How it unfolded
February 1989Pat Finucane is murdered in front of his family as they sit down to Sunday dinner. His wife is also shot in the attack.
January 1990The offices of John Stevens, who is investigating claims of collusion in the murder, are destroyed in an arson attack. He presides over a total of three inquiries into RUC-loyalist collusion.
August 2001The British and Irish governments agree, after meeting in Weston Park, to appoint Canadian judge Peter Cory to examine the Finucane murder and other disputed cases. Three years later he calls for inquiries in all cases.
April 2003Stevens reports he has uncovered evidence of collusion, but the vast majority of his report is kept secret.
September 2004 -Ken Barrett is sentenced to life for the murder of Mr Finucane after pleading guilty.
2005The Inquiries Act is passed, enabling an inquiry to be called but under close ministerial control. The Finucanes and others express opposition to the use of such legislation.
May 2006Ken Barrett freed from prison under the early prisoner release scheme flowing from the Belfast Agreement.
April 2008The Northern Ireland Office tells the Finucane family the preparations for an inquiry stopped months previously because of its opposition.