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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