McGuinness accuses Murphy of authorising bug
Sinn Fein is claiming Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy “authorised” a spy operation at the West Belfast home of one of Gerry Adams’ staff.
Sinn Fein MP for Mid Ulster, Martin McGuinness, said the “sophisticated” bugging device found on Monday represented “a serious breach of faith” by the Blair government.
The party claimed that the bugging device was found by workmen in a flat in Andersonstown, in the living room ceiling.
Sin Fein’s chief negotiator alleged that the initiative was authorised by staff at the Northern Ireland Office.
Mr McGuinness said the apparent intelligence gathering operation was a “very serious issue” and raised serious questions about the “negative role” played by “securocrats” in the British government.
He called on the Prime Minister to remove those “hostile” to the peace process.
Sinn Fein has demanded a statement from Mr Murphy.
Sinn Fein president Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness meet the Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, on Wednesday morning.
