Seanad debates

Tuesday, 6 April 2004

10:30 am

Photo of Labhrás Ó MurchúLabhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

The House has debated Northern Ireland issues on several occasions, particularly the peace process and the GoodFriday Agreement and its subsequent implementation. However, the British Government's stance on the Pat Finucane murder is not helpful. Our Government, Mr. Justice Cory and the American Administration, by inference, have all expressed dissatisfaction with the British Government's refusal to hold a public inquiry. If the British Government persists with this refusal, the danger is it will lend weight and credence to the belief that not only was there collusion among the security forces but that it goes to the heart of the British Government. That will further alienate the Nationalist population. The House should debate this as soon as possible because it is not acceptable that the British Government should use the prosecution of a case as the reason for a delay. It is not fair to the Finucane family, which has set its hopes on this inquiry so that justice will be seen to be done. This House should continue its balanced and helpful debate because it has contributed to the climate in which progress has been made.

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