Alliance laments decision to refuse Pat Finucane inquiry as it notes ‘dignified campaign’ of family

Alliance MP Stephen Farry has hit out at the government’s decision not to launch a full public inquiry into the events surrounding the shooting of Pat Finucane.
By Adam Kula
Published 30th Nov 2020, 19:06 BST
Alliance deputy leader Stephen FarryAlliance deputy leader Stephen Farry
Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry

The SDLP and Finicane family – including Sinn Fein MP John Finucane – had already reacted furiously to the news.

A statement from Dr Farry this evening praised the “dignified” stance of the Finucane family (echoing Labour NI shadow secretary Louise Haigh, who began her speech praising their “dignity, determination and strength”):

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“This is a very poor decision by the Secretary of State. It falls short of the requirement of the Supreme Court for an effective, Article 2 compliant investigation, so it is difficult to see how today’s announcement is consistent with that.

“A public inquiry is warranted in this case due to the serious public interest issues at stake, including the role of the state. There will be understandable anger and frustration at this announcement.

“This is unlikely to be the end of this matter, and the family will no doubt continue their dignified campaign.

“The UK Government has already accepted collusion occurred in this case and the constant foot-dragging around an Article 2 compliant investigation suggests an institutional resistance to the full discovery of the facts.

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“Complete disclosure of the context around this murder is critical for accountability and the integrity of the rule of law.

“It is hard to see how the approach announced today will be fully Article 2 compliant, with the ability to compel witnesses and documents.

“This announcement is compounded by a lack of action by the UK Government on implementation of the Stormont House Agreement in order to create a comprehensive process to deal with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.

“There are thousands of victims from the Troubles who continue to seek truth and justice for their cases, and the UK Government must honour its commitments, while stepping back from its dangerous statement earlier this year.

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“This should be the means through which most legacy issues can be addressed.”

Click here: ‘Focus on murder of Pat Finucane shows how other victims have been devalued’

Click here: IRA victim’s daughter: ‘Pain of the Finucane family is no different to our own – why do we not get the same consideration?’

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