Today, Daithí McKay was fully acquitted at Belfast Crown Court when the court ruled that he is not guilty of Misconduct in a public office, contrary to Common Law. At an earlier stage of the trial he was cleared of Conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office, contrary to Article 9(1) of the Criminal Attempts and Conspiracy (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 and Common Law.
Michael Madden of Madden & Finucane said:
“Today’s judgement is welcomed by Mr McKay. He has always denied any wrongdoing and is vindicated by today’s ruling that acquits him of all charges. Daithí McKay has already paid a heavy price for the decision of the PPS to prosecute this case. He was placed in a legal pressure cooker for ten years and has had to endure a seven week trial.
“The context of this case is important. The public were concerned about allegations concerning the operation of a ‘golden circle’ in Belfast and wanted MLAs to act decisively. The outcome of this case has shown that Mr McKay acted in the public interest at all times and was involved in a battle with a number of parties that wanted to undermine and crash the NAMA Inquiry.
“He was never focussed on personalities, only information that could be used to assist his Inquiry and uncover the truth.
“This prosecution was ill-conceived, without merit, and without precedent. The judge was invited by the prosecution to act as policeman of the Assembly, and to interfere with the cut and thrust of everyday politics.
“If this prosecution had succeeded, it would have had a chilling effect on any witness or whistleblower thinking of approaching a parliamentary committee wanting to expose political corruption. The effects would have reverberated beyond Stormont towards Westminster and other devolved institutions.
“For the past decade Mr McKay has lived his life under the cloud of serious criminal proceedings and all the stress that brings. Despite all these pressures, he has continued to channel his talents and energy for the good of the community, devoted his time to the charity sector, and continues to work regularly with MLAs from all parties in the Assembly.
“For the first time in ten years, Mr McKay looks forward to getting on with his life. He remains of the view that the NAMA Inquiry that he led was one of the most significant reports to be produced by the Assembly, and that will become even more clear with the fullness of time.”
