Taoiseach Enda Kenny maintained his support last night for the Finucane family in their demands for a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
Speaking in Belfast, referring to Mr Finucane’s widow he said: “Late last year, I had the privilege of presenting Geraldine Finucane with a Person of the Year Award in Belfast, and I want to say once again how much I respect and admire the way she has campaigned for over 22 years with great dignity and courage, and I support her in her campaign for a full public inquiry.”
Referring to Ireland and Britain’s relationship, Mr Kenny said the British government had provided the “largest bilateral loan facility [€3.8 billion] as part of our funding programme”.
“The chancellor [George Osborne] announced last year that the interest rates on the loans to Ireland will be reduced to a level slightly below the new European Financial Stability Fund interest rate. It is expected that agreement will be concluded on this shortly.”
The Taoiseach said the Government stood “together with the people of Northern Ireland and its Executive in our determination to make sure that they are never again blighted by violent conflict”.