KEN MURPHY,
Sir, - The Law Society adds its voice to the many now calling on the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to establish immediately an independent judicial inquiry into the murder of the Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. In doing so the society is reiterating a call made following a unanimous resolution of its council several years ago.
The shocking revelations in the Panorama programmes - showing clear evidence that elements in the security forces colluded with loyalist paramilitaries to murder Pat Finucane - confirm the society's belief that only an independent judicial inquiry with access to all information and the power to compel witnesses can get to the truth.
The murder of a solicitor simply for doing his duty in defending his clients is an attack on the rule of law and on the rights of every citizen in a democracy. The trail should be followed wherever it leads to ensure that everyone responsible, directly or indirectly, for this despicable crime is brought to justice. - Yours, etc.,
KEN MURPHY, Director General, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7.