Billy Wright’s father accused govt of ‘selective justice’

The father of Billy Wright accused the Irish government of “indulging in selective justice” after being denied a meeting with then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to discuss a public inquiry into the Loyalist Volunteer Force leader’s murder. Wright, known as ‘King Rat’, was shot dead at the Maze Prison in 1997.

Wright’s Father Seeks Inquiry

In a letter dated March 3, 1999, David Wright alleged that parties beyond the three Irish National Liberation Army members convicted of his son’s murder were “actively involved” in the killing. This followed an inquest in February 1999, where David Wright stated he believed his son’s murder was “State arranged, State sponsored and State sanctioned.”

The letter to Ahern detailed the jury’s verdict, which included the words “person or persons unknown, unobserved and undetected,” suggesting others were involved. Wright highlighted a failure by prison authorities to act on information received prior to the killing and formally requested a meeting to present his case.

Ahern’s Response and Claims of Discrimination

On May 4, 1999, Wright wrote again to Ahern, noting the lack of response to his initial letter. He contrasted this with Ahern’s “short notice” meeting with Paul Nelson, husband of murdered human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson, and referenced Ahern’s remarks regarding the death of Pat Finucane, another human rights lawyer.

Wright expressed his frustration, stating, “I am at a loss to understand why I am not afforded the same courtesy.” He accused the Irish Government of “indulging in selective justice and adopting a discriminatory attitude” towards his community if a meeting was not granted.

The Office of the Taoiseach responded on May 21, 1999, stating Ahern was “unable to accede to your request for a personal meeting” due to a heavy schedule. However, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs were offered to meet with Wright and a family representative.

Inquiries and US Senator Intervention

A public inquiry was held in 2010, following a recommendation from Canadian judge Peter Cory, which found no State collusion in Billy Wright’s murder. Newly released files also reveal that US senators, including Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, urged then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to hold a public inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane in 2004.

The senators’ letter followed the completion of the Cory Collusion Inquiry, which examined several deaths during the Troubles, including those of Wright, Nelson, and Hamill. Judge Cory found evidence in Finucane’s case that warranted a further inquiry.

Despite inquiries being announced into the deaths of Wright, Nelson, and Hamill, an inquiry into Finucane’s death was delayed. The US senators urged Blair to reverse this decision, stating the Finucane family had “waited 15 years for the truth” and that further delay would “undermine public confidence.”

The British government confirmed a public inquiry into Finucane’s murder in September of last year, and Gary Hickinbottom was appointed to chair the inquiry in June of this year. The inquiry is expected to begin its substantive work soon.

Stakeknife and Saudi Investment

The released State Papers also contain information regarding Agent Stakeknife, widely believed to be Freddie Scappaticci, and the impact his identification had on Sinn Féin, described as a “huge internal distraction” by senior Sinn Féin figure Ted Howell in 2003. Scappaticci died in 2023.

Additionally, the files detail a proposed $1 billion investment by Saudi Arabian financiers in Ireland’s oil facilities in the mid-1990s, which raised concerns among Irish officials about the quality of the proposals. Concerns were also raised regarding proposed Ethics in Public Office act, with then-minister for finance Bertie Ahern opposing requirements for office holders to declare the interests of their spouses and children.

Finally, the documents reveal a Department of Foreign Affairs attempt to secure tickets for U2’s Joshua Tree tour in 1987 to promote Ireland’s image abroad, which led to “an embarrassing situation” due to excessive guestlists.