Murphy 'must respond to bugging'

Martin McGuinness wants a full explanation from Paul Murphy

The Secretary of State, Paul Murphy, must respond to the discovery of a bugging device at a Sinn Fein member's home, the party has said.

Martin McGuinness said Mr Murphy authorised the operation at the home of a woman who works in the constituency office of Gerry Adams.

Mr McGuinness said the prime minister must take action following the discovery of the device.

"I expect a full statement from Paul Murphy," he said.

"I expect him to make it absolutely clear what his role in all of this is.

"Whilst I believe Tony Blair did not authorise this operation, I think there is a huge responsibility on Tony Blair to bring the securocrats at the NIO under control."

Party sources said the bug was found by workmen in a flat in Andersonstown.

The listening device, found in the living room ceiling, consists of a number of battery packs, along with a microphone and transmitter.

The device was found in the living room ceiling

In a statement Sinn Fein said the device was being used as part of a British spying and intelligence gathering operation.

Mr Adams said he would raise the incident with the government.

The Northern Ireland Office refused to comment in response to the allegations.

The party has been at the centre of bugging allegations a number of times before.

Mr Adams said in December 1999 that one was planted in a car used to transport himself and chief negotiator Martin McGuinness during the Mitchell Review.

In April 2003, the Times newspaper published what were said to be transcripts of secretly recorded telephone conversations between Mr McGuinness and senior government officials.

The latest discovery came as the parties were finalising their positions for intensive political talks at Leeds Castle in Kent later this month.

Mr McGuinness said he believes it is absolutely essential that a deal to restore devolution is agreed in the coming weeks.

He also said he was pleased DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson had travelled to Dublin to address business people.