Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan is set to probe allegations by former Belfast Special Branch chief Bill Lowry, below, that he was forced out to appease republicans, it was claimed last night.
Policing Board member Ian Paisley jnr has accused colleagues of washing their hands of the complaints by calling in Mrs O'Loan's office once again.
The DUP assembly member insisted: "I do not want a cosy cover-up or an investigation that metamorphosises into an investigation into Special Branch."
Chief Superintendent Lowry, who headed the intelligence operation which led to the raid on Sinn Féin's Stormont offices last October, left the force in controversial circumstances a few weeks later.
He later claimed he was made a 'fall guy' for the raid to satisfy Sinn Féin demands.
Chief Constable Hugh Orde has denied coming under any pressure to get rid of him.
Mrs O'Loan's office was called in but passed the matter back to the Policing Board because it had been given to her under incorrect legislation.
Although a sub-committee of the board is set to meet tomorrow to finalise its plans, Mr Paisley jnr claimed members had already made their minds up.
"Instead of taking on the task themselves the board now want to wash their hands of this matter and the issues it brings to light," he said.
But Ulster Unionist Fred Cobain gave the Police Om-budsman his backing.
"Nuala O'Loan will carry out a far more in-depth investigation than any other body," he said.
