The widow of a man who died in a cliff fall has lost a test case over free legal representation at inquests in Northern Ireland.
Mr Justice Kerr in the Belfast High Court dismissed an application for judicial review brought by Ms Sharon Lavery, from Callan bridge Park, Armagh. Her husband, Paul (26), died in May 1997 when he fell 40 ft on to rocks at Portrush, Co Antrim, while on holiday with his wife and two children.
His inquest has been adjourned pending the outcome.
Mrs Lavery said she needed a solicitor so all the circumstances of her husband's death could be investigated. Legal aid at inquests was contemplated in 1981 legislation but required an order by the Lord Chancellor to bring it into force. Her lawyers argued that he was frustrating Parliament's intention by considering whether to do so, instead of when to do so.
Mr Justice Kerr held that the Lord Chancellor had kept the matter under review and could not be compelled to exercise his powers.