Pat Finucane widow welcomes inquiry terms of reference

The widow of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed the publication of terms of reference for the inquiry into his murder.

The 39-year-old was shot at his home in Belfast by loyalist paramilitaries in front of his wife and children. Several examinations of the case have found evidence of state collusion.

On Monday, Secretary of State Hilary Benn published the terms of reference for the inquiry via a written ministerial statement to Parliament.

Geraldine Finucane, Pat Finucane's widow, said on Monday that "the establishment of this inquiry is a significant moment".

Benn announced the government's intention to establish an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Finucane's death in 2024.

The inquiry will be established with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.

Geraldine Finucane had recently said her family were left frustrated by delays in starting of the inquiry inquiry.

In a statement on Monday, Geraldine Finucane said her and her family have campaigned for a "full and independent investigation" into Pat Finucane's death for almost 37 years.

"The establishment of this inquiry is a significant moment in that long journey," she said.

Geraldine Finucane said she welcomes the publication of the terms and reference and the formal commencement of the inquiry's work.

"My family and I will engage constructively with the process and will carefully consider the detail of the terms that have been set out," she said.

"It is essential that the chair and the inquiry are fully independent and free to follow the evidence wherever it leads. We expect that the inquiry will conduct its work thoroughly, transparently and in accordance with the state's obligations under Article 2," she added.

"Our focus remains, as it always has been, on establishing the full truth about Pat's murder."

The secretary of state said he commends and supports "the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved one over the course of 37 years".

"I am pleased that the inquiry will now finally be able to get underway."

Last year, the secretary of state announced Sir Gary Hickinbottom as chair of the inquiry and both Baroness Nuala O'Loan and Francesca Del Mese as assessors to the inquiry.

Benn said on Monday: "Sir Gary consulted the family of Patrick Finucane who provided very helpful feedback and observations.

"I would like to thank Sir Gary and the Finucane family for their engagement and feedback throughout the process."