Worker finds bugging device says Sinn Fein

A BUGGING device has been found at the home of one of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams’ staff, it was claimed yesterday.

Republicans immediately blamed British agents who were out to ruin the Northern Ireland peace process.

The listening equipment was said to be found in the loft area of the woman’s house in west Belfast.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Michael Ferguson said: “There must be 10 different parts to this. I have never seen anything as elaborate before.

“It was through the whole roof space of this woman’s home and was clearly put there by one of the intelligence gathering organisations.

“So, 10 years after the anniversary of the IRA ceasefire why are these people still doing this? They are clearly not committed to any peace process.”

Workmen discovered the device after being called out by the woman, who carries out voluntary work at Mr Adams’ offices.

The West Belfast MP, who was in Westminster ahead of a critical new bid later this month to restore the Stormont power-sharing administration, would be raising the issue with the Government, Sinn Fein said.

“Gerry will be asking for an explanation,” Mr Ferguson said.

“That’s without even dealing with the whole privacy matter for this woman.

“Her home and privacy have been invaded.

“This just shows the extent to which these people will go.

“They have clearly got an agenda of their own and are not accountable to anyone.”

The Northern Ireland Office refused to comment in response to Sinn Fein’s allegations.