Murder makes Armagh talks harder - Ahern

Dáil Report: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern conceded that his meeting today with British prime minister Tony Blair has been made more difficult by Denis Donaldson's murder.

However, Mr Ahern said it had been made clear that the two governments would not be deterred from efforts to bring politics centre stage in Northern Ireland.

"The prime minister, Mr Blair, and I will travel to Armagh tomorrow and get on with the talks. I have no idea whether the timing of the murder had anything to do with the events this week, or whether it is retribution for the past," he added.

"On whether it will make a difference to the events that will take place tomorrow, it certainly will make the talks more difficult. Something always happens to build up tension when talks are about to take place to try to deal with issues in Northern Ireland. We had been working hard and making some progress. This event will test our resolve and we must try to move on tomorrow." Mr Ahern said he had no idea who could have, or who would have, been involved. "Given the circumstances, many people would have had an interest in Mr Donaldson in one form or another. Whoever was responsible for this evil deed was certainly no friend of the peace process or of anyone on this island."

He added that he did not know what was on the mind of whoever was responsible. "Perhaps it was blind and bitter retribution. Whatever the reason, it was a foul murder and the investigation will have to take place. I note the murder has been condemned by the republican movement, including Sinn Féin and the IRA. It is right that they did so in an unequivocal and timely manner."

Condemning the murder as a "brutal execution", Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny assured the Taoiseach that his party would continue to offer its support to the Government in having the Belfast Agreement implemented in full.

"I do not know who carried out this murder. Someone took a decision to end Denis Donaldson's life. I note the statement from P O'Neill saying the IRA had no involvement. The IRA remains an organisation proscribed by the Government. P O'Neill said the IRA had no involvement in the murder of Det Jerry McCabe, in the Northern Bank raid or in the murder of Robert McCartney."

Mr Kenny said he hoped the Garda investigation would bring about a speedy identification, if that was possible in a professional hit such as the murder, to determine who carried it out.

"Those who have declared themselves perennially clean cannot be removed from the investigation. I do not know if those who handled the late Mr Donaldson, from MI5 to MI6 or whoever was involved, had any involvement."

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte joined in deploring "the grisly murder" and offered the Taoiseach his party's support at today's meeting.

Earlier, outlining the facts of the case, Mr Ahern said that Mr Donaldson had received extensive injuries. "His right hand was practically severed at the wrist. Two spent shotgun cartridges were found outside the house."

He added that gardaí had become aware in January of Mr Donaldon's presence in Donegal. Following the public attention he had received, gardaí visited him and advised him that, because of his circumstances, there was a perceived threat to his life.

"They offered him advice on his personal security and gave him a telephone number for Glenties Garda station in case he had any concerns. The house where he lived received passing attention from the Garda on an ongoing basis. It should be noted that Mr Donaldson did not at any time request Garda assistance or protection since that period in January."

Mr Ahern said Mr Donaldson was last sighted by gardaí in Glenties at about 5pm on Monday, which was approximately 24 hours before they received the call to his house.

He said he hoped politicians could allow the Garda carry on the investigation into the murder, obviously with the co-operation of the PSNI, while they carried on with the political activity. The only way they could ultimately stop such brutal killings was when politics took control.