Doherty family meet with MI5 reviewer

The family of Derry murder victim Kieran Doherty say they are happy with the outcome of their meeting with the British government security advisor, which took place at the spot where Doherty was killed.

‘Lord’ Alex Carlile was described by British officials as ‘the independent reviewer of the security services’.

He listened to the family’s concerns that British military intelligence (MI5) played a role in the events surrounding the murder of the republican in Derry last February.

Doherty was shot dead in a brutal killing claimed by the Real IRA. A statement said he had been killed for his involvement in the drugs trade. Doherty’s family has rejected the allegations.

His uncle, Vinnie Coyle, took part in the meeting with Carlile this [Monday] afternoon. He did not disclose what was said, but said that the family was “happy” with the talks and dismissed concerns that the meeting was a British propoganda stunt.

“We had a very full and frank discussion with Lord Carlile, he took all of our points on board,” he said.

“It is amazingly symbolic that the meeting took place at the scene of his murder.

“I do believe that the family are happy, The only problem we have is that he wouldn’t have the same powers as a police Ombudsman.”

Doherty had told the Derry Journal that MI5 had tried to recruit him as an informer just weeks before he was murdered.

“The Doherty family are absolutely convinced he was harassed for some four months before his murder,” Mr Coyle added. “After he was killed it raised a huge amount of questions.”

The family said they view the meeting as a the first step towards their goal of setting up a Police Ombudsman’s investigation into the alleged role played by MI5 surrounding the killing.

Urgent Appeal