CORONER DR Denis McCauley yesterday warned that he must see progress in the Garda inquiry into the murder of republican double agent Denis Donaldson within six months.
He agreed to further adjourn the inquest. But he would not go as far as gardaí sought – a minimum of nine months.
Dr McCauley said as it was the fourth occasion on which the Donaldson inquest was being adjourned he would expect an indication as to whether a prosecution is pending or if there was serious progress in investigations.
Donaldson was murdered in his remote home at Classey, Cloghercor, near Doochary, Glenties, Co Donegal, on April 4th, 2006.
At the inquest in Letterkenny Supt Michael Finan said he would be requesting an adjournment and that continuing investigations had uncovered several important matters.
He was asked by the coroner: “You are acting with vigour?” Supt Finan replied: “Very much so.” The coroner then said: “I would adjourn for six months, but at six months I would need an update. You would have to give me a very good reason as to why you will not go forward at that stage.”
Yesterday’s inquest was adjourned until August 26th.