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The Billy Wright Inquiry - Report
Chairman: The Right Honourable Lord MacLean
Panel: Professor Andrew Coyle CMG
The Right Reverend John Oliver

Presented to Parliament pursuant to Section 26 of the Inquiries Act 2005
Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed on 14 September 2010

Foreword

This was throughout a complex and absorbing Inquiry carried out between the main office in Edinburgh and the Court House at Banbridge, Northern Ireland, where the hearings were held. There was, in addition, a local office in Belfast. I wish to thank the administrative staff for the smooth running of the Inquiry, despite difficulties which arose. In particular I wish to express my gratitude to Mrs Oonagh McIntosh for her work in securing and in adapting Banbridge Court House for our needs. It served us well.

I must also pay tribute to the legal staff who applied themselves diligently and effectively throughout the Inquiry. We were fortunate to have the inestimable services of Mr Henry Palin whose great experience as an Inquiry Solicitor is unsurpassed and was hugely valuable at numerous times throughout the Inquiry. Happily, when he retired from the Civil Service which he did in the course of the Inquiry, he was able to return in the role of a Consultant. When that happened, Mrs Pauline Henderson ably took over, having been Deputy Solicitor from the outset.

I would also like to thank Counsel to the Inquiry and particularly Mr Murdo MacLeod QC for taking over at very short notice the duties of leading Counsel to the Inquiry, which he fulfilled well until the appointment of Mr Angus Stewart QC to that position.

Finally, I cannot praise too highly the contributions and support of my Panel Members, Professor Andrew Coyle and Bishop John Oliver. Their companionship, unflagging enthusiasm and good sense will always be treasured by me. Without them I doubt if we could have got through our work as expeditiously as I think we have.

Lord MacLean

September 2010