The family of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, murdered by a loyalist gang that included state agents, have expressed anger and insult over the government's decision not to hold a new public inquiry into the killing. The murder remains one of the most controversial of the Troubles, with allegations of security force collusion.
Amnesty International condemned the refusal, with Northern Ireland Programme Director Patrick Corrigan stating: 'That Patrick Finucane's family has been kept in the dark so long is an outrage. The government has proposed another pointless review of case files instead of the independent, transparent inquiry they deserve.' He described it as a 'shameful decision' and a 'dereliction of duty under international law'.
Details emerged that up to 28 Ulster Defence Association members involved in the 1989 murder plot were working for the security forces, including British Army agent Brian Nelson and RUC Special Branch agent Billy Stobie, who provided intelligence and weapons respectively.
After meeting Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street, Pat's widow Geraldine Finucane said she was so angry she could hardly speak. The family halted the meeting and refused to participate in a review of case papers by QC Desmond DeSilva, continuing their campaign for an independent public inquiry.
The government had hoped the family would be satisfied with their response, but SDLP justice spokesperson Alban Maginness called the decision 'unacceptable', accusing the Prime Minister of raising false hopes.
