Tánaiste Micheál Martin has doubled down on his comments around the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, saying the State “didn’t do right” by her.
On Thursday, Mr Martin described the State’s failure to deliver justice for Ms Toscan du Plantier by prosecuting her murderer as a “deep shame for us”.
Ms Toscan du Plantier’s body was found badly beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork, in December 1996.
Ian Bailey, who died in January at the age of 66, was the main suspect in her murder. He was convicted in absentia by a French court in 2019 but he always denied any involvement. He was never charged in Ireland.
In particular, Mr Martin said that the cumulative evidence against Mr Bailey was “overwhelming”, adding that it was “hard to understand why this evidence was not put before a jury”.
“The simple fact is, we failed in our duty to find and convict a bloody murderer, and our system blocked alternative routes when others were not willing to accept our failures.”
Speaking at the North South Ministerial Council meeting on Friday, Mr Martin reiterated his previous comments — despite criticism — saying that it is important to reflect on “momentous moments of this kind”.
“We should never insulate ourselves or our systems from reflection or observation,” Mr Martin said.
Referring to a new book on Ms Toscan du Plantier’s murder, ‘Sophie: The Final Verdict’, Mr Martin said that the evidence within it led him to the conclusion that the State did fail her.
“There has to be space in our public discourse for that kind of reflection, observation, otherwise we’re reinforcing issues that do need to change over time,” the Tánaiste said.
Earlier on Friday, Mr Bailey’s solicitor Frank Buttimer said the Tánaiste’s comments were “extraordinary” and “a fair old attack on many of the pillars of justice of the State”.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris described the ongoing fight for justice by Ms Toscan du Plantier’s family as being “extraordinarily” upsetting, as they continue to campaign.
Asked if he would consider a public inquiry into her death, Mr Harris said the ongoing cold case analysis should be allowed to be completed first.
“Then, obviously Government can see where the matter stands at that stage,” he added.
