Sir, - We are writing to you in respect of the Robert Hamill Justice Fund. The manner of Robert Hamill's death makes for harrowing reading. Imagine the scene: a young man and his three cousins are returning home after a social evening in a provincial Irish town. For no good reason he is set upon and kicked to death by a mob while four armed policemen are only yards away and fail to intervene.
The town was Portadown and these events occurred in April 1997.
The family of the victim want no more than any of us would expect were a loved one of ours to be murdered in this manner - and that is simply that those responsible be brought to justice and those who abrogated their responsibilities be held accountable.
Accordingly, the family of Robert Hamill have been forced to take a private prosecution against the RUC and those whom they feel are culpable in Robert's death. The London-based QC Michael Mansfield has confirmed that he will lead the private prosecution.
If you wish to assist the Hamill family, please donate whatever you can to The Robert Hamill Justice Fund at the Bank of Ireland, Rathfarnham Shopping Centre, Account No. 27757767 Code 9002-01. Alternatively, crossed cheques can be posted to the bank and made payable to the Robert Hamill Justice Fund. - Yours, etc.,
Albert Reynolds(Fianna Fail), Patricia McKenna MEP(Green Party), Joe Higgins TD(Socialist Party), Pat Rabbitte TD(Democratic Left), Caomhghin O Caolain TD, (Sinn Fein), Harry Blayney TD(Independent), Tony Gregory TD(Independent), Trevor Sargent TD(Green Party), Senator David Norris(Independent), Senator Joe Costello(Labour Party), Diane Hamill(sister of Robert Hamill), Rosemary Nelson(solicitor for the Hamill family).