BBC journalist says she 'wasn’t going to any Tom, Dick or Harry' to check allegations against Gerry Adams

Jennifer O’Leary denied she set about finding 'yes men' to corroborate a claim the former Sinn Féin leader sanctioned the killing of a British agent

Jennifer O’Leary said the allegation against Gerry Adams was checked in good faith, and in the public interest. Picture: Collins Courts

A BBC journalist behind a programme at the centre of Gerry Adams’ defamation action against the broadcaster has rejected a suggestion she set about finding “yes men” to corroborate a claim the former Sinn Féin leader sanctioned the killing of a British agent.

Jennifer O’Leary previously told the High Court the allegation — made to the BBC Spotlight programme by an anonymous contributor dubbed Martin — was corroborated by five different sources.