Call for statement over Derry killing

Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness has called on the 32 County Sovereignty Committee to make a statement on the shooting dead of a man on the outskirts of Derry on Wednesday.

The body of Ciaran Doherty, from the Brandywell area in the city, was discovered on Braehead Road, near the border late last night. It is understood he had links to dissident republicanism in Derry.

Mr McGuinness said the murder was a “dirty deed” and urged the community to cooperate with the PSNI police.

In November 2009, Mr Doherty gave an interview in which he said he had been approached by MI5 while trying to set up a cigarette manufacturing company.

He said he was repeatedly turned down for a licence to manufacture cigarettes and was then approached by an MI5 agent who wanted him to work as a spy within the ‘Real IRA’.

“I think the whole thing is a set up in order to try and recruit informers,” he said.

Last month, Mr Doherty was closely linked to a stash of 500,000 euros worth of cannabis uncovered growing in a house in County Donegal.

The drugs factory was controversially found in a rental property owned by prominent ‘Real IRA’ member Seamus McGreevy, who was facing extradition by the Lithuanian authorities regarding an attempt to import arms.

Mr McGreevy was said to have become “stressed and under serious pressure” since the drugs were uncovered and is understood to have committed suicide as a result.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Doherty’s family, Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Martina Anderson requested that the family be allowed to grieve in private.

“Kieran’s partner Mairead and his family are traumatised and in deep shock at the sudden and brutal death of Kieran.

“They wish to be left to plan his return and burial in private and in support of each other,” the Assembly member added.

Martin McGuinness blasted the ‘Real IRA’, who he said was responsible.

“I am outraged and disgusted at the murder of Ciaran Doherty,’ said the senior Sinn Fein representative.

“There is a widespread belief in Derry city that he was killed by the self-proclaimed Real IRA and I am calling on the 32 County Sovereignty Movement to give us an explanation why another young Derry man has been murdered.

He added: “I think those people who were responsible for last night’s dirty deed need to come forward and give an explanation to the citizens as to why they are continuing with these stupid and futile acts.”

In a brief statement late tonight, the ‘Real IRA’ said that they “executed” Mr Doherty as they said he had become involved with a criminal organisation linked to the drugs trade.

The statement added that “he knew the risks involved”.

Urgent Appeal