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04/11/2003
McGuinness tells Saville Inquiry of IRA past
Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness has informed the Saville Inquiry that at the time of Bloody Sunday he was the adjutant and within two weeks of the incident he was the head of the Provisional IRA in Derry.
Earlier Mr McGuinness was warned by Lord Saville that he faced accusations that he had something to hide when he refused to answer specific questions. The Inquiry was adjourned briefly to allow Mr McGuinness time to consult with his legal team and later Lord Saville reminded Mr McGuinness that he had immunity from prosecution.
Mr McGuinness had been asked about his membership of the Official IRA, when he became Commanding Officer of the Provisional IRA in Derry, and whether Sean Keenan had been explosives officer.
Lord Saville of Newdigate chairing the session said that he could not understand why Mr McGuinness would not answer the questions when he had stated that he wanted to get to the full truth.
He said the if Mr McGuinness failed to answer these questions then he would deprive the Inquiry of opportunity to discover the "full facts and matter relating to Bloody Sunday" and it would be suggested that he had something to hide.
Refuting testimony from an earlier witness, Paddy Ward, who had claimed that Mr McGuinness was the leader of the IRA in Derry on Bloody Sunday and had been responsible for organising violence on the day, Mr McGuinness described Mr Ward as a "fantasist" and an informer who had been used by the British military establishment.
The Saville Inquiry, established in 1998 by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, is expected to conclude its evidence taking phase by Christmas this year.
On Bloody Sunday, January 30, 1972, during a civil rights march in Derry 13 people were shot dead and another person fatally injured.
(SP)
Earlier Mr McGuinness was warned by Lord Saville that he faced accusations that he had something to hide when he refused to answer specific questions. The Inquiry was adjourned briefly to allow Mr McGuinness time to consult with his legal team and later Lord Saville reminded Mr McGuinness that he had immunity from prosecution.
Mr McGuinness had been asked about his membership of the Official IRA, when he became Commanding Officer of the Provisional IRA in Derry, and whether Sean Keenan had been explosives officer.
Lord Saville of Newdigate chairing the session said that he could not understand why Mr McGuinness would not answer the questions when he had stated that he wanted to get to the full truth.
He said the if Mr McGuinness failed to answer these questions then he would deprive the Inquiry of opportunity to discover the "full facts and matter relating to Bloody Sunday" and it would be suggested that he had something to hide.
Refuting testimony from an earlier witness, Paddy Ward, who had claimed that Mr McGuinness was the leader of the IRA in Derry on Bloody Sunday and had been responsible for organising violence on the day, Mr McGuinness described Mr Ward as a "fantasist" and an informer who had been used by the British military establishment.
The Saville Inquiry, established in 1998 by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, is expected to conclude its evidence taking phase by Christmas this year.
On Bloody Sunday, January 30, 1972, during a civil rights march in Derry 13 people were shot dead and another person fatally injured.
(SP)
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Bloody Sunday Inquiry to change venue for soldiers’ evidence
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry is to move to Britain temporarily to hear evidence from soldiers who refused to return to Londonderry. The Inquiry, sitting in the Guildhall in Derry, is investigating the shooting dead of 13 people at a civil rights march in the city by the British Army on 30 January 1972. A 14th man died later.
Bloody Sunday Inquiry to change venue for soldiers’ evidence
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry is to move to Britain temporarily to hear evidence from soldiers who refused to return to Londonderry. The Inquiry, sitting in the Guildhall in Derry, is investigating the shooting dead of 13 people at a civil rights march in the city by the British Army on 30 January 1972. A 14th man died later.
02 August 2001
British soldiers must return to NI to give evidence
British soldiers called to give evidence at the Bloody Sunday Tribunal must return to the province to give their evidence at the Tribunal sitting in the Guildhall in Derry.
British soldiers must return to NI to give evidence
British soldiers called to give evidence at the Bloody Sunday Tribunal must return to the province to give their evidence at the Tribunal sitting in the Guildhall in Derry.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
