Questions continue for MI5 in Derry killing

The family of Derry man Kieran Doherty have called on the PSNI to reveal any information they have on MI5’s involvement with him prior to his death in February last year.

Doherty, a senior figure in the ‘Real IRA’, complained of weeks of harrassment by British military intelligence before he was found dead near the border with Donegal.

His killing was subsequently claimed by the Real IRA, who said he had been executed for his involvement in illegal drugs. Mr Doherty’s family has strongly denied claims he was behind a cannabis growing operation in Donegal, the ostensible reason he was killed.

His family said that MI5 had tried to recruit his nephew as an informer and as part of that process would at least have information that would help reveal the truth behind his death.

Alex ‘Lord’ Carlile, a British government adviser on its intelligence agencies, said he had investigated the family’s allegations of MI5 involvement. In delivering his verdict this week, he insisted that MI5 had no connection with his killing. However, he admitted he could not reveal information which could undermine the security of the British state.

In a letter to the local SDLP MP, Mark Durkan, Carlile claimed that “no inappropriate or improper action took place”. He also insisted the PSNI had “been able to carry out a full and unimpeded murder inquiry.”

Vincent Coyle, an uncle of the 31-year-old, called for MI5’s file to be made available to an investigation. He said that while he had respect for Carlile, he believed his hands were tied and that he could not fully get to the truth.

Urgent Appeal