(Irish News)

A DERRY man has claimed evidence he gave privately to the Saville Inquiry turned up in the recent book From Guns to Government about Education Minister Martin McGuinness.

Retired school teacher Willie Breslin told the inquiry he had never met or spoken to the authors of the controversial book Liam Clarke and Kathy Johnston.

His allegations have been denied by both Mr Clarke and Eversheds legal firm. Mr Breslin claimed some of the information he gave to British legal firm Eversheds, but which did not appear in his final evidence, had found its way into the book.

Eversheds, one of the largest legal firms in Britain, was hired by the Saville Inquiry to collect witness statements for the tribunal.

Mr Breslin said: "They used information which I had given to Eversheds in my statement which was - which did not appear in this (his final evidence) draft.

"A number of things that I have not really told anyone else appeared in this book, " he said.

But both Eversheds and author of From Guns to Government, Liam Clarke have denied the charge.

A spokesman for the Saville Inquiry said: "We have made inquiries with Eversheds. Eversheds have at no time released to the press, including Clarke and Johnstone, any information concerning any witnesses and that includes William Breslin."

And Mr Clarke claimed he had recorded - and maintained the recording of - his interview with Mr Breslin. He said: "Neither of us (Mr Clarke or Ms Johnstone) received any help from Eversheds in the production of the book.

"I would ask him to retract his comments."

In his evidence yesterday Mr Breslin said he was at Free Derry Corner when the shooting started.

During a lull he turned and saw Martin McGuinness. He said someone asked Mr McGuinness what was going on.

"Martin McGuinness replied to the question: 'The Provos gave a promise they would have no guns at this march and have kept their promise (or words to that effect).

"Someone then said: 'What about the cars? They could be stashed in cars'. Martin McGuinness saw me and pointed me out. He said 'Willie you come and vouch that there are no guns in my car?' I believe he pointed me out as it was known to everyone there that I was against what the Provos stood for."

Mr Breslin said Mr McGuinness took him to his car and allowed him to search it. He found nothing in the vehicle.

This article appears(ed) in the March 7, 2002 edition of the Irish News.

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