Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. John Finucane for his presentation and I thank him and his family for the fight they have fought for the past 31 years. I am sure that it was a lonely road to travel. I have memories of John's dad as a young lad growing up in north Donegal. I remember the stature of the man. Every time I saw him on the television, I could see he was a man with great presence. He was also, obviously, a champion of human and civil rights. Though it was never his intention, he obviously instilled fear and things happened as a result.

This is a very important week for the Finucane family and I am delighted that they have received such widespread support. I must commend other parties in the House and the Government on collectively getting behind this motion, as they should. I am delighted that the Taoiseach met John and his mum on Monday and gave them his full support. I believe he is working diligently behind the scenes with the British Government and I hope these efforts are fruitful. The way the family was treated by David Cameron demonstrated his weakness as a leader. It was awful leadership to meet the family and apologise but not set up an inquiry. I hope that all of the work and effort that has been put in over 31 years is fruitful in the coming days. Mr. Finucane's delivery in Dublin and his timing is perfect. I must also give credence to Mr. Colum Eastwood. What he did at Westminster in the past week was a very important move. This collective political approach is very welcome and I hope and pray that it brings results. It is important for us as a nation and for the Finucanes as a family, particularly given what John's dad was - a champion of civil rights.