We are not surprised by the collapse of the Stobie trial. The trial of Stobie was never a truth seeking process. We have maintained that the Stevens investigation and the prosecution of Stobie was a delaying tactic to thwart the establishment of a public inquiry. The Stevens investigation has delayed a public inquiry by at least 3 years, so it has served its purpose.

The appointment of a judge to review the evidence surrounding the circumstances of Pat’s murder will delay a public inquiry for another 4 to 5 years since it has been proposed that the judge will review the evidence of half a dozen complicated cases.

The appointment of a judge is another delaying tactic. Justice demands that Tony Blair should announce the establishment of a public inquiry now. No amount of political deal making will dilute the family’s entitlement to this very basic human right, the right to truth.