Owen Paterson – 2011 Statement on Patrick Finucane

The statement made by Owen Paterson, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on 11 January 2011.

In my written statement of 11 November, I set out a period of two months during which I would receive representations as to whether it is in the public interest that I should establish a public inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane.

As part of this process, my officials have had a constructive meeting with representatives of the Finucane family and a further meeting will be arranged. In light of the fact that useful discussions are underway between the family and the government, I have decided, with the agreement of the family, to extend the period during which I will receive representations by two months.

When this further period has concluded it remains my intention to consider the family’s views carefully and in detail, along with any other relevant representations I receive, before taking a decision as to whether or not it is in the public interest to hold a public inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane.