McDowell agrees to discuss McBrearty tribunal funding plea

19/04/2005 - 07:40:34
Justice Minister Michael McDowell has agreed to meet the McBrearty family next week to discuss their demand for state-funded legal representation at the Morris Tribunal.

The tribunal is investigating alleged garda corruption in Donegal, including an alleged campaign of harassment against the McBreartys.

However, the family have not been granted state-funded legal representation, a move they say prevents them from effectively defending their position.

Last night, Frank McBrearty Jnr confronted Mr McDowell during an event at a hotel in Belfast and Minister McDowell subsequently agreed to a meeting.

Mr McBrearty said he had no option but to ambush the minister because he had repeatedly refused to meet him in Dublin.