Finucane family to discuss murder inquiry concerns with
British Prime Minister
1st November 2004
--
Geraldine Finucane and her family will travel to Downing
Street for tomorrow's meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. Joining her family
on this significant meeting will be the family's legal adviser Peter Madden and
Jane Winter, Director of London based human rights group British Irish Rights
Watch.
Speaking before the meeting tomorrow, Michael Finucane said:
"My family is deeply concerned about the proposed inquiry
into my father's murder. The recent announcement on behalf of the Government by
Paul Murphy that an inquiry is to be established is not sufficient because he
omitted a crucial word: public. He has not said anything since to reassure us
that a proper public inquiry is what the Government will establish because the
focus has been on new legislation that addresses national security concerns and
little else.
"We are very concerned that the new legislation proposed by
the British Government will restrict the scope of any inquiry to such an extent
that a proper public inquiry becomes impossible. This is completely
unacceptable. It is therefore very important that we discuss the matter with Mr.
Blair face-to-face and explain why such an inquiry will not suffice.
"My family have little confidence in the British Government
because of the way we have been treated over the years. This latest announcement
appears to be simply the latest in a long line of tactics designed to frustrate
a proper public inquiry. The
Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 provides a tried and tested framework
within which to hold an inquiry. No new legislation is necessary to establish an
inquiry into my father's murder.
"We met recently with An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who agreed
to support the family's position."
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