Senior judge appointed to chair Finucane Inquiry
Last year Secretary of State Hilary Benn announced the UK Government would establish an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Finucane's death.
It is to be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.
(l to r) Katherine Finucane, with her brother John and mother Geraldine (Liam McBurney/PA)
On Friday morning, Mr Benn announced he has appointed Sir Gary Hickinbottom as chairman of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.
Sir Gary is the current president of the Welsh Tribunals and is a retired Court of Appeal Judge, who undertook the statutory inquiry into corruption and governance in the British Virgin Islands.
Mr Benn has also appointed the former police ombudsman for Northern Ireland Baroness Nuala O'Loan as well as Francesca Del Mese as assessors to the inquiry.
They are to provide advice to the chairman on their relevant expertise in regards to the inquiry, while also giving further assurance about the inquiry's independence.
The next step in the process involves Mr Benn consulting with Sir Gary on the proposed terms of reference for the inquiry.
Mr Benn said he is confident the inquiry will provide answers to Mr Finucane's family.
'The murder of Mr Finucane was a barbarous and heinous crime, and one which continues to highlight the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland,' he said.
'I commend and support the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved one, and I am confident that this inquiry will provide answers to the family who have suffered so terribly.'
Former police ombudsman for Northern Ireland Baroness Nuala O'Loan has been named as an assessor (Liam McBurney/PA)
He added: 'I am delighted that Sir Gary Hickinbottom has accepted this important role as chair of the Patrick Finucane inquiry and that Baroness O'Loan and Francesca Del Mese have accepted the important roles of assessors to the inquiry.
'I am confident that, together, their valuable knowledge, experience and professionalism will be of great benefit to the work of the inquiry.'
Sir Gary said he looks forward to meeting Mr Finucane's family as soon as possible.
'I am privileged to take on responsibility for leading this public inquiry into the important issues raised by the circumstances surrounding the murder of Patrick Finucane, something I will do not only in accordance with my statutory duties but as fairly, openly and transparently as I can,' he said.
'At the heart of this case lies a family who lost their husband and father in horrific circumstances, and I look forward to meeting the Finucane family in Belfast as soon as possible.'
Baroness O'Loan said: 'I look forward to taking up this role, having been appointed by the Secretary of State.
'The Finucane family has always been concerned that the full story of what happened should be told and this independent inquiry will provide the opportunity to do so.
'There remain unanswered questions and the public interest requires that we seek as best we can to get the answers to those questions.'
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