Pat Finucane: Sammy Wilson criticises SoS Brandon Lewis for not ruling out future public enquiry

Mr. Wilson made the remark after Brandon Lewis explained to MPs in the House of Commons why he decided against directing a public enquiry into Mr. Finucane’s murder.

Although he welcomed the decision taken by the Secretary of State not to direct a public enquiry at this time, Mr. Wilson said it was a “great pity” Mr. Lewis had not “unequivocally ruled out” a future investigation.

“I have got to say to the Secretary of State today that I think it is a great pity that he has not unequivocally ruled out the expenditure of more British taxpayers money on a further investigation sometime in the future.

“I think many people in Northern Ireland would have had much more comfort had he done so today,” declared Mr. Wilson.

The East Antrim MP went on to imply that the “hundreds of millions” spent on investigating the murder of Mr. Finucane was distressing to families of people killed by the IRA seeking justice.

“Millions, tens of millions, indeed, hundreds of millions of pounds have already been spent on four investigations into the murder of Pat Finucane whose family had well documented terrorist links.

“One brother died whilst engaged in terrorist activity and two were captured while engaged in terrorist activity.

“Informers have alleged Pat Finucane himself was the solicitor of choice, for one reason or another, for IRA terrorists when they were captured.”

Mr. Wilson added: “The expenditure contrasts starkly with the derisory efforts which have been to deal with the cases of thousands of people who were killed by the IRA and whose cases have not been investigated nor anyone been brought to justice.”

Mr. Finucane’s family described the Secretary of State’s announcement as “insulting and cruel”.

Mr. Finucane was murdered in front of his wife and three children as he sat at a kitchen table in his home in Belfast on February 12, 1989 - he was 39 years-old at the time of his death.