Micheál Martin: UK decision not to hold inquiry into Pat Finucane murder 'arrogant'
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The decision of the British government not to hold a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane is "arrogant and cruel" and "keeping dark secrets hidden", Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told the Dáil.
Mr Martin said Northern Ireland secretary of state Brandon Lewis's announcement, that there will be no public inquiry into the murder, was "disingenuous" and "would require more explanation". Mr Martin told the Dáil the decision was "deeply disappointing and very annoying".
Mr Lewis on Monday announced he had decided not to establish an inquiry into the murder of Mr Finucane in his home 30 years ago but that the British government remained committed to the process of reconciliation.
"It is important that we allow the PSNI and Police Ombudsman processes to move forward, and that we avoid the risk of prejudicing any emerging conclusions from that work," Mr Lewis said.
"I will consider all options available to me to meet the government’s obligations."
Mr Martin echoed the words of the Finucane family during questions in the Dáil, saying Mr Lewis's decision was "arrogant and cruel".
"I have to say that it is deeply disappointing and annoying that the British government has not committed to holding a public inquiry," he said.
"I utterly concur that the decision was arrogant and cruel. Also, the reference to the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman was disingenuous. It is clear that the Police Ombudsman is not reviewing the murder of Pat Finucane.
"The heart of the matter, it seems to me... there is an effort here and, has been consistently an effort, to undermine any progress towards the truth. Some dark secrets are being hidden."
Mr Martin said the fundamental basis of relationships between governments is an adherence to the commitments made to one another. He said the Irish Government had done this, but the British government had not.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the British government's decision was "ludicrous" and "flew in the face" of a 2019 UK Supreme Court ruling in favour of the Finucane family.
"It's really farcical that the British secretary of state should advise the family to seek the truth and justice in this way. The family knows all too well that this is not a genuine avenue to truth and justice, it is in fact a cul-de-sac," she said.
"At the end of which is only more bluff and more delay. They see this as just another confidence trick. The only reason to take this approach is to continue with the cover-up, and to ensure that those agents of the British state responsible are never ever held to account."
Ms McDonald added: "We're all united (in the Oireachtas) in our stance that the call for an inquiry is a just and necessary one."
She asked Mr Martin to move the Oireachtas collectively to lobby the British government on the matter, suggesting he ask US president-elect Joe Biden to reiterate his support of the Finucane family.
Mr Martin said this could all be done, but that a conclusion would only be reached through the governments in Dublin, Belfast, and London.
"I think it's important that the Irish and British governments, and their respective political systems, endeavour to solve this issue," Mr Martin said.