Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
16 November 2012
Criticism Over Delay In Bloody Sunday Arrests
The PSNI faces criticism over its failure to arrest or interview soldiers involved in Bloody Sunday.
Criticism Over Delay In Bloody Sunday Arrests
The PSNI faces criticism over its failure to arrest or interview soldiers involved in Bloody Sunday.
30 September 2011
McGuinness Expresses 'RUC Sympathy'
Irish Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness has this week extended sympathy to British soldiers and RUC officers who died during the Troubles, amidst fresh attacks about his IRA past.
McGuinness Expresses 'RUC Sympathy'
Irish Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness has this week extended sympathy to British soldiers and RUC officers who died during the Troubles, amidst fresh attacks about his IRA past.
05 November 2003
McGuinness declines to disclose further details to Saville Inquiry
Sinn Féin MP, Martin McGuinness has again refused to reveal the whereabouts of an IRA safe house and an arms dump at the time of Bloody Sunday.
McGuinness declines to disclose further details to Saville Inquiry
Sinn Féin MP, Martin McGuinness has again refused to reveal the whereabouts of an IRA safe house and an arms dump at the time of Bloody Sunday.
27 November 2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
