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24/04/2008
Hain 'Halted' Finucane Inquiry
Issues surrounding a possible inquiry into collusion by the security forces in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane are again to be highlighted this week.
Despite five years having passed since former Metropolitan Police Chief Sir John Stevens reported that his investigative team had uncovered evidence that rogue elements in British Army intelligence and the Royal Ulster Constabulary colluded with the Ulster Freedom Fighters in the murder of both Mr Finucane and a student, Adam Lambert two years earlier, the British Government is now believed to have put 'on hold' any preparations for a public inquiry into the controversial murder.
As outgoing Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is again meeting with the solicitor's widow, Geraldine Finucane, it has been revealed that a decision was taken by former NI Secretary of State Peter Hain to stop preparations for the inquiry.
Mrs Finucane said ahead of today's meeting with Mr Ahern in Government Buildings in Dublin: "On April 7, 2008, my solicitor received a letter from the Northern Ireland Office, which stated that, 18 months ago in autumn 2006, a decision was taken by Peter Hain, to cease all preparations for an inquiry.
"We were not informed of this decision at the time.
"The letter stated that the decision was taken because my family refused to accept ministerial control of an inquiry under the notorious Inquiries Act 2005.
"They appear to be saying that unless we agree that British Government Ministers should be allowed to control what information the inquiry is permitted to examine in public, there will be no inquiry at all."
(BMcC)
Despite five years having passed since former Metropolitan Police Chief Sir John Stevens reported that his investigative team had uncovered evidence that rogue elements in British Army intelligence and the Royal Ulster Constabulary colluded with the Ulster Freedom Fighters in the murder of both Mr Finucane and a student, Adam Lambert two years earlier, the British Government is now believed to have put 'on hold' any preparations for a public inquiry into the controversial murder.
As outgoing Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is again meeting with the solicitor's widow, Geraldine Finucane, it has been revealed that a decision was taken by former NI Secretary of State Peter Hain to stop preparations for the inquiry.
Mrs Finucane said ahead of today's meeting with Mr Ahern in Government Buildings in Dublin: "On April 7, 2008, my solicitor received a letter from the Northern Ireland Office, which stated that, 18 months ago in autumn 2006, a decision was taken by Peter Hain, to cease all preparations for an inquiry.
"We were not informed of this decision at the time.
"The letter stated that the decision was taken because my family refused to accept ministerial control of an inquiry under the notorious Inquiries Act 2005.
"They appear to be saying that unless we agree that British Government Ministers should be allowed to control what information the inquiry is permitted to examine in public, there will be no inquiry at all."
(BMcC)
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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.
18 October 2011
Finucane Refusal Leaves Irish 'Dissatisfied'
Relations between the UK and the Irish Republic's governments seem to have taken a bitter turn after the Irish hit out at British Prime Minister David Cameron over his refusal to order a public inquiry into the controversial murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
Finucane Refusal Leaves Irish 'Dissatisfied'
Relations between the UK and the Irish Republic's governments seem to have taken a bitter turn after the Irish hit out at British Prime Minister David Cameron over his refusal to order a public inquiry into the controversial murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
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.
26 June 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.
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.
13 January 2012
Finucane Family Win Right To Judicial Review
The family of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane has won the right for a judicial review into the government’s decision not to launch a public inquiry into his death. Mr. Finucane, a Catholic solicitor, was shot dead by loyalists while eating his Sunday dinner in his North Belfast home in 1989.
Finucane Family Win Right To Judicial Review
The family of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane has won the right for a judicial review into the government’s decision not to launch a public inquiry into his death. Mr. Finucane, a Catholic solicitor, was shot dead by loyalists while eating his Sunday dinner in his North Belfast home in 1989.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
