Gerry Adams seeks to strike out some of BBC defence before defamation action begins

In a separate pre-trial motion the BBC seeks discovery from Mr Adams of materials and documents he may have regarding his alleged relationship with the IRA

Gerry Adams (pictured) is suing the BBC claiming it defamed him when he claims it falsely alleged, he sanctioned the killing of former SF official Denis Donaldson in 2006 who worked for decades as a spy for the British. File photo: Niall Carson/PA

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams wants certain aspects of the BBC's defence against his defamation action against the UK broadcaster over its reporting of the murder of Denis Donaldson struck out, the High Court has heard.

In a separate pretrial motion the BBC seeks discovery from him of materials and documents he may have regarding his alleged relationship with the IRA and comments he allegedly made in a 1987 press conference that the consequence of informing is death.