The father of Billy Wright, who was shot dead in the Maze prison almost five years ago, has accused the British government of trying to undermine the independence of the inquiry into his death.
Mr David Wright made the claim after a meeting with the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, earlier today.
He said he was unhappy that five British government officials had been appointed to work on the inquiry being chaired by retired Canadian judge, Mr Justice Cory.
During today's talks in Belfast Mr Wright was told three Northern Ireland Office staff and two officials from the Lord Chancellor's department were providing assistance.
"The judge has to get rid of these five and make clear water between himself and the NIO," he insisted.
Dr Reid said the British government "unreservedly condemned" the killing, adding that it was committed to co-operating fully with the investigation.
"Mr Justice Cory is an eminent and highly experienced lawyer and judge and should he propose a public inquiry into any of these cases we will implement that recommendation," he said.
Mr Justice Cory is heading the inquiry into the LVF leader’s murder by the INLA, as well as a number of other controversial killings.
It is understood he will first scrutinise the death of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane, who was shot dead by the UDA in February 1989.
He is also to investigate the deaths of Lord Justice Maurice and Lady Cecily Gibson, who were killed by the IRA in April 1987, and Rosemary Nelson, who was killed by loyalists in March 1999.
The murders of two senior RUC officers, Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan, who were allegedly set up for an IRA ambush by a renegade police officer in the Republic, will also be examined.
Additional reporting: PA