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27/06/2007
Taoiseach ‘disappointed’ over Finucane decision
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has described the decision not to charge any security force members over the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane as a “disappointing development.”
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said on Monday it found insufficient evidence to prosecute any former of serving British soldier, RUC or PSNI officer as a result of the Stevens Inquiry.
Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead at his home when he was eating a family meal with his wife Geraldine and three children on February 1998.
Two masked Ulster Defence Association (UDA) gunmen broke down the door of his north Belfast house and once inside, shot him 14 times before making off in a stolen taxi.
The Taoiseach told the Dail parliament yesterday that the PPS decision further strengthened the case for an independent public inquiry.
“It is disappointing that the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland found that there is insufficient evidence at this time for further prosecutions arising out of the Stevens III report into collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and the security forces,” he said.
“This is clearly a further disappointing development, not least for the Finucane family, and it does not alter the need in our view, and our stated position will remain, for an independent inquiry to allay any of the concerns surrounding this case.
“If anything, it is the government’s view that this adds to the case for an independent inquiry, and that this is the attitude that we will persist with.”
Last year the Dail passed an all-party motion which called for an independent judicial inquiry into Mr Finucane’s murder.
(JM)
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said on Monday it found insufficient evidence to prosecute any former of serving British soldier, RUC or PSNI officer as a result of the Stevens Inquiry.
Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead at his home when he was eating a family meal with his wife Geraldine and three children on February 1998.
Two masked Ulster Defence Association (UDA) gunmen broke down the door of his north Belfast house and once inside, shot him 14 times before making off in a stolen taxi.
The Taoiseach told the Dail parliament yesterday that the PPS decision further strengthened the case for an independent public inquiry.
“It is disappointing that the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland found that there is insufficient evidence at this time for further prosecutions arising out of the Stevens III report into collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and the security forces,” he said.
“This is clearly a further disappointing development, not least for the Finucane family, and it does not alter the need in our view, and our stated position will remain, for an independent inquiry to allay any of the concerns surrounding this case.
“If anything, it is the government’s view that this adds to the case for an independent inquiry, and that this is the attitude that we will persist with.”
Last year the Dail passed an all-party motion which called for an independent judicial inquiry into Mr Finucane’s murder.
(JM)
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12 September 2024
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.
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
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.
26 November 2001
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.
21 June 2002
Finucane children renew calls for public inquiry
The children of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane have called for an independent public inquiry into their father's death following a BBC documentary containing fresh accusations that security forces colluded in the murder.
Finucane children renew calls for public inquiry
The children of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane have called for an independent public inquiry into their father's death following a BBC documentary containing fresh accusations that security forces colluded in the murder.
02 July 2003
Finucane family welcomes European Court ruling
The family of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed yesterday's judgement by the European Court of Human Rights that the investigation into his murder was "not effective".
Finucane family welcomes European Court ruling
The family of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed yesterday's judgement by the European Court of Human Rights that the investigation into his murder was "not effective".
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