President Michael D Higgins has welcomed confirmation that the British government will establish a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.
In a statement this evening, President Higgins said today's move was "an important recognition of the heartbreak that has been carried by Geraldine Finucane and her family for so many years, and of their continuous campaigning for the truth".
Pat Finucane's widow has said she believes a public inquiry into his death could be a "watershed moment" in dealing with legacy cases in Northern Ireland.
Mr Finucane, who was a solicitor, was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries at his north Belfast home in 1989.
Speaking at a press conference after the British government announced it would establish a public inquiry into his killing, Geraldine Finucane said: "It is high time it was properly investigated, publicly examined, and finally resolved.
"I believe that my family deserve this after so many years.
"Pat Finucane deserves this after so many years.
"Society as a whole deserves this, after so many years. After 35 years of cover-ups, it is time for truth."
Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed the decision by the British government to establish a public inquiry.
Mr Harris said is "a vindication of Geraldine Finucane and her family who have campaigned over decades for truth and justice".
"I spoke to John Finucane by phone yesterday evening to underline the enduring importance that I, as Taoiseach, and the Government attach to progress in his father's case.
"This is the beginning of a process and it will be important that, as details are confirmed, there is confidence that it can meet the standards and independence thresholds essential to an inquiry of this nature.
The Taoiseach acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State Hilary Benn in coming to the decision.
Read more: Pat Finucane murder inquiry announced by UK government
"Prime Minister Starmer and I have discussed the Pat Finucane case, including as recently as last Saturday when we met in Dublin, and in follow up to a previous discussion in Chequers in July.
"I know that the Prime Minister is committed to finding a new approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland, and today’s decision by the British Government is in keeping with the spirit of that commitment.
"I have indicated to the Prime Minister that we stand ready to work with him and his Government on legacy issues."
'Landmark day' - NI First Minister
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the announcement of a public inquiry is a "landmark day".
In a post on X, Ms O’Neill said: "I welcome the announcement that the Finucane family has secured a public inquiry into the killing of their beloved father and husband, Pat Finucane.
"Today is a testament to the unwavering spirit and resolve of Pat’s wife, Geraldine, and their children, Katherine, Michael, and John.
"The Finucane family’s determination and dignity throughout 35 years of the most difficult of campaigning has brought about this landmark day.
"Their campaign has been an inspiration to all families struggling for truth and justice.
"I will continue to support the Finucane family as they continue on their journey towards truth and justice for Pat."
Outgoing SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed the decision to order a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucance, stating it is "long overdue".
Mr Eastwood said: "Geraldine (Finucane) and her family have been forced to fight for an Article 2 compliant investigation into Pat's murder for far too long.
"Despite clear commitments entered into under agreements reached at Weston Park and the recommendations of Judge Peter Cory, they have been badly let down by successive governments that have reneged on promises and instead deliberately and agonisingly delayed truth and justice.
"It is a story that is far too familiar to victims and survivors from every community.
Inquiry perpetuates 'hierarchy' of victims - DUP leader
DUP leader Gavin Robinson, meanwhile, said the granting of a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane "perpetuates a hierarchy" of victims in Northern Ireland.
"Today's announcement perpetuates a hierarchy and sends the message that this murder was more deserving of investigation than others.
"On days like today, we must remember that 60% of Troubles deaths were by republican terrorists and 30% by loyalists."
He said: "The murder of Pat Finucane, like all murders in the Troubles, was wrong.
"In 2004, a man was convicted and sentenced for his role in the murder and more than £20 million has been spent on investigations into this one murder.
"The Secretary of State needs to understand that there are more than 1,000 other families in the United Kingdom who have not had a fraction of the resource poured into the murder of their loved one."
