Statement by Liz O' Donnell TD, Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs
In response to the statement by Mr. Ken Maginnis MP that "it was an open secret that Pat Finucane was inextricably linked to the IRA and committed to its objectives", Minister for State Liz O'Donnell said:
"I am appalled and saddened that Ken Maginnis should make such irresponsible and ill-founded allegations. To blur the lines between a solicitor and his clients is to wilfully misrepresent the indispensable role played by solicitors in law. It is a fundamental principle of law that the beliefs of clients should not be confused with the beliefs of those who represent them. His remarks cast a pall over all solicitors but particularly those representing clients with republican backgrounds. Bearing in mind the recent murder of Rosemary Nelson, these remarks are all the more reprehensible. I would ask Mr. Maginnis to reflect and to withdraw these remarks immediately."
