Finucane family brand murder review 'a whitewash'
The family of Pat Finucane labelled today's review into his murder is a 'whitewash' despite 'shocking' levels of state collusion revealed.
The family of Pat Finucane labelled today's review into his murder is a 'whitewash' despite 'shocking' levels of state collusion revealed.
A government-commissioned report found state agents were involved in the murder of Pat Finucane - but his widow dismissed it as a "sham".
The review into the death of a Catholic solicitor during the Troubles is expected to show state collusion with loyalist terrorists.
David Cameron said he respects the Finucane family's view that the de Silva review was not the right response. But he said he disagreed with them, and said a public inquiry might not have uncovered so much information about the killing.
The Prime Minister said he hoped today's report would contribute to moving the Northern Ireland peace process forward.
David Cameron said the degree of collusion exposed was "unacceptable" and said in a message to the family: "I am deeply sorry." David Cameron said the Finucane family suffered "the most grievous wrongs".
The Finucane family will have many questions about this report and who is responsible for all the misdemeanours in it. Cameron says Government Secretaries will report back on the findings. The prosecuting authorities will also look at it.
Report blames RUC and Army. Largely absolves MI5 and Government. Having read the Finucane report summary I am not sure how much there is that we did not know.
The Prime Minister said today's report provides "the fullest possible account of the murder of Pat Finucane and the extent of state collusion".
Mr Cameron added the report found no overarching state conspiracy, but "shocking" levels of state collusion and that actions by employees of the state "actively facilitated" the killing.
The Prime Minister told the Commons that the whole country is entitled to know the extent and nature of collusion in Pat Finucane's killing:
This report makes extremely difficult reading. It sets out the extent of collusion in areas such as, identifying, targeting and murdering Mr Finucane. Supplying a weapon and facilitating its later disappearance. And deliberately obstructing subsequent investigations.
Responding to today's report Mr Cameron said the murder of Pat Finucane at his home "was an appalling crime."
On my way to read the Finucane report in Belfast. It is strange that of all the controversial murders in Northern Ireland, Finucane is the one that has not been given a Public Inquiry.
The format of the de Silva report on Finucane has the whiff of 'Whitehall whitewash'. The question is can the contents dispel that?