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07/04/2006
Donaldson family do not believe IRA behind murder
The family of ex-Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, have released a statement claiming that they do not believe that the IRA were behind his murder.
The former British agent was shot dead on Tuesday close to his remote cottage in the Glenties Village in Donegal.
The 56-year-old moved to the Republic after being expelled by Sinn Fein on admitting that he had been a paid British spy for over 20-years.
A statement released by Madden and Finucane Solicitors on behalf of Mr Donaldson's family, said: ”Denis was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather and a good brother. The events of recent months have been very difficult for our family.
"In December, Denis left his home in Belfast and moved to Donegal where it was his desire that he be left alone to rebuild his life. Unfortunately, he continued to be pursued by sections of the media, some of whom gave details about his whereabouts.
"On Tuesday 4th April, Denis was murdered. We do not know by whom. But the difficult situation, which our family has been put in, is the direct result of the activities of the Special Branch and British Intelligence agencies.
"We acknowledge the speedy statement from the IRA disassociating themselves from this murder. We believe that statement to be true.
"We would ask those politicians and media commentators who have sought to use this tragedy to score cheap political points to stop doing so."
Mr Donaldson's family said that his body would be returned to Belfast to be with his family for one last time before he is buried.
The family said that the funeral will be private and asked the media to respect their privacy.
(EF/SP)
The former British agent was shot dead on Tuesday close to his remote cottage in the Glenties Village in Donegal.
The 56-year-old moved to the Republic after being expelled by Sinn Fein on admitting that he had been a paid British spy for over 20-years.
A statement released by Madden and Finucane Solicitors on behalf of Mr Donaldson's family, said: ”Denis was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather and a good brother. The events of recent months have been very difficult for our family.
"In December, Denis left his home in Belfast and moved to Donegal where it was his desire that he be left alone to rebuild his life. Unfortunately, he continued to be pursued by sections of the media, some of whom gave details about his whereabouts.
"On Tuesday 4th April, Denis was murdered. We do not know by whom. But the difficult situation, which our family has been put in, is the direct result of the activities of the Special Branch and British Intelligence agencies.
"We acknowledge the speedy statement from the IRA disassociating themselves from this murder. We believe that statement to be true.
"We would ask those politicians and media commentators who have sought to use this tragedy to score cheap political points to stop doing so."
Mr Donaldson's family said that his body would be returned to Belfast to be with his family for one last time before he is buried.
The family said that the funeral will be private and asked the media to respect their privacy.
(EF/SP)
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