The public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane marks a significant moment for justice in Ireland. For 37 years, his family, led by his widow Geraldine Finucane, has pursued an unrelenting campaign for the full truth behind his assassination. This inquiry, set to formally begin on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026, is not just about one man's death; it represents a potential turning point in how Ireland confronts the complex legacy of the Troubles.

It's hard for many outside Northern Ireland, and even some within it, to fully grasp the sheer tenacity and emotional fortitude required to sustain a campaign for justice for nearly four decades. This isn't a quick legal battle; it's a lifetime's work, driven by profound loss and an unwavering belief in accountability. Geraldine Finucane, in a powerful piece for The Irish Times, described this moment as a "watershed." For her, for her children, and for countless others affected by similar tragedies, this inquiry offers a glimmer of hope that the complete picture, no matter how uncomfortable, will finally emerge.

Pat Finucane, a 39-year-old solicitor, was shot dead in front of his family at their north Belfast home in 1989. The murder was carried out by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), a loyalist paramilitary group. What makes this case particularly notorious, and why the Finucane family's quest for justice has been so persistent, is the overwhelming evidence of collusion between the UDA and the British state. Various investigations over the years have pointed to this collusion, painting a deeply troubling picture of state involvement in a brutal murder.

When the family says they do not believe the murder was "simply the work of gunmen," they are speaking from a place of hard-won knowledge. The terms of reference for this new inquiry are quite broad, seeking to understand not only the immediate circumstances of his killing, but also to identify everyone involved and the nature of their participation. Crucially, it will also investigate whether the murder could have been prevented and examine any "acts or omissions" that contributed to it. This level of scrutiny, with the power to compel documents and summon witnesses under oath, is what the Finucane family has fought so long to achieve.

The journey to this inquiry has been a protracted and often frustrating one. Successive UK governments have resisted calls for a full public inquiry for many years. It was only in 2012 that former British prime minister David Cameron offered an apology to the family for the "shocking levels of state collusion" that had been "demonstrated beyond any doubt." Even then, the path to a full inquiry remained fraught with delays. In 2019, the UK's Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling, stating that all previous examinations of the murder had fallen short of human rights standards. This legal victory provided significant momentum, reinforcing the family's argument that nothing less than a comprehensive, independent inquiry would suffice.

I keep thinking about Geraldine Finucane's calculation: "37 years, 3 months, and 30 days" since her husband's murder. That translates to 448 months, or 13,633 days. Imagine carrying that burden, that fight, for every single one of those days. It is a testament to their incredible resilience and their absolute conviction that the truth must be known. Their campaign has consistently argued that agencies within the British state colluded with loyalist paramilitaries to murder Pat. This isn't just a family grievance; it speaks to profound questions about state accountability and the rule of law.

The right to "know all the facts" is a fundamental human right. This principle underpins not just the Finucane family's struggle, but also the broader efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles. Healing cannot truly begin until there is a full and transparent accounting of the past, particularly where state actors are implicated in wrongdoing. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, for example, consistently emphasizes the right to truth for victims of human rights violations.

This inquiry, chaired by retired Court of Appeals judge Gary Hickinbottom, is scheduled to begin with a procedural hearing. This initial session will explain the inquiry's conduct and future hearings to the public. It is an important step in setting the stage for what will undoubtedly be a painstaking and emotionally charged process. The hope is that by publicly examining the collusion that so deeply scarred society during the Troubles, a genuine process of healing can finally commence.

For those of us watching from the sidelines, there's a certain weight to this moment. It represents a promise, however belated, that justice, even if it takes decades, can eventually be pursued. It's a reminder that persistence in the face of immense obstacles can yield results. The Finucane family's unwavering commitment to their quest for justice should serve as an inspiration to anyone who believes in the power of truth and accountability. This inquiry is about more than just one family; it's about the very foundations of trust between a state and its citizens. The Northern Ireland Office, a department of the UK government, plays a crucial role in ensuring the inquiry proceeds with the transparency and independence required to achieve its aims. We will be watching closely as this crucial chapter unfolds.