Taoiseach 'never doubted integrity of James Kelly'

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has issued a statement saying he never doubted the integrity of Capt James Kelly, a key figure in the 1970 arms trial.

Mr Kelly died from cancer yesterday at the age of 74.

He was acquitted of any wrongdoing during the arms trial after arguing that he was acting on orders when he obtained a consignment of guns from Germany.

Mr Ahern said last night that, as far as he was concerned, Capt Kelly was acting on what he believed to be the proper orders of his superiors.

The Taoiseach said Capt Kelly was an innocent man in the eyes of the State.