Coroner Expects Full Inquest to Proceed in September

A hearing intended to review security files before the inquest into the death of Kevin McGuigan, an IRA man, has been postponed. Originally scheduled for early June, the hearing was deemed unfeasible by a barrister representing the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) due to the extensive amount of material that needs to be prepared.

Kevin McGuigan, a father of nine, was shot in the Short Strand area of Belfast in August 2015. His murder led to a political crisis at Stormont amid allegations of involvement by IRA members.

During a preliminary hearing on Friday, Coroner Paddy McGurgan was informed that the necessary materials would not be ready for the Public Interest Immunity (PII) hearing originally set for June. Peter Coll KC, representing the PSNI, stated, “It seems very clear it will not be possible to have in place by that date the required Public Interest Immunity certificate.” He noted the considerable work still required to prepare the materials for the PII.

Coll expressed regret over the situation and indicated that additional weeks might be needed to complete the work. Laura McMahon, representing the McGuigan family, described the delay as incredibly disappointing, raising concerns about the stability of the scheduled September dates.

The inquest was initially planned for March but has since been rescheduled for September. Following discussions, Coroner McGurgan acknowledged the difficulty in achieving the previously set dates of the 8th, 9th, and 12th of September. He has reserved two weeks in September for the inquest and aims to maintain those dates.

The PII hearing is now expected to occur from July 5-7.