Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Glynn's call for an inquiry into the murder of Councillor Eddie Fullerton. I raised the case previously in this House and will continue to do so because it contains several sinister elements. The deafening silence has to cause concern among all of us. This man was involved in the democratic process and his murder took place in the middle of an election campaign. In normal circumstances, when a public representative is obstructed or, as in this case, murdered, people close ranks to protect the democratic system. With the exception of Donegal County Council, which took a unanimous stand and called for an inquiry, that did not happen in the Fullerton case. While we all hope to see closure of the Northern problems over the coming days, cases like this remain to be dealt with.

The House has previously discussed the Pat Finucane case. The British Government had given an undertaking to the Government that it would co-operate in setting up an inquiry into the murder of Mr. Finucane. Subsequently, the British Government brought in legislation to ensure the inquiry would be restricted. I am aware our Government is particularly concerned about that. A similar situation has arisen in respect of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and one has only to meet the relatives of the victims to see the torment and trauma they are suffering simply because they believe the inquiry is not being pursued with a sufficient degree of intensity. We should bypass the British Government and raise the case internationally if it does not give sufficient co-operation because we cannot allow these situations to continue or totally ignore the suffering of our own citizens. Even though we are pleased with the progress being made and hope to see closure, it is not possible to build on that for the future or bring cohesion unless we deal with the outstanding issues. That is why I fully support Senator Glynn. This is not a matter which should be put on the long finger. It has to be addressed as a matter of urgency and we have to demonstrate that we are not turning a blind eye to the horrific cases which have caused so much suffering for families.