Joint Framework on Legacy ‘paves way' for inquest on RUC killing of Donegal man

Minister for Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Trade, Helen McEntee told Dáil Éireann that September’s Joint Framework on Legacy between the Irish and British Governments regarding The Troubles in Northern Ireland, “paves the way forward” for inquests such as the death of County Donegal man, Michael Leonard.

Michael Leonard from Pettigo was shot dead by the Royal Ulster Constabulary on May 17, 1973 near the Donegal-Fermanagh border at Brookhill, Letter, in County Fermanagh.

The 24-year-old was killed only 200 metres from the border following a car chase.

Despite claims from the police that a single round was discharged accidentally, new evidence that has emerged disputes that version of events.

The Joint Framework on Legacy aims to replace the British 2023 Legacy Act, which was implemented on May 1, 2024, and was used to shut down an inquest into Michael Leonard’s killing, which was ordered by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland on April 30, 2024.

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Donegal and Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Pearse Doherty asked Minister McEntee about further plans to engage with the British Government over the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 and the request for a fresh inquest into the 1973 killing of Michael Leonard.

Deputy Doherty said: “The family of Michael Leonard have now waited more than 50 years for the truth about how Michael was killed by the RUC on the Donegal-Fermanagh border in 1973.

“New evidence contradicts the original account and raises serious questions. We now have a changed landscape in Britain. The old legacy Act is being dismantled, and new legacy structures are being put in place.

“In light of these developments, has the Minister raised Michael Leonard’s case with the British Government or does she intend to raise it in a timely fashion?”

In response, Minister McEntee commented: “Once the implementing UK legislation has been passed and enacted, Michael's case will be independently assessed by the UK Solicitor General to consider whether it would be most appropriately dealt with by the reformed legacy commission or via the coronial system. 

“This assessment will be carried out on the basis of specific criteria set out in legislation, including the views of families and the next of kin.

“Too many families in Northern Ireland have waited for far too long for truth and accountability. My focus is now on making sure that the processes established by the joint framework are up and running as soon as possible. 

“I have already engaged with Mr Hilary Benn MP on this particular issue, but also more broadly on ensuring that we can continue to strengthen and evolve relationships North, South, East and West.”