THE SDLP has described as “extremely serious” confusion over whether a lawyer working with the Billy Wright inquiry resigned or was dismissed.
SDLP justice spokesman Alban Maginness said a proper explanation must be forthcoming about the circumstances leading to senior counsel Derek Batchelor leaving the £21 million inquiry.
Yesterday week tribunal chairman Lord MacLean said “with regret” that the Scottish QC had “resigned” with “immediate effect” from the inquiry, which is examining how Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Wright was murdered in the Maze prison in 1997.
Mr Batchelor, however, issued a statement denying that he resigned and threatening to take legal action over what he said was his dismissal. He said he was called to a meeting and advised “by the panel that complaints have been made over my handling of some staff matters”.
“There was no doubt in my mind on leaving this meeting that I had been dismissed from the inquiry. Contrary to subsequent reports I have not resigned and I had no intention of leaving my post as the inquiry reaches critical stages,” he added.
Mr Batchelor said that “to avoid any doubt over my understanding of the situation I have since offered to return to the inquiry but this has not been progressed”.
He did not want to disrupt the inquiry and would try to assist his replacement in any way possible. He said that with regret he was forced to consider legal action.
Mr Batchelor said it was important to “ensure that the exact nature of my departure is known and understood by all involved in this important investigation”.
An inquiry spokesman said the tribunal would not be saying anything beyond what Lord MacLean stated last week.
Mr Maginness said it was clear answers were required over the matter. “It may cause further unnecessary interruption and delay to the inquiry and may undermine many people’s faith in the process. That is why there needs to be a full, frank, and public disclosure of what has happened as soon as possible,” he said.
