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26/06/2015
Decision To Refuse Finucane Inquiry Upheld
The High Court in Belfast has upheld the Prime Minister's decision not to hold an independent inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane.
Mr Finucane was shot dead by loyalists at his home in north Belfast in 1989.
His family have campaigned for an independent inquiry into his murder after investigations found there was collusion between loyalists and the security forces.
Commenting on the decision SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said: "The British Government entered into a commitment for an independent, public inquiry. At a family, government and political level, the London Administration is in breach of that commitment. Today’s judgment does not change these facts.
"The SDLP will consider the judgment of the High Court and the grounds on which the argument of Geraldine Finucane has been refused. It is of real concern, however, that a commitment, publicity stated, not denied though continually resisted by London is not deemed by the High Court to support a successful challenge by the Finucane family."
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Brendan Smith has reiterated his call for an independent inquiry into the circumstances that led to the murder .
He said: "Fianna Fáil has long believed that a public inquiry is needed to establish the full truth of events leading up to this murder. We secured the agreement of the British Government to appoint a judge of international standing to investigate the murder at the Weston Park Agreement. But unfortunately, the British Government has so far failed to live up to that agreement. It is clear that only a full inquiry will allow for all documents to be released, and for witnesses to be cross-examined. It is the only way of getting to the truth about the extent of security force collusion and exactly who knew what."
(CD)
Mr Finucane was shot dead by loyalists at his home in north Belfast in 1989.
His family have campaigned for an independent inquiry into his murder after investigations found there was collusion between loyalists and the security forces.
Commenting on the decision SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said: "The British Government entered into a commitment for an independent, public inquiry. At a family, government and political level, the London Administration is in breach of that commitment. Today’s judgment does not change these facts.
"The SDLP will consider the judgment of the High Court and the grounds on which the argument of Geraldine Finucane has been refused. It is of real concern, however, that a commitment, publicity stated, not denied though continually resisted by London is not deemed by the High Court to support a successful challenge by the Finucane family."
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Brendan Smith has reiterated his call for an independent inquiry into the circumstances that led to the murder .
He said: "Fianna Fáil has long believed that a public inquiry is needed to establish the full truth of events leading up to this murder. We secured the agreement of the British Government to appoint a judge of international standing to investigate the murder at the Weston Park Agreement. But unfortunately, the British Government has so far failed to live up to that agreement. It is clear that only a full inquiry will allow for all documents to be released, and for witnesses to be cross-examined. It is the only way of getting to the truth about the extent of security force collusion and exactly who knew what."
(CD)
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Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
23 February 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
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Finucane children renew calls for public inquiry
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12 February 2009
Call For Answers, As Finucane Vigil Is Held
A candle-lit vigil was held in Belfast last night to mark 20 years since the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane. Mr Finucane was gunned-down at home in front of his wife and young family in what is now believed to have been a state-sanctioned attack.
Call For Answers, As Finucane Vigil Is Held
A candle-lit vigil was held in Belfast last night to mark 20 years since the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane. Mr Finucane was gunned-down at home in front of his wife and young family in what is now believed to have been a state-sanctioned attack.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
