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Sharp exchanges between Gerry Adams and BBC barrister

Julian O'Neill
BBC News NI crime and justice correspondent
PA Media Gerry Adams walks outside the High Court in Dublin. He has short white hair and beard. He is wearing small, orange circular glasses and his expression is neutral. He is also wearing a light blue collared shirt and a purple patterned tie. PA Media
Gerry Adams claims he was he was defamed in a 2016 BBC programme and accompanying online news article

There were some sharp exchanges between Gerry Adams and a barrister acting for the BBC on the fourth day of the former Sinn Féin leader's libel action against the broadcaster.

Mr Adams, 76, was called back to the witness seat at the High Court in Dublin on Friday afternoon, marking the start of his cross-examination.

He is seeking damages from the BBC over a 2016 Spotlight programme which, he claims, defamed him by stating that he sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

Mr Donaldson had worked for Sinn Féin and was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after itting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Barrister Paul Gallagher SC, acting for the BBC, began by citing the number of people killed during the Troubles - around 3,500.

He asked Mr Adams what proportion were murdered by the Provisional IRA.

Mr Adams replied: "I don't have the exact figure...what's this got to do with the Spotlight programme":[]}