British cabinet linked to Finucane murder

Judge Peter Cory, who investigated the controversial murder of Pat Finucane, has revealed that documents relating to the conspiracy to kill the Belfast defense lawyer were seen by the British government cabinet.

The Canadian judge told a British television documentary about the documents, which he accessed during his investigation on the 1989 murder.

Britain’s most senior police officer, John Stevens, has already confirmed that elements of the RUC Special Branch police colluded with the unionist paramilitary UDA in the killing. But there is widespread belief that the collusion went to the highest level of the British establishment.

Former UDA man Ken Barrett, the alleged gunman who shot Mr Finucane, is facing trial this year in a case which the British goverment has used to delay a decision on an inquiry.

The Judge has strongly criticised the British government’s continuing efforts to avoid holding a public inquiry into the Finucane killing, reneging on a commitment made in negotiations at Weston Park in England almost three years ago.

Last night Mr Finuane’s son Michael repeated his family’s concerns: “The people who pulled the trigger are not the most important, it’s the people who pulled the strings.”

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP said it was “now beyond any doubt” that the British government colluded in the murder of citizens.

“We have raised this issue at every meeting we have had with the British government. There can be no more excuses. The British government should immediately initiate a public inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane.

“Judge Cory’s revelations that he has seen documents prepared for the British cabinet provide compelling evidence of the need for a public inquiry.”

Urgent Appeal