that murders have to be approved by the leadership". When he was asked specifically who he was referring to, he went on: "Gerry Adams, he gives the final say." 'Martin' also dismissed claims the Real IRA was responsible for Donaldson's killing, saying they made the claim "for the kudos, a forlorn hope that someone might take them more seriously these days". On 23 September the solicitor of the Donaldson family after speaking with senior members of the Gardaí said that the allegation was "absolute nonsense" and also that "It does not marry in any way with the lines of inquiry that have been progressed by the Garda or by the police ombudsman." Adams's solicitor also denied his client had any knowledge or involvement in the killing. A Real IRA army council member also denied the claim, he said "Let me be clear about this. A claim of responsibility was made by (the Real IRA) in 2009 and it was correct. Gerry Adams had absolutely nothing to do with the execution of British agent Denis Donaldson. The Provisional IRA wasn't involved in any shape or form. I don't know why allegations that the Provos did it are now being made but they are totally untrue." In 2019, the police announced they would be charging a man with the murder of Donaldson, but did not release the name. References External links Denis Donaldson: Profile, The Irish Times, 17 December 2005 (subscription required) The spy at the heart of the IRA, The Sunday Times, 18 December 2005 Irish Republican News 20 December 2005 (subscription required) Sinn Féin British agent shot dead – BBC News reports on his death Statement by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on circumstances of death Dan Keenan, "Real IRA claims responsibility for 2006 murder of Denis Donaldson", The Irish Times, Monday, 13 April 2009. 1950 births 2006 deaths Assassinated spies British spies Deaths by firearm in the Republic of Ireland Irish republicans Irish spies during The Troubles (Northern Ireland) Politicians from Belfast Provisional Irish Republican Army members Republicans imprisoned during the Northern Ireland conflict Sinn Féin parliamentary candidates Date of birth missing Assassinated Irish politicians Burials at Belfast City Cemetery 2006 murders in the Republic of Ireland