Restrictions sought on Bloody Sunday testimony

The British security services have applied for special restrictions to be placed on the evidence of a former MI5 agent who is due to appear before the Bloody Sunday Tribunal in Derry.

The application, due to be heard on Monday, calls for the inquiry to be cleared during David Shayler’s evidence.

It also says that lawyers for the families of those killed and injured on Bloody Sunday should present a list of prepared questions to lawyers for the inquiry and that the security services should be allowed to vet the transcript of any evidence given by Mr Shayler.

Relatives of the 13 people shot dead by the British army on January 30, 1972, have described the application as an attempt by the British security establishment to further frustrate the workings of the Saville Inquiry.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was killed on Bloody Sunday, said: “This inquiry was set up to restore public confidence, but now they are trying to erode it once more.”

Mr Shayler has issued a statement to the Saville Inquiry concerning an IRA double-agent code-named ‘Infliction’, who claimed that Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness fired the first shot on Bloody Sunday.

Mr Shayler said a source in the British security services told him that ‘Infliction’ was a known liar.