While the British government’s decision to order an independent public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane will be welcomed by many, others involved in justice campaigns may adopt a more cautious approach.
The decision by Labour to grant an inquiry, which will inevitably expose the UK’s security services to strong criticism, could come with a sting in the tail for some.
Under the British government’s Legacy Act all civil cases and inquests were forced to a halt by May 1 if they were not at their findings stage.
In the case of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, the coroner requested that a public inquiry be established.
The 61-year-old was beaten and abducted by a LVF gang as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in May 1997.
Earlier this year it emerged that more than 25 people have been linked by intelligence to the murder of Mr Brown, including several state agents.
It is understood the British government has yet to provide a response to the family.
The coroner in the case of four Catholics murdered in separate UVF attacks has also said earlier this year that a public inquiry “is the appropriate way to consider the full circumstances of these deaths”.
Charlie Fox (63) and his wife Tess (53) were gunned down in their home, near Moy in Co Tyrone, in September 1992.
Eight months earlier their son-in-law Kevin McKearney (32), who was married to their daughter Bernie, and his uncle Jack McKearney (70), died after a gun attack at a family-run butcher’s shop in Moy.
Kevin died instantly, while Jack died later in hospital.
For you:
The agents involved: Pat Finucane’s killing exposed collusion
‘After 35 years of cover-ups it’s time for truth’ - the Finucane family’s response
Carefully crafted comments made by Secretary of State Hilary Benn at Westminster on Wednesday will be studied closely by observers.
The Labour MP was at pains to point out that the decision to grant an inquiry in the Finucane case was “exceptional”.
Later he referred to the “unique circumstances” of the case.
Mr Benn has said that the failure to honour previous British commitments for an inquest were a factor.
Noticeably, in his Westminster statement Mr Benn made several references to the controversial Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
It was established under the Conservative Party’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, and became operation in May.
Earlier this week it was revealed the body has taken on just eight cases in its first four months.
Many victims, and relatives of those who died during the Troubles, are strongly opposed to the ICRIR, believing it to be part of British government attempts to protect state participants from accountability.
Mr Benn has said the ICRIR will be retained despite pledges to repeal and replace the Legacy Act.
In his statement the secretary of state said he has “every confidence in its ability, under the leadership of Sir Declan Morgan, to find answers for survivors”.
Many of those looking on Wednesday will not share Mr Benn’s confidence in the ICRIR to deliver the truth they desperately crave.
