Father worried by Wright murder probe

THE father of Billy Wright, the loyalist terror boss shot dead in the Maze Prison, was yesterday meeting lawyers to decide whether to co-operate with the public inquiry into his son’s death.

David Wright, who campaigned for years for the inquiry, said he would seek legal advice after a preliminary session of the inquiry heard its chairman wanted it heard under a controversial new act.

Chairman Lord Ronald MacLean said he is to ask the Northern Secretary to convert the inquiry to one held under the Inquiries Act 2005. Opponents claim the act gives the British government greater opportunities to argue national security to block evidence.

The government set up the inquiry after retired Canadian Judge Peter Cory examined allegations of state collusion in Billy Wright's murder and three others including that of solicitor Patrick Finucane. Judge Cory concluded there were questions to be answered.

Mr MacLean has said the act would give the inquiry a better framework in which to operate than the Prisons Act under which it was originally set up.

David Wright, who had initially voiced concerns about the new legislation, said he was uncertain how to react after listening to Mr MacLean.

"The broad brush strokes of what his Lordship said make me very happy. But I have to take into consideration that Judge Cory has said very clearly that the Inquiries Act should not be used," he said.

The inquiry is not expected to start public hearings until next spring.

It is looking into the murder of Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright in the Maze Prison on December 27, 1997.

Mr Wright had just been put into a prison van when three INLA inmates shot him dead. The republicans were all convicted of murder but were later released under the Good Friday Agreement.