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05/04/2006
Former Sinn Fein official shot dead
Former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson has been found shot dead in Donegal.
It is understood that Gardai discovered his body close to his run-down home, near the village of Glenties at around 5pm yesterday evening.
Mr Donaldson was expelled from Sinn Fein in 2005 after he admitted to being a paid British Agent, gathering intelligence for around 25-years.
Irish police have sealed off the scene of the murder and forensic experts are due to arrive later today to carry out a detailed examination of the area. A special incident room has been set up at the local station where the investigation is to be co-ordinated from.
A state pathologist is also expected to attend the scene.
Mr Donaldson's death came just two days before Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern are due to arrive in Northern Ireland to unveil their blueprint for restoring the Stormont executive.
A spokesman from Downing Street today said that The Prime Minister has "strongly condemned" the murder, while Irish Premier, Bertie Ahern described the death as a "brutal murder."
Yesterday, the IRA issued a statement saying that it had "no involvement whatsoever" in the shooting in County Donegal.
Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams has condemned the murder of the expelled party member.
Mr Adams said: "I want to condemn without reservation the murder of Denis Donaldson. I also want to extend condolences and sympathy to the Donaldson family. I want to disassociate Sinn Fein and all republicans who support the peace process from this killing."
Mr Adams continued: "I have an entirely open mind as to who was responsible for this murder. Denis Donaldson worked for the Special Branch who ruthlessly used him to collapse a democratically elected government. Last year they were about to publicly expose him in a further effort to destabilize the process. It is likely that his death at this time is intended to undermine current efforts to make political progress."
The Sinn Fein leader concluded by saying that those who carried out this murder are clearly opposed to the peace process.
Commenting on the shooting, DUP leader Ian Paisley said that if Mr Donaldson was murdered because of his connection with the IRA/Sinn Fein, and because of the past happenings, then it would be a setback for the political process.
(EF/SP)
It is understood that Gardai discovered his body close to his run-down home, near the village of Glenties at around 5pm yesterday evening.
Mr Donaldson was expelled from Sinn Fein in 2005 after he admitted to being a paid British Agent, gathering intelligence for around 25-years.
Irish police have sealed off the scene of the murder and forensic experts are due to arrive later today to carry out a detailed examination of the area. A special incident room has been set up at the local station where the investigation is to be co-ordinated from.
A state pathologist is also expected to attend the scene.
Mr Donaldson's death came just two days before Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern are due to arrive in Northern Ireland to unveil their blueprint for restoring the Stormont executive.
A spokesman from Downing Street today said that The Prime Minister has "strongly condemned" the murder, while Irish Premier, Bertie Ahern described the death as a "brutal murder."
Yesterday, the IRA issued a statement saying that it had "no involvement whatsoever" in the shooting in County Donegal.
Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams has condemned the murder of the expelled party member.
Mr Adams said: "I want to condemn without reservation the murder of Denis Donaldson. I also want to extend condolences and sympathy to the Donaldson family. I want to disassociate Sinn Fein and all republicans who support the peace process from this killing."
Mr Adams continued: "I have an entirely open mind as to who was responsible for this murder. Denis Donaldson worked for the Special Branch who ruthlessly used him to collapse a democratically elected government. Last year they were about to publicly expose him in a further effort to destabilize the process. It is likely that his death at this time is intended to undermine current efforts to make political progress."
The Sinn Fein leader concluded by saying that those who carried out this murder are clearly opposed to the peace process.
Commenting on the shooting, DUP leader Ian Paisley said that if Mr Donaldson was murdered because of his connection with the IRA/Sinn Fein, and because of the past happenings, then it would be a setback for the political process.
(EF/SP)
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