Appeal made in Donaldson murder

Gardaí today said they were still "actively investigating" the death of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson in Co Donegal a year ago.

As the first anniversary of his death approaches, detectives today appealed for information on the killing in an isolated cottage at Cloghercor, Doochary, on the afternoon of April 4th last.

"As we approach the first anniversary of his death, gardaí in Glenties are renewing their appeal for any information which may assist in their efforts to solve this case," a Garda statement said.

Mr Donaldson (55) moved to Co Donegal after admitting in December 2005 that he had been a British agent for 20 years working within the republican movement.

He was last seen by gardaí in Glenties at 5pm on April 3rd, 2006, about 24 hours before he was murdered in his remote cottage. Gardaí found him dead inside his cottage after a member of the public noticed his door open and dialled 999.

He had suffered two shot gun wounds, one to the head and one that almost severed his hand from his arm. The IRA denied at the time it was involved in the murder, and this was accepted by Mr Donaldson's family.