Whee is the Justice

national | crime and justice | opinion/analysis Saturday November 23, 2013 12:05 by Hugh Murphy - Sacked by my Union and Belfast Employers

Why are all lawyers covering up this scandal

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland John F Larkin QC had called for an end to inquires into the Troubles and the death of civilians. However, this is not the first time the so-called rebel has refused to support an inquiry into innocent deaths. I transcribe below two letters I got from him. This man wrote these letters - fully aware that the several solicitors in Belfast took who took on this case would do nothing - and the last one Norman Shannon sat on it until it became Statute Barred.

How can the legal system, both in Belfast and Dublin get away with this cover up.

Lesley House
25 Wellington Place
Belfast BT1 6GD
June 7th 2010

Mr Hugh Murphy

Dear Mr Murphy,

Thank you for your letter of June 3rd 2010 with enclosures all of which were hand delivered today.

No-one would suggest that the employment and health and safety practices of the Belfast Docks in the 1960s and 1970s could stand as a model for how the rights of employees should be protected today.

From your perspective the problem, as I see it, is twofold.

1. It is now too late to bring any action in respect of the union / employer conduct of the early 1970s

2. SIPTU does not want to commit resources to investigate the events of the early 1970s.

This office cannot change the law on the limitation of actions and it cannot force SIPTU to change its mind on holding an investigation. Indeed it is not at all clear how this office could intervene at all in your complaint.

For a person to lose employment because of a stand for the rights of workers not to be exposed to dangerous materials strikes most right-thinking people as outrageous. While you have been valiant in campaigning I hope that you will not permit the events of the 1970s to possess a disproportionate and negative force on your present life.

Yours sincerely

John F Larkin QC
Attorney General for Northern Ireland.

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Lesley House
25 Wellington Place
Belfast BT1 6GD

June 11 th 201

Mr Hugh Murphy

Dear Mr Murphy

Thank you for your letter of June 9 2010 and for the suggestions contained therein. I adopt the paragraphing of your letter.

1. It would be inappropriate for me to make the inquiry you suggest. Any issue about the performance of a solicitor should be addressed either by the law society and/or [if thecircumstances so require] by an action for damages.

2. It would be inappropriate for me to make the inquiry you suggest. I do not have jurisdiction over the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, and I could not jurisdiction over its equivalent in the Republic of Ireland. Both Commissions are established by law in their respective jurisdictions and must act lawfully. If you have concerns that either is not acting lawfully you might consider consulting a solicitor.

3. It would not be appropriate for me to make the inquiry you suggest. I do not have responsibility for Mrs Robinsons conduct.

Yours sincerely

John F Larkin QC

Attorney General for Northern Ireland.