Father back on hunger strike over death of son

A FATHER has resumed his hunger strike outside the Dáil over the failure of the DPP to pursue a conviction over the death of his son.

Andrew Moynihan, father of Adrian Moynihan, aged 23, who died outside a Cork nightclub more than two years ago, says he is willing to die to secure justice for his son.

"Like the last time, I'm determined to see this through," he said from outside the Dáil gate.

"There were three men arrested for this. It's a disgrace that there is no prosecution. We've tried everything all the ministers and TDs and they all say they'll look into it, but nothing happens," he said.

Adrian Moynihan, from Ballyvolane in Cork, died following a struggle with bouncers at Sidetrax nightclub in March 2001.

Although gardaí launched a murder inquiry and an inquest returned a verdict of death by asphyxiation, the DPP twice decided there would be no prosecution.

The case was re-opened last year after Assistant State Pathologist Marie Cassidy said the death had been caused by neck compression, fixing of the chest and pinning of the arms behind the back.

Mr Moynihan first began his hunger strike in June when, controversially, Justice Minister Michael McDowell remained in the Dáil bar while the case was discussed during an adjournment debate.

Following a meeting the next morning, Mr McDowell promised to ask the DPP to consider whether any further options could be taken. However, since a follow up meeting on September 10, Mr Moynihan has heard nothing.

"Since that time I've heard nothing. He just said we just have to wait and see what comes from the DPP. I informed him that we were, as a family, very upset at the transactions that were happening and how slow they were going," said Mr Moynihan.

During his meeting with MrMcDowell earlier last month, Mr Moynihan was told that additional files had been sent to the DPP and that the minister was waiting to see if the matter could be further pursued.

Mr McDowell also told Mr Moynihan the DPP had enlisted the assistance of a barrister to establish whether any further course of action could be taken.

Mr Moynihan said he did not want another meeting with the minister and would settle for nothing less than justice for the death of his son.

"I don't want a meeting with him unless he can give me justice in the form of a prosecution or a public inquiry," he said.