The Rosemary Nelson Inquiry has promised to resist any attempt by either the British government or an organisation or special interest group to "take over or improperly influence" the investigation team.
Speaking at the opening hearing of the inquiry in Craigavon yesterday, its chairman Sir Michael Morland, said: "We will not allow the inquiry to become a political tool."
The inquiry was established in November 2004 in line with a recommendation from retired Canadian judge Peter Cory, who previously investigated allegations of state collusion in the murder of Ms Nelson.
The 40-year-old solicitor, who had represented the Garvaghy Road residents in the Drumcree dispute, died when a booby-trap bomb exploded under her car outside her Lurgan home in March 1999. The murder was claimed by the Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used by the LVF.
However, Judge Cory said the manner in which the Northern Ireland Office and British security agencies handled the issuing of death threats against Ms Nelson and the subsequent murder investigation "may be seen as part of a cumulative pattern of conduct which could be found to be collusive." Sir Michael, a retired judge of the High Court of England, said: "We wish to make it quite clear that we will treat the Northern Ireland Office in exactly the same way as we will treat the other organisations referred to in our terms of reference."
As well as emphasising its independence, the inquiry said hearings would be conducted mainly in public, starting next spring.
A firm of solicitors is to be employed to take evidence from the expected 100-plus witnesses. Some evidence could have to be given in private, but this would be "the exception and not the rule", the chairman said.
The family of Ms Nelson attended the opening hearing, along with representatives of other interested parties. Among the less than 30 people in the public gallery were SDLP leader Mark Durkan and Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly.
The chairman said the murder of Ms Nelson "was, first and foremost, a terrible and bitter loss for her family". It also caused much emotion and debate because it occurred at the start of the peace process in the North, and because of her profession.
"The presence of fearless and independent lawyers ready to defend their clients, whatever the nature of the allegations made against them, is an essential underpinning of the administration of justice," he said. Setting out its plan of action, the inquiry said it would recruit a small team of former police officers from outside the province to help it assess the RUC murder investigation.
It is envisaged that the leader of this team would submit a report to the inquiry and give evidence at full hearings.
While he did not explicitly call for witnesses to be given an amnesty from prosecution, the chairman said: "We believe that the inquiry's chances of getting to the truth, and of obtaining the fullest co-operation from those who could assist us in our work, would be enhanced were there to be in place undertakings or assurances in relation to future criminal and disciplinary proceedings from the attorney general and the relevant heads of departments or organisations respectively."
Some 28 issues have been provisionally listed for examination by the inquiry, including: "How far, if at all, was Rosemary Nelson's death facilitated by acts or omissions of the RUC, NIO, army or other state agencies" and "whether such acts or omissions were intentional or negligent".
The inquiry (www.rosemarynelsoninquiry.org) said it would consider further ideas or views if submitted before next Tuesday, April 26th.
Speaking after the hearing, Barra McGrory, solicitor for Ms Nelson's husband Paul, said her immediate family welcomed the start of the inquiry, adding they hoped it would succeed in its stated intent to get to the truth of the matter.
Euanan Magee, a brother of Ms Nelson, said he was "cautiously hopeful" about the inquiry, especially now that people "have to prove some sort of a basis for anonymity".
"We see that as a positive development," he said. "One of our main concerns was that people might apply [ for anonymity] and it might be given out willingly."
Mr Magee said he wished to reiterate his support for the family of Pat Finucane "who are still waiting and don't seem to have any movement at all whatsoever" on a statutory inquiry into the murder of the Belfast solicitor.