Public inquiries follow on publishing of Cory Report

Full public inquiries are to be launched to investigate alleged security force collusion in three controversial murders in Northern Ireland.

The separate inquiries to be held as soon as possible will investigate the killings of Rosemary Nelson, Robert Hamill and Billy Wright. They will have a similar standing to the long-running Bloody Sunday Inquiry.

An inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane will be delayed until ongoing legal proceedings are completed. A man charged in relation to the Finucane case is to stand trial later this year.

Copies of the report by retired Canadian Judge Cory were handed to the families of the four murder victims on Wednesday.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy announced the Government's response to the Cory reports in parliament today.

He said that the separate public inquiries would be held in keeping with the commitments made at Weston Park and would have the same powers as the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.

Mr Murphy said the Government had "shown repeatedly that the state is open to scrutiny for its actions".

"We established the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. The investigation by Sir John Stevens continues and has yielded prosecutions. We appointed Justice Cory, with the Irish Government. Wrongdoers will be brought to justice.

"I firmly believe that the only way we can put the past behind us in Northern Ireland is by seeking to establish the truth. But that must be the truth about the actions of all those who have been involved in the tragedy of the past thirty years.

The Secretary for State said the Cory Report had raised "serious questions" which it is right to address further.

Appointed by the British and Irish governments in 2001, Judge Cory's report which was presented to the two governments in October last year, found evidence for "collusive behaviour" by security force personnel and recommended public inquiries should be held.

(SP)