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The Taoiseach has reiterated a request for the British government to carry out a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane.
Micheál Martin and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a 40-minute phone call last night, during which the death of Mr. Finucane in 1989 was raised.
Finucane was shot dead by loyal paramilitaries in front of his family amid allegations of collusion between the killers and the security forces.
Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told Seanad the urgent need for a full public inquiry which, he said, would be “… a powerful demonstration of the UK government’s commitment to peace, justice and reconciliation “.
Four Stormont parties – Sinn Féin, the SDLP, the Alliance and the Greens – have backed the Finucane family’s demand for a public inquiry.
John Finucane, Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast and son of Pat Finucane, has welcomed Irish support for a public inquiry into the murder.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis is due to make the British government’s position on an investigation public on Monday.
Any announcement of an investigation would represent a major change on the part of the British government, with successive Conservative and Labor administrations resisting such a commitment.
Martin and Johnson also discussed Brexit negotiations, with the British Prime Minister underscoring his commitment to securing a Brexit deal that “respects the sovereignty” of the UK.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the men discussed progress in negotiations between the UK and the EU.
“The leaders also reaffirmed the need to prioritize the Good Friday Agreement and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.”
The Downing Street statement read: “The leaders updated each other on their respective efforts to combat the coronavirus and the steps they have taken to ensure that people in the UK and Ireland can enjoy Christmas in the safest way possible.
“They also discussed shared challenges, including the environment, and pledged to work together ahead of the UK-hosted COP26 summit next year.”
The statement concluded that Mr. Martin and Mr. Johnson “look forward to meeting in person when possible.”
The European Union’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and his British counterpart, David Frost, will resume face-to-face talks on Brexit in London today.
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There is little time to secure a free trade agreement between the two parties, and the transition period will end in just over a month.
But Barnier, who arrived in London last night, told reporters that he would continue to work with “patience and determination” to reach an agreement.
Face-to-face negotiations came to a halt last week after one of the EU team members tested positive for coronavirus.
Barnier tweeted yesterday that the “same significant divergences persist” between the UK and the EU.
Talks have been stalled for months on the issues of fishing rights, the governance of any agreement and the “level playing field” conditions aimed at preventing unfair competition by cutting standards or increasing state subsidies.
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