Finucane inquiry reaction: DUP says many other families have had just a 'fraction' of resources devoted to their murdered loved ones
Political reaction is beginning to flow in to the news that another inquiry is to be set up into the death of Pat Finucane.
The lawyer was shot by UDA gunmen in Belfast in 1989.
The Labour government has just announced a full public inquiry into the crime.
A police investigation led to the conviction of loyalist Ken Barrett in 2004.
There have already been three different reports which looked in detail at the events surrounding Mr Finucane’s death, carried out by senior figures in the justice system (the Stevens III report of 2003, the Cory report of 2004, and the de Silva report of 2012), all citing evidence of state/loyalist collusion.
• In the wake of the latest news, the DUP leader Gavin Robinson said in a statement: “The murder of Pat Finucane, like all murders in the Troubles, was wrong. In 2004, a man was convicted and sentenced for his role in the murder and more than £20m has been spent on investigations into this one murder.
"The Secretary of State needs to understand that there are more than one thousand other families in the United Kingdom who have not had a fraction of the resource poured into the murder of their loved one.
"Indeed, the Finucane family were offered a Public Inquiry, but they rejected that offer as they disagreed with the 2005 Public Inquiries Act.
"We stand for truth and justice for every victim in the Troubles. Today’s announcement perpetuates a hierarchy and sends the message that this murder was more deserving of investigation than others.
"On days like today, we must remember that 60% of Troubles deaths were by republican terrorists and 30% by loyalists.”
• The SDLP’s Colum Eastwood said: “I welcome the decisive intervention made by the Labour government today.
"Calling a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane is long overdue but it remains the right and just course of action.
“Geraldine [the widow] and her family have been forced to fight for an Article 2-compliant investigation into Pat’s murder for far too long… they have been badly let down by successive governments that have reneged on promises and instead deliberately and agonisingly delayed truth and justice.
"It is a story that is far too familiar to victims and survivors from every community… I am pleased for Geraldine and her family that they will now get the investigation they should have had decades ago.
“This must be a turning point for legacy investigations. It should be the moment where we agree to deal with the past comprehensively and ethically.
"The SDLP remains committed to that position and we will engage with the government in good faith as they consult on the way forward for legacy investigations. We cannot fail victims and survivors again."
• Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill said: “I want to warmly welcome the announcement by the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn of an independent statutory public inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane.
"This has been long overdue and one which British governments had previously committed to, but never delivered on.
“This is a momentous day for Geraldine Finucane and her children Katherine, Michael and John, and one which they have campaigned on for over 35 years.
“Pat was a loving husband and a caring father. He stood for equality and justice through the medium of law as a proud human rights lawyer.
“The Finucane family have been let down time and time again, but they held their resolve and did not give up in their fight for an independent public inquiry.
“The Finucanes’ fight has been an inspiration to all families struggling for truth and justice. This day belongs to them.
“The British government must now work closely with Pat Finucane’s family to ensure the public inquiry meets their needs and uncovers the full truth of this shameful killing.”
• Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister said: “A public inquiry was always necessary in this case, given the serious public interest issues involved and the UK Government’s acceptance that collusion played a part.
“I hope it takes place in line with the requirement for an independent investigation under Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights.
"The Supreme Court has stated previous investigations had not been effective, so it now comes down to this inquiry for the truth to be unveiled. As such, I hope we receive clarity soon in terms of its ability to compel witnesses and evidence.
“I pay tribute to the Finucane family, who have held a dignified campaign over the years. I hope this announcement brings them some comfort and the eventual findings of the inquiry do likewise. All of those who suffered tragedy during the Troubles deserve justice for their losses.”
• TUV leader Jim Allister said: “Never in the history of dealing with the legacy of 30 years of terror has a family been given more preferential handling by the Government than the Finucane family.
"No one else has received Prime Ministerial apologies, multiple investigations, inquires and now an uncapped public inquiry – in spite of the fact that the family had previously rejected that very thing!
“The tragic take away from today is that for innocent victims of terrorists – whether they suffered at the hands of Republicans or Loyalists – the legacy bodies are good enough.
"However, they aren’t good enough for the Finucane family. This odious hierarchy of victims will leave a bitter taste with many.”