Ex-IRA bomber 'accepts collective responsibility' for Birmingham bomb
An ex-IRA man has said he accepts 'collective responsibility' for the Birmingham Pub bombings.
Michael Christopher Hayes, 69, says he was in Birmingham on the night of the 1974 attacks but refused to confirm he was involved.
Mr Hayes who now lives in south Dublin, made the comments while speaking to the BBC.
He apologised to the families of the victims and claims he defused a third bomb on the night.
The former IRA man, who lives in south Dublin, said two men planted the bombs, but he refused to name them or say if he was one of them.
"No comment,'' he said when asked.
Mr Hayes said: "I was a participant in the IRA's activities in Birmingham.''
He added: "I take full collective responsibility for all operations carried out in the West Midlands.
"I take collective responsibility for every IRA operation carried out in England, let alone Birmingham."
The bombs killed 21 people and injured 182 others when they exploded in the Tavern in the Town on November 21 1974.
It also tore through the nearby Mulberry Bush pub.
An inaccurate police investigation afterwards led to the wrongful imprisonment of the Birmingham Six, which became known as one of the most infamous miscarriages of justice in British legal history.
No-one else has been convicted of the attacks.
Asked what his message to the victims was, Mr Hayes said: "My apologies and my heartfelt sympathy to all of you for a terrible tragic loss that you have been put through.
"And for all these years they have been trying to find closure I hope at last God will be merciful and bring you closure.
"And I apologise not only for myself but I apologise for all active republicans who had no intention of hurting anybody and sympathise with you.''
Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was killed, dismissed the apology.
"An apology? Please, don't insult us,'' she told the BBC.