Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said it is time for the British government to end their stalling tactics and hold a public inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane. 

The north Belfast MLA was speaking after the legal action on the British government’s decision not to hold a public inquiry into Pat Finucane’s murder was pushed back from next month to next year after the NIO said they need more time to prepare for case. 

Gerry Kelly said:  

“The Finucane family has campaigned with courage and dignity for decades. They simply want the truth behind the murder of their father, husband and brother. 

“The British government’s refusal to honour its promises has frustrated the families of victims who are searching for the truth about the killings of their loved ones. 

“It beggars belief that the British government claim that it needs more time to make its case to the courts, 32 years on from the killing of Pat Finucane. More than three decades on a full and properly human rights compliant investigation into Pat Finucane’s killing has yet to be carried out.   

“The British Government need to end their stalling tactics and fulfil the promise it made many years ago and hold a full and independent public inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane.  

“People would be forgiven in thinking this is the latest attempt by the British government at running down the clock to bring in their amnesty proposals recently outlined in its Command Paper which would prevent any family getting truth and justice. 

“If we are to properly address the past, the British government must live up to its commitment and obligation to implement the legacy mechanisms agreed in the Stormont House Agreement in a human rights compliant manner.”