James Chesney in the bombings, she said: "He didn't do it alone."
The Secretary of State said the one group of people who could still provide fresh information into the bombing is those who carried it out.
"There is one group of people who could help," he said. "Those who set off these bombs.
"There may still be people around who were involved in paramilitarism and they could perhaps bring evidence forward which would bring some satisfaction to the family who have had such a terrible time."
The calls for a further investigation have been backed by a number of politicians.
"The nine families who lost loved ones in this terrorist atrocity, as well as the survivors, have not had a fraction of the investigative resources compared to the resources deployed to investigate Bloody Sunday," said DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell.
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan commented: "Questions do remain and if there's anybody who can shed further light they should come forward now.
"It is important that the families have as much truth as they can possible have about these terrible events."
In a statement, the PSNI said the investigation into the 1972 attack was now "under the remit of the Historical Enquiries Team".
Senior republican sources say the gang that bombed Claudy comprised eight men.
They say two of the gang subsequently took their own lives.