Trimble appoints former terrorist as Westminster researcher

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble is facing criticism following his decision to appoint convicted IRA member Sean O’Callaghan to his Westminster press office.

A party officer said that some members were “totally opposed” to the decision. “Senior party members are totally opposed to Sean O’Callaghan being hired, no matter what the reason,” the officer said. “We are appalled that the First Minister should employ a former criminal and IRA member at his private office.”

The source also said that the matter could be raised with the Ulster Unionist Council.

The appointment came to light when Mr Trimble applied for a Commons pass for the former IRA man on Sunday.

David Trimble has defended his decision saying that O’Callaghan’s insight into republican philosophy was “invaluable” and he had played a key role in assisting security forces against the IRA.

“He has a wealth of knowledge on the IRA and I am sure his insight and interpretations of what Sinn Fein says and does at Westminster will prove invaluable for many English MPs, who wonder what they are actually up to,” he said.

Kerry-born O’Callaghan was a senior member of the IRA’s Southern Command structure before turning informer in the early 80s. He was responsible for sabotaging a number of high-profile IRA attacks, including a 1983 plot to kill Prince Charles and Lady Diana at a Duran Duran charity concert in London’s Dominion theatre. His information also led to the arrest of Martin Ferris – an IRA Army Council member and now Sinn Fein candidate in Kerry North for the forthcoming general election. Mr O’Callaghan was sentenced to539 years for his part in IRA operations and was released from Maghaberry Prison in 1996.

The newly appointed researcher said that he would concentrate efforts on Sinn Fein MPs who took up their offices in Westminster last week.

“People like Adams and McGuinness are often treated with a sort of deference because people see them as somehow glamorous figures surrounded by the whiff of cordite. I want to knock away some of the mystique and make sure they face the same scrutiny every politician faces,” he said.

Mr Trimble said that he had no problem employing a former terrorist as Mr O’Callaghan had ‘changed’.

He said: “Just because someone has a past does not mean they cannot have a future and there is no doubt about how much Sean has changed. He has dedicated his life to fighting the terrorists and has worked closely with the police on both sides of the border.” (GMcG)