FORMER Sun editor Kelvin McKenzie has angered families of the Hillsborough tragedy victims by insisting: "I never wrote lies".
The shock admission, made in a no-holds barred interview this week, has stunned the people of Merseyside.
The tabloid was condemned for its infamous The Truth article, written during its coverage of the Hillsborough tragedy, when it wrongly accused Liverpool fans of being directly responsible for the tragedy in which 96 people died.
Despite the paper printing a full-page editorial apology two years ago for the "most terrible mistake in its history", McKenzie has now whipped up fresh controversy with his comments.
Speaking to journalism trade magazine Press Gazette, McKenzie said: "When I published those stories, they were not lies.
"But I don't really think of it all in the way you suggest. They were great stories that later turned out to be untrue - and that is different.
"What am I supposed to feel ashamed about?"
The reaction, coming 17 years after Hillsborough, has bewildered and infuriated football fans across Merseyside.
Phil Hammond, chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, today called on McKenzie to reveal his sources for the story.
He said: "I can't believe that even after all these years, there is no remorse or regret for the hurt he caused.
"He can't hold his hands up and say 'we got it wrong.'But then, that is the man all over.
"He should tell the people of Merseyside where he got the story from and whohis sources were. We have a right to know."
The former editor has recently returned to nation's airwaves during the summer's World Cup, prompting complaints from listeners.
And the ECHO's website was inundated with furious messages from Liverpool fans upset he was back in the spotlight.
McKenzie returned to The Sun to work as a columnist from May 2006 where he has again courted controversy by making disparaging references about Scotland.
Today, The Sun is still blacklisted from many newsagents across the region.
Richard Pedder, chairman of the Liverpool FC Supporters' Club, said: If he still believes those views, there is something wrong with him.
"He is just trying to cover his back, but comments like this are just hurtful.
"The bloke is forgotten about now, he's not important."
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liv....ge.html
What a cheeky
They where good stories
Is he having a laugh, whats good about 96 people dying?Good stories? About scousers peeing and stealing from the dead and injured which was total lies, feck right off.
You lying dirty toe rag.
Why doesnt he tell us where these stories come from? And who told him to print them?
What am I supposed to feel ashamed about you say?
For printing absolute 100% lies on the front of that toilet roll thats what, no remorse for the families of the victims of Hillsborough.
"Sure, I would have preferred them to have been true"
I don't even know what to say to that.....
you absolute
. 
