Family Criticizes Appeal of Inquiry Ruling

The family of Sean Brown, a murdered GAA official, has expressed profound disappointment over the UK government's decision to appeal a High Court ruling that mandated a public inquiry into his 1997 killing by loyalist paramilitaries. The court had previously found that the government breached its human rights duty to investigate state collusion in Brown's murder. His widow, Bridie, initiated judicial review proceedings after the Northern Ireland Secretary opted not to hold an inquiry, prompting the family's criticism of the appeal's timing on New Year's Eve, which they believe was intended to 'bury bad news'. The Northern Ireland Office acknowledged the family's suffering but cited constitutional issues as the basis for the appeal. The family remains resolute in their pursuit of truth, asserting that the Secretary of State's actions deny them the justice they seek. Calls for accountability continue, as no one has yet been convicted for Brown's murder.