A delegation of Northern Ireland politicians pressing for an immediate public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane has held talks in Downing Street.

On Monday Tony Blair met the campaigners calling for a further investigation on the lawyer's death.

Finucane was shot dead in front of his family in 1989 by members of the Ulster Defence Association.

A report by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory concluded that his death warranted a public inquiry.

However, it has been delayed until criminal proceedings have been completed against a man currently awaiting trial.

Inquiries will commence into the murders of Rosemary Nelson, LVF leader Billy Wright and Catholic Robert Hamill.

"There can be no ducking and diving over Cory," said Delores Kelly, an SDLP MLA and member of the delegation ahead of the meeting.

"Tony Blair has a clear and certain commitment to a Finucane inquiry.  It must be honoured and honoured now.  The SDLP shall confront Tony Blair and tell government that an inquiry is not negotiable."

Commission

A forthcoming commission should not be used as a means of bypassing the inquiry, she added.

"The best way to convey that this will not happen is for Tony Blair to announce a Finucane inquiry now," Kelly said.

"Nothing less will satisfy. Nothing less will do."

Another member of the delegation, Belfast assembly member Alex Atwood, said he would also be pressing for the three existing inquiries to fulfil certain requirements, such as the power to call witnesses.

"These requirements are essential to build the confidence that forthcoming inquiries have the means and method to get to the truth and go after all documents and persons who can tell the truth," he said.