Donaldson family statement

07 April 2006

PRESS STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE DONALDSON FAMILY

"Denis was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather and a good brother. The events of recent months have been very difficult for our family.

"In December, Denis left his home in Belfast and moved to Donegal where it was his desire that he be left alone to rebuild his life. Unfortunately, he continued to be pursued by sections of the media, some of whom gave details about his whereabouts.

"On Tuesday 4th April, Denis was murdered. We do not know by whom. But the difficult situation which our family has been put in is the direct result of the activities of the Special Branch and British Intelligence agencies.

"We acknowledge the speedy statement from the IRA disassociating themselves from this murder. We believe that statement to be true.

We would ask those politicians and media commentators who have sought to use this tragedy to score cheap political points to stop doing so.

"In the next few days, Denis will return home to Belfast to be with his family for one last time and to be buried. The funeral will be private and we would ask the media to respect our privacy at this time.

"Finally, we wish to express our deep gratitude to friends, neighbours and the wider community for the compassion, solidarity and sympathy given to our family throughout this ordeal."