Public inquiry only current way to deliver truth to Sean Brown’s family – Harris

A public inquiry is currently the only way to deliver a human rights-compliant investigation into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown, the Tanaiste has insisted.

Simon Harris reiterated his support for the Brown family on a visit to Belfast on Monday.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has applied for a Supreme Court appeal on judicial rulings in Belfast that compel him to establish a public inquiry into the 1997 murder by loyalist paramilitaries.

Mr Brown, 61, the then chairman of Wolfe Tones GAA Club in the Co Londonderry town of Bellaghy, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has ever been convicted of his killing.

Preliminary inquest proceedings last year heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

This year Appeal Court judges in Belfast affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the Government to hold a public inquiry.

However, Mr Benn is attempting to take the case onward for further appeal at the Supreme Court, insisting the case involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries, the Government or the judiciary.

Mr Harris met with members of the Brown family, including Mr Brown’s 87-year-old widow Bridie, in Dublin last week.

After meeting with political leaders at Stormont to discuss legacy issues, the Tanaiste made clear he supported the family’s call for a public inquiry.

“That’s been the long-established position of the Irish government, and it remains the position of the Irish government,” he said.

“I want the Brown family to have a mechanism that has never been provided to them, which has to be Article Two (of the European Convention on Human Rights) compliant in terms of human rights and international law.

“I met the Brown family last week, and I was really, really taken by the huge level of pain and suffering, and the lack of answers that they are going on, that is continuing to this very day.

“A public inquiry is currently the only mechanism for it that is Article Two compliant.”

Asked about the potential Supreme Court appeal, Mr Harris added: “My view in relation to the killing of Sean Brown is very clear.

“I want the family to have truth and justice that has been denied to them to date, and I want them to have it in a way that is Article Two compliant.

“I supported their calls for an inquiry.

“I don’t want to comment on any ongoing legal processes out of respect to the different roles that I and the British Government have, but I very much support the Brown family.”

Bellaghy came to a standstill on Friday evening as thousands of people showed their support for the Brown family’s call for a public inquiry.

People travelled from across the island of Ireland, including as far away as Co Kerry, to take part in a Walk For Truth event from St Mary’s Church through the town to the home of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones club.

Those in attendance included First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, SDLP MLAs Patsy McGlone and Justin McNulty and GAA president Jarlath Burns.

Many wore GAA shirts from their home clubs or counties as they showed solidarity with the Brown family.

There was a spontaneous round of applause for Mr Brown’s family who led the procession as it reached the town centre.

Mr Benn said: “I’ve met the Brown family, and the murder of Sean Brown was deeply shocking and brutal.

“I want there to be a full, thorough and independent investigation into his murder.

“The reason that the Government is appealing is there’s a wider principle at stake here.

“But I have the greatest sympathy for the Brown family and all of the other families in Northern Ireland for what they have been through.”