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Change legal aid decision, plea by NIO

SECRETARY of State Paul Murphy has asked the Law Society of Northern Ireland to review its decision in relation to granting legal aid to a number of people named in the civil action by the Omagh families.
Five writs have been served on people suspected of involvement in the bombing for which the families are seeking £10 million in damages.
In the light of the new information from the McKevitt trial and action taken to seize assets from Liam Campbell by the Criminal Assets Bureau in Dublin he said there was a case for the Law Society to consider denying Government funding to the defendants.
"The public will not easily understand why apparently rich men who are convicted terrorists should have their legal fees, subsidised by the taxpayer," said Mr Murphy.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland administers legal aid under legislation by Parliament, a spokesman said last night.
"If a request is made by the Secretary of State, it will be considered carefully within the bounds of that legislation," the spokesman added.