Gerry Adams' defamation action against BBC set to go ahead later this month

Former Sinn Féin leader claims the BBC falsely alleged he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson, who worked as a spy for the British

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is taking a case against against the BBC over a 'Spotlight' programme in 2016.

An action by former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams against the BBC over a Spotlight TV programme is set go ahead before the High Court at the end of this month.

The case may take up to three weeks to hear, the court heard on Thursday.

Mr Adams, 76,  claims the BBC falsely alleged he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson, who worked for decades as a spy for the British, in Glenties, Co Donegal, in 2006.

The case arises out of a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme in which Mr Adams claims the allegation was made and in an article on the BBC webpage.

The BBC denies defamation and claims the programme and publication were put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest. The BBC says the programme constituted responsible journalism that was the result of careful investigation.

The case had already been scheduled to start on April 29, and when it was mentioned at the jury cases callover on Thursday, Eoin McCullough SC, for the BBC, said it might take three weeks to hear.

Counsel also said video facilities would be required for the courtroom for both video link evidence from witnesses and for the playing of the programme in question.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens said counsel should take that matter up with the Courts Service.

The judge said it would be the first case in the list on April 29 and he asked that the court be supplied with a copy of the pleadings.

Declan Doyle SC, for Mr Adams, said he would arrange for that.