Finucane inquest 'must be public'

Pat Finucane was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries

Bertie Ahern will not compromise over a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, his family has claimed.

His son Michael said the taoiseach told them in an hour-long meeting in Dublin that he had written to Tony Blair to say this was the only way forward.

Mr Finucane said: "He made it clear, as far as the Irish government was concerned, that there would be no compromise on the issue."

Pat Finucane, 39, was murdered at his north Belfast home by the UDA in 1989.

Collusion allegations

The killing was one of the most controversial of the 30 years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, mainly because of the allegations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and members of the security forces.

Michael Finucane said Mr Ahern had given the family assurances that he would push British authorities to set up a hearing under commitments made during political negotiations in 2001.

Following these talks, Downing Street agreed to hold a public inquiry if one was recommended by Peter Cory, a retired Canadian judge appointed by the British and Irish governments to examine allegations of collusion surrounding the Finucane and other controversial killings.

Judge Cory recommended a public inquiry into Mr Finucane's death.

Bill objections

The Finucane family objects to the Inquiries Bill, which provides the framework for a hearing into the murder.

Under this bill, a British government minister can rule whether the inquiry sits in public or private - the family have claimed this goes against what was agreed in 2001.

Mr Finucane said Mr Ahern told them the Irish government would not support the bill if it became law and it would not support an inquiry established under it.

"It will support the family's position," Mr Finucane added.

The Northern Ireland Office insists the Finucane inquiry would have full powers to compel witnesses and the disclosure of documents.

In a statement last December, the NIO said nothing would be withheld from the inquiry into Mr Finucane's murder.

However, because of national security, a large proportion of evidence would "have to be considered in private".

Loyalist Ken Barrett, 41, was sentenced in September to life for Mr Finucane's murder, after admitting his part in the killing.