McBreartys tell Ahern of fight for justice

THE family of Frank McBrearty, the man wrongly accused of murdering cattle dealer Richie Barron nine years ago, told the Taoiseach yesterday that they were prepared to go “all the way” to secure justice for him and others implicated by rogue gardaí in the man’s death.

The McBreartys also told Mr Ahern they have written to the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and are determined to go to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

Last month Mr McBrearty walked out of the Morris Tribunal investigating the case and last night his son, Frank Jnr, said there wasn’t “a hope in hell” of him returning, despite being warned of dire consequences by tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Frederick Morris.

The face-to-face meeting, in the Sligo Raddisson Hotel, was described as helpful by the McBreartys, who said the Taoiseach had promised to bring their concerns directly to government himself.

Also there were Martin McConnell and Michael People, who were also arrested in connection with Mr Barron’s death. A garda investigation later disclosed that he died as a result of a car accident.

“I believe in my own heart that the Taoiseach has to do something,” said Frank Jnr. “He listened to all our concerns and we gave him copies of submissions we have made to the Ethics Committee of the European Parliament and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.”

The McBreartys also gave him a copy of a letter they sent to all members of the Oireachtas outlining their ordeal.

“We got an incredible response, particularly from Fianna Fáil TDs,” said Mr McBrearty Jnr. “90 TDs have already responded and all of them support us. We are a Fianna Fáil family and they know we have been wronged.”

Mr McBrearty said his family had already spent over €1 million in lawyer’s fees and believed their final bill would be in the region of €3 million. They are demanding that their legal fees for the tribunal be funded by the Government.

“This country was founded on equality and justice for all but we have not been given it.”

Mr McBrearty said the Taoiseach’s response was in contrast with that of Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who has refused to meet the family.

“The Taoiseach said he will bring our concerns back to the Government and that it is possible we will meet again. At least he treated us like citizens of the country. Mr McDowell did not.”

Mr McBrearty’s son also spoke of the trauma suffered by his family. “Everyone in the family has been very badly affected.

“My father has been in and out of hospital as a result of it and I have suffered by depression.”

He said the family would contest the tribunal report. “Whatever report Morris writes, we will fight it and it won’t be worth the paper it is written on,” he said.