The British government has announced an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane and issues of collusion between the RUC, British army and loyalist paramilitaries.
However, the statement provoked a hostile reaction from nationalist representatives, human rights bodies and the Finucane family who have campaigned for a judicial inquiry.
They were angered at the decision, announced by the Northern Secretary, to hold an inquiry under new legislation which would enable substantial sections of the inquiry to be held in private. There was also widespread concern that Mr Murphy did not specify that an inquiry would be headed by a High Court judge or that it would be in public.
Mr Michael Finucane, son of the murdered solicitor, said the plan sounded to him "more like a government investigation" than the independent, international judicial inquiry his family has sought for the past 15 years.
The British government moved quickly last night to counter allegations concerning an inquiry formed under new and more restrictive legislation.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Mr Murphy insisted: "Just because it doesn't say 'judicial' doesn't mean it won't be.
"The chances are it will be [chaired by] a High Court judge and as similar as possible to the composition of the three inquiries already announced."
The British government, on foot of recommendations by the retired Canadian Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice Peter Cory, has ordered inquiries into the murders of Billy Wright, Ms Rosemary Nelson and Mr Robert Hamill. Collusion is alleged in all three cases. Mr Murphy went on: "The purpose of this inquiry is to establish the facts. We don't want any more delay." He cited the murder trial of Ken Barrett for the hold-up to date. Barrett was sentenced to life last week after pleading guilty to the killing and to 11 other offences.
Mr Murphy said new legislation was needed because he felt there was a danger the current existing legal framework could "truncate" and "slow down" any inquiry. Applications for Public Interest Immunity certificates, to keep sensitive documents and evidence secret, would cause unacceptable delays, he said.
New legislation would streamline such a process. He admitted that "a good bit" of the inquiry would be conducted in private in the interests of national security.
Mr Murphy could not say when the new legislation would be enacted, but were mention of it to be included in the Queen's Speech at the opening of parliament, it could be enacted in 2005. However, if Mr Tony Blair calls an election, as expected, further delays would follow.
The Irish Times further understands that the British Prime Minister will offer to meet Mr Finucane's widow, Geraldine, to discuss the planned inquiry.
The Taoiseach last night referred to the Weston Park agreement which included a vow from the British government to abide by Mr Justice Cory's recommendation. "The inquiry announced today requires the introduction of new British legislation. It is obviously important that this legislation fulfils the Weston Park commitment of Judge Cory," Mr Ahern said.
Sinn Féin said last night it would support the Finucane family in its approach to the inquiry. However, the SDLP took a strident line. Mr Mark Durkan said: "The Finucane murder raises fundamental concerns about collusion and cover-up.
"These issues cannot be addressed by an inquiry which itself could be shrouded in collusion and cover-up."