Ford criticises Government over Finucane inquiry

3.53.28pm GMT Tue 22nd Nov 2005

Alliance Leader David Ford today met members of the Finucane family to review the Government's approach to the inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.

"I have explained to members of the Finucane family that I have grave concerns over the way that the two Governments selected six cases of victims of the troubles at Weston Park four years ago. They told me that they had no part in this decision by the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach.

"However, following the decision to ask Judge Corey to examine the cases, the Government was obliged to follow his recommendations. The change in the law on Inquiries, to allow Ministers to decide on the admissibility of evidence, was clearly against the spirit of the Government's position.

"There may be issues of national security where, under the old law, the presiding judge would decide how to handle sensitive information. But it is simply not acceptable for Ministers to interfere in this judicial process.

"I am writing to the Secretary of State to ask him to consider how the Inquiry can proceed in an appropriate way. Since the actions of Government agents are part of the subject, it cannot be left to Ministers to decide on handling sensitive evidence."

ENDS