Finucane addresses New York City Bar Association
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane addressed the New York City Bar Association on Wednesday evening discussing legacy, including the recent announcement of a public inquiry into his father’s murder.
The North Belfast MP said, “For many decades, my family has travelled the world, including many times here in America, seeking support for a public inquiry into all of the circumstances that led to my father’s murder.
“Finally, after 35 years, we have listened to a British government publicly announce they will establish a public inquiry into my dad’s killing.
“It has been a long road to achieve, and we know we have a considerable journey still to travel.
“Our focus is now on ensuring this process is credible, transparent and capable of gaining the trust and endorsement of all those who have recognised its need.
“This inquiry must reveal the full details as to what happened, and ensure recommendations are made to ensure a policy of murdering your own citizens, and covering up that fact, is never allowed to happen again.
“We are of course not the only family fighting a very difficult battle on behalf of loved ones killed, pursuing what can, at times, feel like a very lonely journey.
“The British government’s attempts to deal with our past has been rightly met with both domestic and international outcry, and whilst we have had a change of government, problems persist.
“Families still go without inquests, and the body established under the controversial legislation, the ICRIR, remains. This is despite it not enjoying the support and faith of families, nor of our courts who observed the legislation allows too much power to rest with the British Secretary of State.
“I would urge the Labour government to get on with fully repealing and replacing the Legacy Act as it set out to do in its manifesto. This must mean returning to the principles of the Stormont House Agreement to ensure the confidence and trust of all victims and survivors is steadfast.”
