British prime minister Mr Tony Blair today met the relatives of a Catholic killed by a loyalist mob as efforts continued to break the deadlock in the Northern Ireland peace process.
The family of Mr Robert Hamill, a 25-year-old killed by loyalists in Portadown, arrived at Hillsborough Castle where the Prime Minister has been engaged in efforts to resolve the impasse over policing, demilitarisation and IRA disarmament.
Mr Hamill's sister Diane, other relatives and their legal representatives met with Mr Blair this morning to urge him to launch an inquiry into his killing. It is the second time they have personally made representations to the British prime minister on the matter.
The family allege that when Mr Hamill was attacked three and a half years ago, it was witnessed by RUC officers in a Land Rover who made no attempt to intervene. The SDLP have backed the family's call.
An inquest into his death has not taken place because of the coroner's fears that the safety of certain witnesses could not be guaranteed.
There have also been calls for inquiries into allegations of police collusion in the murders of solicitors Ms Rosemary Nelson and Mr Pat Finucane by loyalist paramilitaries.
A British government spokesman confirmed that Mr Blair had talks with the Hamill family. He said Mr Blair addressed developments in the case and the role of the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan in the investigation.
PA