West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Adams questions role of PPS after Holland judgement

Published: 6 May, 2009

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has commented on the developments in the trial of those involved in the murder of well-known Glen Road greengrocer Harry Holland.

Mr Adams said:

''The deal done in this case offends the family of Harry Holland and the people of west Belfast who, in their active support for the Holland family, made this court case possible.

''This deal is not justice for Harry or the Holland family.

''What it does is highlight again the unaccountable role of the Public Prosecution Service, the disconnect between it and society, and the failure of the PPS to take account of the views of victims and families.

''Today's decision also raises serious questions about the role of the PPS.

''The Good Friday Agreement envisaged a wide-ranging review of the criminal justice system, which led to the Criminal Justice Review published in March 2000.

''The Review made many recommendations including the establishment of a new office, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

''The report of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate in August 2007 on the PPS identified 40 weaknesses requiring action.

''So, there is a big job of work to be done in respect of the PPS.

''There needs to be a root and branch reform of the PPS.

''The transfer of policing and justice powers represents a unique opportunity to begin this process and to construct a public prosecution service that is representative of and accountable to the community and free from partisan political control.

''Justice not only must be done, it must be seen to be done.

''The administration of justice must serve the people and be seen to serve the people."