Unionist links lawyer to IRA

The Ulster Unionist Party security spokesman, Mr Ken Maginnis, has claimed that murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane was "inextricably linked" to the IRA.

Mr Maginnis, responding to the new Stevens inquiry into Mr Finucane's murder and allegations of security force collusion in his killing, said collusion was not necessary to draw him to the attention of his UDA killers.

He said it was not surprising the Finucane campaign was refusing to co-operate with the new inquiry by the Deputy Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, which officially began its operations on Wednesday.

Mr Finucane's widow Geraldine and the Finucane family have opposed the inquiry, instead calling for an independent international investigation into the killing. Ms Finucane claimed the Stevens inquiry was an attempt by the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, to stall the creation of an international inquiry.

Mr Maginnis, UUP MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone claimed: "It was also an open secret that Pat Finucane was inextricably linked to the IRA and committed to its objectives." No collusion was needed to draw him to the attention of murderers.

Mr Paul O'Connor, a spokesman for the Finucane family and the Pat Finucane Centre in Derry, said at this time neither the family nor the centre would be responding to Mr Maginnis's claims.

Mr Maginnis added that a previous Stevens inquiry found there was absolutely no evidence of institutionalised collusion between the RUC and loyalist killers.

"He must not now allow himself to be manipulated into a fudge in order to persuade republicans that their every whim will be pandered to," he added.

Mr Maginnis added that "Sinn Fein/IRA" was seeking to make an international impact by "deceitful propaganda" alleging collusion.

"In our parochial society it did not require collusion to enable the IRA to murder judges, politicians, local off-duty soldiers, prison officers, civilians and police, including two senior RUC officers returning from a conference with Garda officers," he said.

He said those who have protected people over 30 years should not have to stand accused by their sworn enemies.