Finucane probe delay despite warning

THE British Government has put off a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane despite Judge Peter Cory’s assertion that public confidence would be badly damaged if it did not go ahead immediately.

Judge Cory said evidence he had considered from a mass of official documents "clearly indicate to me that there is strong evidence that collusive acts were committed by the army (Force Research Unit), the RUC Special Branch and the Security Service".

He warned in his report that the practical effect could be a delay of at least two years in the establishment of an inquiry and said it might be one of the "rare situations" where a public inquiry "will be of greater benefit to a community than prosecutions".

The community at large would, undoubtedly, like to see the issue resolved quickly and it was essential if public confidence in the police, army and administration of justice was to be restored. Only a public inquiry would suffice, he said.

Judge Cory added: "Without proper scrutiny, doubts based solely on myth and suspicion will linger long, fester and spread their malignant infection throughout the Northern Ireland community."

It was for the Attorney General to decide on prosecution, but it was extremely difficult to hold a public inquiry at the same time as a prosecution, said the judge.

Delaying the inquiry would be a bitter disappointment to the Finucane family and a large segment of the community, he added.

"The Finucane family will be devastated. A large part of the Northern Ireland community will be frustrated.

"Myths and misconceptions will proliferate and hopes of peace and understanding will be eroded," said Judge Cory.

He added: "this may be one of the rare situations where a public inquiry will be of greater benefit to a community than prosecutions."

Judge Cory said it must not be forgotten that the murder of Mr Finucane was 14 years ago. Important witnesses such as army double agent loyalist Brian Nelson, and UDA quartermaster William Stobie were dead the latter murdered and memories were fading fast.

Judge Cory's published report had significant sections blanked out on security grounds, but it highlighted the activities of the army's shadowy Force Research Unit and the RUC Special Branch.

Judge Cory said documents disclosed the army handlers of double agent Nelson "turned a blind eye" to his "criminal acts".