Dr Mo Mowlam has not ruled out a full independent judicial inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Mr Pat Finucane, his family has said.
After a 30-minute meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary at Stormont yesterday, they said the British government appeared to be keeping an open mind on an independent inquiry.
The London Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Constable, Mr John Stevens, has already been put in charge of a criminal investigation into claims of security force collusion in the shooting of the solicitor by loyalists in his north Belfast home 10 years ago.
But the family does not support Mr Stevens's investigation. Mr Finucane's widow, Geraldine, said: "We continued to stress why a full, independent, judicial inquiry would be more helpful, much more effective, than the police investigation."
Mrs Finucane, who was accompanied by her brother-in-law, Martin, said the Irish Government and other organisations all recognised the need for an independent inquiry.
The only person who had called for a criminal investigation was the RUC Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, she said. Mr Martin Finucane said Dr Mowlam had indicated to them she was taking legal advice on whether an independent inquiry could take place.
The family is also asking the Taoiseach to urge the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, to support an inquiry during their talks today.