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IRA-Linked Trio May Serve Time in Ireland
DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - The three IRA-linked fugitives who fled convictions in Colombia might be required to serve their 17-year prison terms in Ireland, the country's deputy prime minister said Tuesday. Mary Harney, a stern critic of the outlawed Irish Republican Army who is also Ireland's acting justice minister, said her legal officials were already charting the best path for ensuring that the men don't escape punishment.Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and Jim Monaghan were convicted of training the South American country's largest rebel group. They disappeared from Colombia eight months ago and resurfaced last week in Ireland, which has no extradition treaty with the war-torn South American nation. Harney said a government bill, if passed, could allow the trio to serve their Colombian-imposed sentence in Ireland. Sinn Fein, the IRA-linked party, has welcomed the men's return and called on the government to leave them alone. "It is important that the three persons involved, and those who have expressed exultation at their return to this country, should not underestimate the government's determination to explore all the options open to it to ensure that Ireland continues to play its full part in the fight against international terrorism," Harney said. Her announcement followed demands from Colombia for them to be extradited or to serve their full prison terms in Ireland. Posted by: Steve White 2005-08-11 |
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