Shot spy: I will find gunman myself

Jun 19 2011 by Andy Hughes, Sunday Sun

IT was the day which brought the horrors of Northern Ireland’s conflict to our doorstep.

Twelve years ago today former IRA spy Martin McGartland was on a life support machine after being shot six times outside his Tyneside safehouse.

The shooting came eight years after he was exposed as an informer for the British Secret Service.

Despite a number of people being arrested and questioned in connection with the horrific crime, no one has ever been charged with the attempted murder.

Mr McGartland insists it was carried out by IRA hitmen.

And today the ex-spy, who’s been in hiding since the attempted killing, vowed to overcome his frustration at the slow wheels of justice by taking matters into his own hands.

He says he will take it upon himself to find the man who shot him.

His vow comes as he claims that police have given up on the case - a suggestion that Northumbria Police detectives hotly deny.

Speaking from his secret hideout in Europe, the 41-year-old said: “The police don’t even seem interested in investigating this case.

“They’re too scared. It’s too political for them to get involved. The whole case stinks.”

And in a remarkable turn of events, Mr McGartland vowed: “I can honestly say that if they won’t do anything to catch the people responsible then I will.

“I’m now going to try to find all the witnesses and interview them myself.”

He added that he was going to use social media networks to help him in his quest.

“I’d also like to trace the people who were arrested and talk to them as well,” he said.

“I’d welcome any of these people to contact me on Facebook.”