A man accused of being a member of an IRA gang which launched three mortar-bomb attacks on Heathrow Airport told a court yesterday that he condemned the use of political violence.
Mr Michael Gallagher (55), who was born in Glasgow to Irish parents, said that he always considered himself Irish and dreamt of a united Ireland. He told the jury at Woolwich Crown Court: "I don't agree with the use of violence for political ends in Northern Ireland, from whatever source it comes."
Defence counsel Mr Ken MacDonald asked him: "Do you consider yourself a republican?" He replied: "Yes. I'm in favour of the reunification of Ireland, but I don't agree with the IRA's methods. I don't agree with the use of violence for political ends, from whatever source it comes in Northern Ireland." Asked if he had ever "assisted the IRA in doing anything", he replied: "Absolutely not."
Mr Gallagher, who had an address at Warwick Road, Earls Court, London, was kept under surveillance by antiterrorist officers for 21/2 years after he was seen returning a set of keys to a lock-up in Elmcroft Mews, Hampstead, which the IRA allegedly used as a bomb-making factory. The prosecution claims that he was stationed in England "ready and willing to do the IRA's bidding" in assisting bombing missions. He denies contributing to acts of terrorism and conspiracy to cause explosions.
The trial continues.