UK government decision on Pat Finucane’s public inquiry ‘biggest blow’ to her family, says Taoiseach

The UK GOVERNMENT’s decision not to carry out an immediate public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane is disappointing and a “further blow” to Finucane’s family, the Taoiseach said.

Michéal Martin issued a statement on the British government’s decision announced today by Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis.

Finucane, a 39-year-old lawyer who represented Republican and loyalist paramilitaries during the riots, was shot dead at his family home in North Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defense Association in an attack involving collusion with the state.

Finucane’s widow, Geraldine, and the couple’s three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security forces involvement.

The Taoiseach said it was “disappointed” with the news that no immediate investigation will take place.

“Today’s decision will be a further blow to Geraldine and her family, who have been seeking truth and justice for three decades with great dignity,” Martin said in a statement.

He met with Geraldine and her son John last week. After this meeting, the Taoiseach wrote to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the case.

In addition, he spoke to Johnson directly by phone last Friday to “lay out the compelling case directly to him for public investigation.”

In his statement, Martin noted that Brandon Lewis “did not rule out a public investigation in the future,” but rather an immediate investigation.

The British and Irish governments agreed to conduct a public inquiry in 2001 as part of the Weston Park agreement.

Martin said the Irish government “strongly held the view that a public inquiry was needed.”

Earlier today, the Joint Committee of Oireachtas for the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement called for a full investigation into the murder.

Foreign Minister Simon Coveney previously issued a statement on the decision, saying the government will request to meet again with the Finucane family “to hear their perspective and concerns.”

With a Press Association report.