A public inquiry has been ordered to investigate the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, 35 years after his brutal shooting sent shockwaves through Ireland and beyond. The inquiry, announced by the UK government, aims to address longstanding questions about collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and state forces during the Troubles.
Finucane, aged 39 at the time of his death, was gunned down by gunmen from the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) as he sat at home with his wife, Geraldine, and three children. The attack, which saw him shot 14 times, has been linked to significant allegations of collusion involving British state agents. His work as a defense solicitor, particularly for IRA members and loyalists accused of terrorist activities, made him a target during one of Northern Ireland's most tumultuous periods.
The announcement of the inquiry was made by Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, who emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability to the families who have suffered losses during the Troubles. “Nothing will bring back the dead or erase the pain,” Benn stated, highlighting the government's commitment to provide answers where possible.
Long before this inquiry, calls for justice for Finucane began almost immediately after his murder. His widow Geraldine has led the charge, tirelessly advocating for both her husband’s memory and for the truth behind the circumstances of his killing. Over the decades, various investigations have pointed to shocking levels of collusion between the UDA and UK security services.
The need for this inquiry was prodded after years of pressure and multiple appeals from the Finucane family. Previous attempts to investigate the murder had been stalled or incomplete, with promises made by successive governments often going unfulfilled. The Supreme Court found all prior investigations lacked compliance with human rights standards. Their ruling acknowledged the commitment made by the Blair government under the Weston Park Agreement, which assured the Finucane family of a public inquiry.
Throughout the years, various judges and investigators had reviewed the case, with some finding strong evidence of collusion from MI5. For example, John Stevens, the former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, concluded two agents were involved directly with the murder. Similarly, Canadian judge John B. McKinsley found significant findings upon examining state involvement but faced government reluctance to act on these findings.
Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron publicly admitted to “shocking levels of collusion” but resisted calls for a full public inquiry. Cameron's statements sparked outrage, signaling to many, including the Finucane family, the government's unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths of their involvement.
Meanwhile, Geraldine Finucane has consistently pushed against the government’s stonewalling, often stating, "The truth is what has kept us going." Her fight for justice not only reflects her family's ordeal but also resonates deeply with other families affected by the violence of the Troubles seeking closure.
Support for the inquiry has poured in from various political figures. Taoiseach Simon Harris of Ireland welcomed the announcement, describing it as validating the Finucane family's long struggle for truth. He said, “This is the beginning of a process, and it’s important to have confidence it can meet the standards required for inquiries of this kind.”
Local political leader Michelle O’Neill described the decision as long overdue, calling it momentous. She praised the Finucane family's persistence, stating, “Their fight has been an inspiration to all families pursuing truth and justice.”
For the Finucanes, the inquiry may serve as the watershed moment they have been waiting for, fostering hope not just for themselves but for many affected by similar tragedies. John Finucane, Pat’s son and now MP for North Belfast, reaffirmed this sentiment, emphasizing the long road they've traveled to this juncture as just the start of the truth-seeking process.
The atmosphere surrounding the inquiry remains tense, as the move has elicited mixed reactions among unionist politicians. Some have criticized the UK government for what they perceive as preferential treatment of the Finucane family over others who also seek justice for their deceased loved ones.
John Finucane responded to such accusations by firmly stating, “This is about what state force did—targeted and enabled—leading to my father’s wrongful death. Every bit of progress we’ve had has been hard-fought.”
Now, as the inquiry prepares to begin, the hope for transparency and accountability rests heavily on the shoulders of those who have fought for decades. Questions remain about how this inquiry will reshape the narrative of the Troubles and potentially serve as a roadmap for addressing past grievances.
While the path to justice has been long and fraught with difficulty, the promise of answers is finally within reach, offering the Finucane family, and many others, hope for the future.
