Drinks Query Revives Cheney Row

Vice-President Dick Cheney faced fresh questions yesterday about the shooting of his hunting companion on a Texas ranch, with the release of conflicting witness statements about whether alcohol had been consumed.

The statements released by the local sheriff’s office broadly confirm the circumstances under which Mr. Cheney, wheeling about to shoot a covey of quail on February 11, sprayed Texas lawyer Harry Whittington with birdshot, wounding him in the face, chest and torso.

But statements from Mr. Cheney’s host and other companions gave conflicting accounts about whether alcohol had been consumed amid accusations that the hunters had broken Texas laws on drinking and hunting.

The ranch owner, Katharine Armstrong, said: "To the best of my knowledge there was no alcohol involved." Her sister, Sarita Armstrong Nixon, said she was unaware the hunting party had had any alcohol.

Pamela Willeford, the US ambassador to Switzerland, who was directly beside Mr. Cheney when Mr. Whittington was shot, said she had a glass of wine at lunch, but no alcohol was consumed in the field.

Mr. Cheney said he had had a beer at lunch. Mr. Whittington has yet to file his account. The statements were submitted to the sheriff’s office on February 15.