BBC programme sparks public inquiry calls

The SDLP's Alex Attwood has said there now needs to be a full international independent inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

He was speaking after it was revealed that a BBC Panorama programme due to be screened on BBC1 tonight will show that elements within the RUC and British military intelligence collaborated with loyalist paramilitaries in the late 1980s over the murder of Catholics.

As the programme will show Ken Barrett, a loyalist paramilitary tells the BBC programme “Finucane would have been alive today if the peelers [police] hadn’t interfered.”

Mr Finucane was murdered 13 years ago when loyalist gunmen burst into his home and shot him dead in front of his wife and children.

Speaking in advance of the BBC programme Alex Attwood said: “The contents of this programme appear to be profoundly disturbing. The already compelling argument for an independent, judicial inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane has been strengthened. The international judge appointed to examine the case should quickly recommend such an inquiry. The particular allegation about a Special Branch officer advising that Pat Finucane should be murdered is grave and harrowing.”

He added: “The programme raises further questions about the conduct of elements of the British Army, in particular the Force Research Unit (FRU). The British Army must be proscribed from having any intelligence-gathering role in the north. No role whatsoever. This is the only proper response to very serious concerns.”

The Panorama special report will be shown in two parts, the first to be broadcast tonight and the second on Sunday June 23rd.

(AMcE)