Pat Finucane inquiry will seek to identify ‘all those involved’ in his murder

Pat Finucane inquiry will seek to identify ‘all those involved’ in his murder The human rights lawyer was shot dead at his family home by a loyalist paramilitary group in an attack involving collusion with the state 15:31, 09 Mar 2026 The terms of reference for an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane have been published by the Government. ‌ Mr Finucane, a human rights lawyer, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast by the loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Defence Association in February 1989, in an attack found by a series of investigations to have involved collusion with the state. ‌ His widow Geraldine, who was also wounded, and the couple’s three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement. ‌ Announcing the terms of reference on Monday, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “This was a barbaric and heinous crime. ‌ “I commend the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family over the course of 37 years in seeking answers about the brutal murder of their loved one, and I am pleased that the inquiry will now finally be able to get under way.” Mr Benn said the terms of reference were developed following formal consultation with chair of the inquiry Sir Gary Hickinbottom, who had consulted with the Finucane family “who provided very helpful feedback and observations”. He added: “I would like to thank Sir Gary and the Finucane family for their engagement throughout the process.” Article continues below The inquiry will have the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath. A timeline and budget for the inquiry is to be agreed within four months. For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .