Government 'would hold Finucane inquiry'

Pat Finucane was murdered at his home in 1989

A public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane will be launched if recommended by a government-commissioned investigation, the leader of the House of Commons has said.

Robin Cook said at question time in the Commons on Wednesday that the next move depended on the findings of a Canadian judge appointed to look into several cases, including that of Mr Finucane.

It follows the second part of a BBC Panorama programme alleging collusion between the security services and loyalists.

Should Mr Cory recommend that there should be a public inquiry, we will of course implement that recommendation

Robin Cook
Commons leader

Mr Finucane, a Catholic lawyer, was shot dead by loyalist gunmen in 1989 as he sat with his family in their north Belfast home.

Since 1989, Sir John Stevens, who is now commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been investigating the allegation that shadowy elements within military intelligence and the RUC Special Branch were colluding with loyalist assassination squads.

It had been expected his report would be delivered in a few weeks, but it has now been delayed until the autumn.

Retired Canadian judge Peter Cory is to examine six controversial murder cases in Northern Ireland involving allegations of collusion.

'Reached agreement'

The six controversial cases which will be examined by Judge Cory include the murders of the lawyers Mr Finucane and Rosemary Nelson and the murder of the loyalist paramilitary leader Billy Wright inside the Maze jail.

In a Commons question, former SDLP leader John Hume asked: "In the light of recent serious public information about the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, is the prime minister and government going to respond positively to the family's request for a special inquiry into this terrible murder?"

Justice Peter deCarteret Cory: Asked to carry out examinations

Mr Cook said he recognised it was an issue of "serious concern" to the local community and that there were already two investigations going on.

"First of all there is the investigation appointed by the UK Government under Sir John Stevens and we have also reached agreement with the Irish Government on a joint inquiry by Mr Justice Cory of Canada

"Should Mr Cory recommend that there should be a public inquiry, we will of course implement that recommendation."

Secretary of State John Reid said on Monday that an independent inquiry into the controversial killings would depend on Judge Cory's findings.

Dr Reid's comments followed a call by a victims' group for an independent judicial inquiry into more than 100 killings by loyalist paramilitaries.

The secretary of state also said some mechanism would have to be found to address the hurt caused to the families of those murdered in the Troubles.

owever, when asked if he recommended a truth commission, Dr Reid said he did not have that mechanism.