The Daily Star Ireland
The policing oversight agency Fiosrú has initiated legal proceedings against An Garda Síochána, alleging the force failed to comply with a formal request for information in the investigation into the 2006 murder of Denis Donaldson. The case relates to a long-running inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killing of the former British agent in County Donegal, nearly two decades ago.
Fiosrú, the independent body that succeeded the Garda Síochána Ombudsman’s Commission (GSOC), has informed the Donaldson family that it is seeking a court order for disclosure. The Dublin Circuit Civil Court case is in its early stages, and neither Fiosrú nor An Garda Síochána have issued public statements, citing policies on non-comment regarding ongoing oversight or legal matters.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Concerns
Denis Donaldson, a former senior Sinn Féin official and confirmed British agent, was murdered in April 2006 at a remote family property near Glenties, County Donegal. The killing occurred shortly after media exposure of his presence at the cottage and followed the collapse of a high-profile case in 2005 that revealed his role in a republican spy-ring had been an intelligence operation.
According to solicitor Enda McGarrity, who represents the Donaldson family, Fiosrú’s current investigation has been active for approximately three years. He expressed the family’s concern over what they perceive as a failure by An Garda Síochána to engage fully with the investigation. The legal action, he stated, reflects broader doubts about the effectiveness of the state’s response to the case.
Jane Donaldson, the daughter of the murdered man, had previously lodged a formal complaint with GSOC. Her complaint raised concerns over the Gardaí’s handling of information relating to a potential threat against her father. She stated that the PSNI had informed Irish authorities of a heightened risk following a media visit to Donaldson, yet no substantial protective actions were taken.
The family has maintained an open position regarding the identity of those responsible. Although dissident republicans have claimed responsibility for the murder, the family has called for a comprehensive examination of all possibilities. They have also requested the return of Donaldson’s personal journal, which they believe could offer critical insight into the events preceding the murder. Gardaí have reportedly refused to return the journal, despite earlier assurances that it would be made available.
Legal and Political Developments Surrounding the Case
The case continues to draw attention in both political and legal circles. Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently indicated a willingness to meet the Donaldson family to discuss their ongoing concerns. Meanwhile, the family is advocating for the establishment of a state commission of investigation, with powers to conduct hearings both in public and in private. They argue that such a mechanism is the most appropriate way to establish a clear and authoritative account of the events leading to the murder.
An inquest into Donaldson’s death has been postponed 27 times due to the ongoing murder investigation by Gardaí. Complicating matters further, the family is pursuing a separate civil action based on findings from the Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland. That report concluded the PSNI did not conduct a timely risk reassessment after Donaldson’s identity was confirmed and he was approached by members of the media.
In an additional legal episode linked to the case, former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams successfully sued the BBC over a documentary which alleged he had sanctioned the killing. Adams denied the allegation and was awarded damages following a court ruling in his favor.
The evolving legal dispute between Fiosrú and An Garda Síochána may determine the future direction of the investigation and has added a new layer of scrutiny to a case that has long raised questions about state accountability, intelligence operations, and the protection of individuals exposed in high-risk political contexts.
