The Irish News
Seamus McKinney
The inquest into the death of self-confessed British spy Denis Donaldson has been adjourned for a further six months. Mr Donaldson (56), was shot dead at a cottage near Glenties in west Donegal on April 4 2007. Previously a prominent Sinn Fein figure, the Belfast man had been living in the remote cottage since admitting he had been working as a British agent for many years. His murder was claimed by the Real IRA in the paramilitary organisation's annual Easter message last year.
It later emerged Mr Donaldson had been shot in the face, chest, arm and hand.
At an earlier hearing of the inquest into Mr Donaldson's death, gardai were granted an adjournment to give them time to investigate new evidence.
It is believed the evidence relates to a witness who was placed in protective custody after allegedly revealing the hiding place of a sledgehammer used in the shooting.
At yesterday's hearing of the inquest in Letterkenny before coroner Denis McCauley, Garda Michael Finan asked for a further adjournment of nine months.
The garda said this was needed to investigate "other avenues" that had come to light after the discovery of earlier evidence.
A solicitor for the Donaldson family said they realised more time was needed for the investigation.
Ciaran Shiels said the family were willing to accept a further six-month adjournment but would like the case to be reviewed again at that stage.
Dr McCauley granted the adjournment but pointed out that the fourth anniversary of the murder was coming up.
He adjourned the inquest until August 26 when it will be listed for mention.
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