'No confidence' in Wright counsel

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The father of murdered LVF leader Billy Wright has said he has "no confidence" in the lead counsel of the inquiry into the death of his son.

It is investigating Wright's murder by republicans in the Maze prison in 1997.

Speaking at a news conference, David Wright said a request for Angus Stewart QC to be removed had been rejected by the inquiry panel.

In June, the former lead consul, Derek Batchelor QC, left the inquiry claiming he had been sacked.

The Tribunal chairman, Lord McLean, said Mr Batchelor had resigned.

Speaking on Thursday, David Wright called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Mr Batchelor's departure.

"I had considerable unease at how his departure would affect the inquiry but I reserved judgement pending further hearings," said Mr Wright.

"It is with regret that I must declare that I have no confidence in Mr Stewart QC."

Mr Wright's statement continued: "This lack of confidence stemmed from remarks made by him at a meeting with my two barristers and solicitor on 16 September 2008."

Mr Wright said the counsel's comments "leads me to feel Mr Stewart is approaching his crucial and sensitive role with a certain mindset."

Mr Batchelor confirmed in a statement that he had written to David Wright's solicitor shortly after his departure as senior counsel of the inquiry.

"It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment to anyone on the detail of my work at the inquiry," said the statement.

"However, I felt compelled to reassure Mr Wright and his solicitor that I did not resign.

"To this day, I have never received any satisfactory reason why I was removed from the Inquiry.

"Any questions relating to an investigation into my departure should be directed to the Secretary of State."

A spokesperson for the inquiry said they had "no comment to make at this point" on Mr Wright's claims.