A solicitor representing the family of Councillor Patsy Kelly says they are confident that a new inquest into his murder will be held.
Mr.Pat Fahy was speaking after the Attorney General passed on their request for a new inquest to his investigation team. They will decide whether or not a new inquest should take place.
Councillor Kelly, a 33-year-old bar manager from Trillick, disappeared after locking up the Corner Bar in Trillick in the early hours of July 24. It is believed he was apprehended on his way home by car a short distance away. 
Around two weeks later, his body was found tied to a 56-lb weight in Lough Eyes, near Lisbellaw. He had been shot a number of times.
The inquest held in February 1975, returned an open verdict. The inquest was told that shots were heard in the area around 15 minutes after Councillor Kelly had left the bar and that blood and shirt buttons were found.
Mr Pat Fahy, representing the family at the inquest, said his shooting was one of the most brutal killings.
This week, Mr. Fahy said the family were hopeful and confident that there will be a new inquest into the killing.
“There is clear evidence and information that was withheld at the original inquest. It’s one crucial piece of information we learned about many years later that there was a forensic report that discovered footprints found at the scene. They matched Army issue boots. That would have been very important for the original inquest,” he said.
Mr. Fahy said the family had written setting out various arguments on a number of occasions and they now believe a new inquest is “imperative.”
He said he expected the Attorney General’s office to come to a conclusion promptly.
“It has given the family fresh hope,” he said.
He said several investigations by the RUC and the PSNI went nowhere.
“This is the first real step. The Kelly family have no great interest in politics. It has been a great weight on his widow, Teresa who has suffered very greatly.” Councillor Kelly had been elected as a community candidate to Omagh District Council. His disappearance sparked the biggest search undertaken in Fermanagh and Tyrone with up to 1,500 people taking part.