Du Plantier parents speak of 'frustration'

The parents of murdered French film producer, Sophie Toscan Du Plantier spoke today of their frustration with the Irish justice system but said they have not given up hope that one day they will get justice for their daughter.

Georges and Marguerite Bouniol said they found the decision of the Supreme Court last year to allow the appeal of English journalist, Ian Bailey against his extradition to France particularly disappointing after the High Court had ordered his extradition.

"We've been waiting so long and we've been used to seeing things progressing so it was very frustrating for us when the Supreme Court made its decision last year - we had a lot of hope after the High Court decision but all of a sudden, that was taken from us," said Ms Bouniol.

The Bouniols were speaking at Cork Airport following their arrival to attend a memorial mass in Goleen on Sunday for their daughter who was murdered at her holiday home near Toormore outside Schull in West Cork in December 1996.

"Our daughter was murdered and it's as if nothing has happened since," said Ms Bouniol who said that despite their frustration with the Irish justice system, they continue to have hope that one day they will get justice for their only daughter.

"These visits to Ireland are always very moving for me - it is difficult to come and see where Sophie was killed but we owe that to Sophie because she loved Ireland and she was so happy at her house in Toormore, we have to pay tribute to her," she said.

Asked if she ever felt perhaps that she has done enough in terms of trying to get justice for her daughter and if she ever wearied and felt like resigning herself to the possibility that her daughter's killer may never be caught, Ms Bouniol was clear and resolute :

"I do not know what else I could have done to get a better outcome for my daughter but equally I know we will not rest ..... we can never do enough in our quest for justice for Sophie and we will not give up hope," she said.