Finucane inquiry will go ahead

The British government today gave the go-ahead for a judicial inquiry into the controversial 1989 murder of solicitor Pat Finucane.

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy confirmed new legislation would be introduced allowing an inquiry into allegations that rogue members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and British Army intelligence colluded with loyalists in the killing.

Mr Finucane was gunned down in front of his family by loyalist Ulster Defence Association gunmen in his north Belfast home.

Last week, Ken Barrett, 41, received a life sentence at Belfast Crown Court after admitting his role in the killing.

He was jailed for 22 years but is expected to be freed early under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

A report by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens last year found evidence that rogue members of Army intelligence and RUC officers colluded in the killing of Mr Finucane and student Adam Lambert.

Earlier this year a report by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory also recommended an inquiry – a key demand of Mr Finucane’s family, human rights campaigners and nationalist politicians in Northern Ireland.

Mr Murphy said the British government had consistently made it clear it would honour the commitment it made at the Weston Park peace talks to honour Judge Cory's recommendation.

However, while it recommended inquiries into the murders of solicitor Rosemary Nelson, Portadown Catholic Robert Hamill and loyalist Billy Wright following the publication of three other Cory reports, there were outstanding legal proceedings relating to the Finucane case.

Following the prosecution of Barrett, the British government had decided after consulting the Attorney General to press ahead with an inquiry even though there was the possibility of further prosecutions as a result of Sir John’s investigation.

“As in any inquiry, the tribunal will be tasked with uncovering the full facts of what happened and will be given all of the powers and resources necessary to fulfil that task,” he said.

“In order that the inquiry can take place speedily and effectively and in a way that takes into account the public interest, including the requirements of national security, it will be necessary to hold the inquiry on the basis of new legislation which will be introduced shortly.”