Dáil backs Finucane inquiry motion

Updated: 22:29, Wednesday, 8 March 2006

The Dáil has given unanimous all-party backing to a motion calling for a full public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

1 of 1 Pat Finucane Murdered 17 years ago
Pat Finucane
Murdered 17 years ago

The Dáil has given unanimous all-party backing to a motion calling for a full public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

Earlier, the Northern Ireland Office criticised the motion before TDs which called on the British government to honour commitments given five years ago.

The motion says when the commitments were made this had been the clear understanding and notes that what it called the 'limited form of inquiry subsequently set up' had been rejected as inadequate.

But an NIO spokesperson said the motion is fundamentally flawed and misleading when it suggests that the investigation would be limited or that a fuller inquiry under 1921 legislation had been originally envisaged.

Mr Finucane's family have said they will not take part in any inquiry into his murder under the terms set out in British government legislation published last year.

They believe the loyalist murder of the solicitor involved collusion by British security forces.

The family fear that, under the Inquiries Bill, crucial evidence may be withheld on the grounds of national security.

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