BBC entitled to any documents Gerry Adams may have on alleged IRA membership

The High Court in Dublin has ruled that the BBC is entitled to discover documents former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams may hold concerning his alleged IRA membership and involvement with the organisation's Army Council. Ms Justice Emily Egan rejected Mr Adams' argument that such discovery would be unduly burdensome, noting she doubted a clandestine organisation would retain formal documentation. However, the court dismissed the BBC's application for discovery of materials relating to comments Mr Adams allegedly made at a 1987 press conference regarding consequences for informers. The ruling came in Mr Adams' defamation action against the broadcaster over a 2016 Spotlight programme claiming he sanctioned the 2006 killing of Denis Donaldson near Glenties, County Donegal. Mr Adams denies the allegation. The judge also rejected his bid to strike out the BBC's defences of qualified privilege and fair publication on matters of public interest, determining these issues should proceed to jury trial.