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07/10/2011
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 Prime Minister next Tuesday to demand a full independent inquiry. Mr Finucane's widow, Geraldine, said she will not settle for anything less than an inquiry that is public, effective and independent.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Owen Patterson (pictured here) will also meet with the family during next week's talks.
He has said that the British Government will reach a decision about the Finucane case "soon" but it was "difficult and complex".
The Background
Mr Finucane, a Catholic solicitor, was shot dead by loyalists while eating his Sunday dinner in 1989.
His killing was one of the most controversial during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Finucane came to prominence due to successfully challenging the British Government over several important human rights cases in the 1980s.
Pat Finucane's best-known client was the IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. He also represented other IRA and Irish National Liberation Army hunger strikers who died during the 1981 Maze prison protest, Brian Gillen and the widow of Gervaise McKerr, one of three men shot dead by the RUC in a so-called "shoot-to-kill" incident in 1982.
In 1988 he represented Pat McGeown who was charged in connection with the Corporals killings.
Mr Finucane was shot 14 times as he sat eating a meal at his Belfast home with his three children and wife, who was wounded in the attack.
His killing was widely suspected by human rights groups to have been perpetrated in collusion with officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and, in 2003, the British Government Steven's Report stated that the killing was indeed carried out with the collusion of police in Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Defence Association/Ulster Freedom Fighters (UDA/UFF) claimed they killed the 39-year-old solicitor because he was a high-ranking officer in the IRA.
Police at his inquest said they had no evidence to support this claim. Finucane had represented republicans in many high profile cases, but he had also represented loyalists.
Several members of his family had republican links, but the family strongly denied Finucane was a member of the IRA
In September 2004 UDA member and security force informer, Ken Barrett, pleaded guilty to his murder.
(LB/BMcC)
The family of Mr Finucane are to meet with the Prime Minister next Tuesday to demand a full independent inquiry. Mr Finucane's widow, Geraldine, said she will not settle for anything less than an inquiry that is public, effective and independent.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Owen Patterson (pictured here) will also meet with the family during next week's talks.
He has said that the British Government will reach a decision about the Finucane case "soon" but it was "difficult and complex".
The Background
Mr Finucane, a Catholic solicitor, was shot dead by loyalists while eating his Sunday dinner in 1989.
His killing was one of the most controversial during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Finucane came to prominence due to successfully challenging the British Government over several important human rights cases in the 1980s.
Pat Finucane's best-known client was the IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. He also represented other IRA and Irish National Liberation Army hunger strikers who died during the 1981 Maze prison protest, Brian Gillen and the widow of Gervaise McKerr, one of three men shot dead by the RUC in a so-called "shoot-to-kill" incident in 1982.
In 1988 he represented Pat McGeown who was charged in connection with the Corporals killings.
Mr Finucane was shot 14 times as he sat eating a meal at his Belfast home with his three children and wife, who was wounded in the attack.
His killing was widely suspected by human rights groups to have been perpetrated in collusion with officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and, in 2003, the British Government Steven's Report stated that the killing was indeed carried out with the collusion of police in Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Defence Association/Ulster Freedom Fighters (UDA/UFF) claimed they killed the 39-year-old solicitor because he was a high-ranking officer in the IRA.
Police at his inquest said they had no evidence to support this claim. Finucane had represented republicans in many high profile cases, but he had also represented loyalists.
Several members of his family had republican links, but the family strongly denied Finucane was a member of the IRA
In September 2004 UDA member and security force informer, Ken Barrett, pleaded guilty to his murder.
(LB/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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23 February 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
12 October 2011
Finucane QC Review 'Insult', Says Family
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.
Finucane QC Review 'Insult', Says Family
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.
18 October 2011
Finucane Refusal Leaves Irish '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 '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.
17 October 2011
Finucanes' Inquiry Campaign Moves To Dublin
The Finucane family has announced that they will continue their campaign to get an independent inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, this time with Irish government support and despite the British government saying they could only offer a review.
Finucanes' Inquiry Campaign Moves To Dublin
The Finucane family has announced that they will continue their campaign to get an independent inquiry into the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, this time with Irish government support and despite the British government saying they could only offer a review.
11 October 2011
Finucane Family Await Inquiry Decision
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have called for 'transparency' should an inquiry be launched into his death. "The British Government must be fully transparent if they choose to launch an inquiry into my father’s murder," said John Finucane.
Finucane Family Await Inquiry Decision
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have called for 'transparency' should an inquiry be launched into his death. "The British Government must be fully transparent if they choose to launch an inquiry into my father’s murder," said John Finucane.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
