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11/01/2011
Further Delay In Finucane Probe Decision
The case of a Belfast solicitor murdered by loyalists over two decades ago is still making the news today as Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson revealed the latest development in the House of Commons.
The announcement came after various probes into how Patrick Finucane came to be killed in 1989 - with the Army, police and intelligence service all alleged to have been implicated in the death at some level as it was said to have been carried out by loyalist paramilitaries who doubled as security force agents.
Today's news comes after years of deadlock over what has since become one of the most controversial cases of the Northern Ireland Troubles when the Finucane family rejected efforts by the previous Labour government to conduct an investigation under the 2005 Inquiries Act and claimed it gave ministers undue influence over the outcome.
Today, Owen Paterson said: "In my written statement of 11 November, I set out a period of two months during which I would receive representations as to whether it is in the public interest that I should establish a public inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane.
"As part of this process, my officials have had a constructive meeting with representatives of the Finucane family and a further meeting will be arranged.
"In light of the fact that useful discussions are underway between the family and the Government, I have decided, with the agreement of the family, to extend the period during which I will receive representations by two months.
"When this further period has concluded it remains my intention to consider the family's views carefully and in detail, along with any other relevant representations I receive, before taking a decision as to whether or not it is in the public interest to hold a public inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane," he told the House of Commons in a written statement.
(BMcC/GK)
The announcement came after various probes into how Patrick Finucane came to be killed in 1989 - with the Army, police and intelligence service all alleged to have been implicated in the death at some level as it was said to have been carried out by loyalist paramilitaries who doubled as security force agents.
Today's news comes after years of deadlock over what has since become one of the most controversial cases of the Northern Ireland Troubles when the Finucane family rejected efforts by the previous Labour government to conduct an investigation under the 2005 Inquiries Act and claimed it gave ministers undue influence over the outcome.
Today, Owen Paterson said: "In my written statement of 11 November, I set out a period of two months during which I would receive representations as to whether it is in the public interest that I should establish a public inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane.
"As part of this process, my officials have had a constructive meeting with representatives of the Finucane family and a further meeting will be arranged.
"In light of the fact that useful discussions are underway between the family and the Government, I have decided, with the agreement of the family, to extend the period during which I will receive representations by two months.
"When this further period has concluded it remains my intention to consider the family's views carefully and in detail, along with any other relevant representations I receive, before taking a decision as to whether or not it is in the public interest to hold a public inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane," he told the House of Commons in a written statement.
(BMcC/GK)
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11 November 2010
Decision Looms On Pat Finucane Inquiry
The NI Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, has said he will decide in the New Year whether there should be a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. He was shot dead by loyalist terrorists at his home in 1989 and his family believe that his death was the result of collusion with elements of the State.
Decision Looms On Pat Finucane Inquiry
The NI Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, has said he will decide in the New Year whether there should be a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. He was shot dead by loyalist terrorists at his home in 1989 and his family believe that his death was the result of collusion with elements of the State.
07 October 2011
Finucane Family To Get Inquiry Soon?
It has been claimed today that the Prime Minister, David Cameron, is considering agreeing to some kind of investigative tribunal into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane. The family of Mr Finucane are to meet with the British Prime Minister next Tuesday to demand a full independent inquiry.
Finucane Family To Get Inquiry Soon?
It has been claimed today that the Prime Minister, David Cameron, is considering agreeing to some kind of investigative tribunal into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane. The family of Mr Finucane are to meet with the British Prime Minister next Tuesday to demand a full independent inquiry.
18 October 2011
Finucane Refusal Leaves Irish Govt '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 Govt '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 October 2011
British Govt Rule Out Finucane Inquiry
The British Government's decision not to approve an inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane has been greeted with varied reactions. The Finucane family were said to be furious and disappointed yesterday when British Prime Minister, David Cameron said that he was only prepared to offer was a QC–led review of the case.
British Govt Rule Out Finucane Inquiry
The British Government's decision not to approve an inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane has been greeted with varied reactions. The Finucane family were said to be furious and disappointed yesterday when British Prime Minister, David Cameron said that he was only prepared to offer was a QC–led review of the case.
07 April 2017
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