Tánaiste Micheál Martin has backed calls from the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown for a public inquiry.
The Fianna Fáil leader added his support in the Dáil on Thursday.
Mr Brown (61) was attacked, beaten and abducted by a LVF gang as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in May 1997.
After being bundled into the boot of his own car he was driven to a laneway near Randalstown, Co Antrim, where he was shot six times.
Collusion is suspected.
An inquest into his murder was abandoned last week and coroner Patrick Kinney confirmed he would write to Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to ask for a public inquiry - a call previously made by Mr Brown’s family.
Speaking in the Dáil, Fianna Fáil deputy Brendan Smith said he had recently spoken to the tánaiste at the request of Mid Ulster SDLP Patsy McGlone MLA about the need for the Irish government to support the inquiry call.
Mr Martin responded: “In the Sean Brown case, I support the family in its quest for an inquiry.
“We would have preferred if both governments and all the political parties in Northern Ireland could have agreed to a proper legacy facility and mechanism.”
Mr McGlone said welcomed the tánaiste’s support.
“The Brown family have been a tower of strength since Sean’s murder and all they are asking for is the truth,” he said.
Solicitor Niall Murphy, of KRW Law, said: “The Brown family acknowledge and are deeply obliged for the considered and meaningful comments of the tánaiste, which provide unequivocal and unambiguous support for a Public Inquiry.”
