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‘IRA lawyers’ comment blasted as ‘shameful’ by NI First Minister
The remark drew condemnation from Michelle O'Neill, an apology demand from John Finucane and concern from the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
- On Tuesday, Conservative Party MP Sir David Davis sparked outrage in Westminster by referring to "IRA lawyers" during a Legacy Bill debate, drawing swift condemnation from Sinn Féin MP John Finucane and First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
- Davis claimed he preferred the Legacy Commission to "the activities of IRA lawyers in the courts," though critics noted this echoed 1989 comments by Douglas Hogg that preceded solicitor Pat Finucane's loyalist murder.
- In an open letter, John Finucane—who witnessed his father's murder at age eight—urged Davis to withdraw his words, warning such language preceded the 1999 car bomb killing of solicitor Rosemary Nelson.
- The Law Society of Northern Ireland voiced "deep concern" at this characterization of legal professionals, while Secretary of State Chris Bryant emphasized lawyers must be protected in their ability to defend accused individuals.
- Amid the ongoing public inquiry into Pat Finucane's death, critics stress the danger of inflammatory rhetoric, with Finucane declaring that victims will not be "intimidated" or dragged backward by such prejudices.
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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