Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has responded to today’s announcement by the British Government on the appointment of the Chair and two assessors to the long-awaited Public Inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
Ms McDonald said, “It has now been 11 long months since the court ruled in favour of establishing a proper independent public inquiry, and nine months since the British Government finally conceded, under significant legal and political pressure, that a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane would be established.
“Today’s appointment of the Chair and assessors is a necessary, if overdue, step forward.
“The British Government must now allow the inquiry team to get on with its work — independently, transparently, properly resourced and without political interference.
“Sinn Féin will continue to stand in full solidarity with Mrs Geraldine Finucane, her children, and the entire Finucane family. We pay tribute once again to their determination having campaigned vigorously with great courage and dignity for almost four decades since Pat’s murder in February 1989.”
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has said that the inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane must now begin its work without delay.
The party’s justice spokesperson was speaking after British Secretary of State Hilary Benn today announced that Gary Hickinbottom would chair the inquiry.
“Nine months after the announcement of a public inquiry into the killing of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane, it is welcome that a chairperson has finally been named,” said Ms Hargey.
“It is now vital that the inquiry begins its work at pace and is allowed to proceed with fierce independence.
“Thirty-six years on from his murder, Pat Finucane’s family continue to show immense courage in their pursuit of truth and justice, seeking to uncover the full circumstances around his killing.
“After decades of tireless campaigning, this process must deliver the answers the Finucane family have long fought for, and the inquiry must work closely with them to help secure these.”
