Former members of the Official IRA were today refused full legal representation at the public inquiry into Bloody Sunday.
Six former members of the command staff of the OIRA, expected to give evidence to the inquiry into the deaths of 13 people in Derry in January 1972, sought representation by solicitors and barristers at the hearing.
Dismissing the application Lord Saville said he and his two fellow tribunal members "are not persuaded that justice and fairness dictate that course, at least at present". He said circumstances may change as the inquiry progressed and he was always ready to review the decision.
Applying for legal representation for the six, Mr Kevin O'Donovan said they were concerned that they will be blamed for sparking events leading to the deaths of the civil rights marchers.
Five of the six have recently supplied draft statements to the inquiry which, once signed, will lead to them being called to give evidence at the Guildhall in Derry. The sixth has already supplied a statement.
Mr O'Donovan said they wanted legal representation because there were a number of suggestions which caused them concern, particularly that they were "undertaking proactive military activity on the day of Bloody Sunday and that is contested".
They wanted lawyers to represent them at any time witnesses, military or police challenged the OIRA men's evidence as to the extent of their activity on Bloody Sunday.
Mr O'Donovan said the six were members of the Official IRA at the time of Bloody Sunday and "clearly they held certain rank".
Having come forward voluntarily to put in their evidence, they were entitled to have legal representation "to challenge those who dispute it".
PA