British Government to respond to calls for public inquiry into murder of Pat Finucane
The high-profile solicitor was killed by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989
Today the British Government will respond to calls for a public inquiry into the murder of high-profile solicitor Pat Finucane.
The father of North Belfast MP John Finucane was shot dead at his home by loyalist paramilitaries during the Troubles.
He was eating Sunday dinner with his family when the gunmen burst in.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron apologised to them in 2012, acknowledging what he called "shocking levels of state collusion".
Last year the Supreme Court ruled previous investigations into the killing fell short, however a public inquiry, long called for by the Finucane family, has still not happened.
Secretary of State Brandon Lewis will inform the Finucane family of the Government’s decision this afternoon.
Sinn Fein has warned failure to order a public inquiry will have profound implications for confidence in the rule of the law.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said it would be a "day of reckoning'' for the Finucane family.
"The British government's approach of delay and denial has literally run out of road,'' she said."
"It is a matter of huge public interest that there is full and maximum disclosure around questions about who ordered the killing, about who knew what, and when."
"Those involved must be held accountable. Until now there has been virtual impunity for the British state agencies and actors involved in the killing."
"Any attempt by the British government to ignore the family, political and wider public demands for a public inquiry will have profound and fundamental implications for confidence in the rule of law, the administration of justice and the wider approach to legacy."
"Now is time for the British government, and the British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, to finally listen to the Finucane family and call a public inquiry as a matter of public interest. There can be no further delay.''
Last night MP John Finucane said on twitter, “Tomorrow my family & I will hear the British Govt response to our Supreme Court victory regarding an inquiry into my father’s murder. In advance I wish to thank everyone across Ireland & internationally, for the incredible support you have given us. We deeply appreciate it.”