HUNTER'S PLAN ON HOLD
Hunter's plan on hold
By Jonathan Turner and Martin Anderson
ANDREW HUNTER'S threat to name the Omagh bombers in Parliament was looking unlikely to become a reality last night as he backtracked in the face of bitter criticism from Mo Mowlam, RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and fellow MPs.
Mr Hunter said he had been unable to contact the secretary of state last night but would be seeking an urgent meeting with her this morning to discuss conflicting legal advice.
His own advisors believe in naming the suspected bombers would prejudice a trial in England, Scotland and Wales but not in Northern Irelands's Diplock system or the Republic's three-judge system.
When asked what he would say to Michael Grimes - who lost relatives in the atrocity and pleaded with Mr Hunter not to proceed with his plans to name the bombers - he said: "I have had contact with two other families who were in favour of me naming them but I am very aware of the sensitivities involved."
He added that he thought it was unlikely he would name the bombers today as he doubted the legal issues would be resolved in time.
Speaking to the East Belfast Conservative Association last night, Tory Northern Ireland Ireland spokesman Andrew Mackay said he believed Mr Hunter would think " long and hard" about naming anyone in the House of Commons.
Earlier Mr Hunter MP for Basingstoke said he planned to call for a half-day debate on the issue in the Commons today, when he would "name and shame" the bombers.
Hemel Hempstead MP Tony McWalter said the plan was simply a "political stunt" which was an abuse of Mr Hunter's privilege.
"I think it would be an extremely damaging thing to do," he said. "If he has intelligence on these matters he would be best to pass it on to the authorities."
Ironically, his plans come almost 10 years after the murder of Belfast Solicitor Pat Finucane, who was killed days after Douglas Hogg MP said some lawyers were unduly sympathetic to paramilitaries.
By Jonathan Turner and Martin Anderson
ANDREW HUNTER'S threat to name the Omagh bombers in Parliament was looking unlikely to become a reality last night as he backtracked in the face of bitter criticism from Mo Mowlam, RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and fellow MPs.
Mr Hunter said he had been unable to contact the secretary of state last night but would be seeking an urgent meeting with her this morning to discuss conflicting legal advice.
His own advisors believe in naming the suspected bombers would prejudice a trial in England, Scotland and Wales but not in Northern Irelands's Diplock system or the Republic's three-judge system.
When asked what he would say to Michael Grimes - who lost relatives in the atrocity and pleaded with Mr Hunter not to proceed with his plans to name the bombers - he said: "I have had contact with two other families who were in favour of me naming them but I am very aware of the sensitivities involved."
He added that he thought it was unlikely he would name the bombers today as he doubted the legal issues would be resolved in time.
Speaking to the East Belfast Conservative Association last night, Tory Northern Ireland Ireland spokesman Andrew Mackay said he believed Mr Hunter would think " long and hard" about naming anyone in the House of Commons.
Earlier Mr Hunter MP for Basingstoke said he planned to call for a half-day debate on the issue in the Commons today, when he would "name and shame" the bombers.
Hemel Hempstead MP Tony McWalter said the plan was simply a "political stunt" which was an abuse of Mr Hunter's privilege.
"I think it would be an extremely damaging thing to do," he said. "If he has intelligence on these matters he would be best to pass it on to the authorities."
Ironically, his plans come almost 10 years after the murder of Belfast Solicitor Pat Finucane, who was killed days after Douglas Hogg MP said some lawyers were unduly sympathetic to paramilitaries.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0498
Published Date: 20-Jan-99
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