Public interest in the murder of Pat Finucane demands that British government departments and agencies co-operate fully in the inquiry into his murder, Sinn Féin warned this evening.
Sinn Féin national chairperson, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin said this co-operation was vital because "the track record of successive British governments in dealing with the issue of collusion, and specifically the killing of Pat Finucane has been one of denial, concealment and cover up."
He was speaking after confirmation from the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Paul Murphy, that the inquiry was going ahead.
"Any inquiry and the legislation it will be based on will be judged against its ability to uncover the full truth about collusion and the killing of Pat Finucane," said Mr McLaughlin.
"An informed judgement on the ability of this inquiry to delivery the truth can only be made when the legislation is published.
SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan said Mr Murphy had fallen short of Judge Cory's recommendation and Mr Blair's report of a public inquiry.
"There already is legislation to allow for a public inquiry with all the necessary safeguards," he said.
"So there is no need for new legislation unless the British Government just wants new restrictions to prevent the truth coming out.
"We have had a cover-up into the murder of Pat Finucane for the last 15 years. This inquiry must not become a cover-up too."