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22/10/2001
Adams admits Sinn Fein link with Colombian trio
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has admitted one of three Irishmen detained in Colombia was Sinn Fein's representative in Cuba.
Mr Adams revealed on Monday October 22 that Niall Connolly’s appointment was made without his knowledge or authorisation of the International Department.
Mr Connolly was one of three men arrested in Bogotá in August on suspicion of training member’s of the left-wing FARC militia and for travelling on false passports.
Mr Adams said although the party had denied claims that Mr Connolly was their representative, an internal investigation revealed: “One of our senior members asked Niall Connolly to represent the party in Cuba. This decision was taken without the knowledge or authorisation of the international department or any other party structure including the party chairperson or myself.”
Mr Adams said proper procedures had not been employed in the appointment of Mr Connolly and that they had been reviewed to ensure that this “unfortunate situation” does not arise again.
Mr Adams, however, denied Monday’s admission in any way altered Sinn Fein's opposition to the Colombian arrests. He said: “It remains my view that Sinn Féin has no case to answer over the Colombia arrests.”
Sinn Féin have publicly endorsed a campaign for the release of the “Colombia Three”. Among those backing the ‘Bring Them Home’ campaign is former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan, Irish folk singer Christy Moore, independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae and Green Party MEP, Patricia McKenna as well as Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
A full-page advertisement in the Irish News claims the three men are being held in “inhumane conditions in Colombia which violate their basic human rights and contravene International Law”.
The advertisement also condemned "adverse and inaccurate" press coverage of the arrests, claiming it has undermined their right to a fair trial. (AMcE)
Mr Adams revealed on Monday October 22 that Niall Connolly’s appointment was made without his knowledge or authorisation of the International Department.
Mr Connolly was one of three men arrested in Bogotá in August on suspicion of training member’s of the left-wing FARC militia and for travelling on false passports.
Mr Adams said although the party had denied claims that Mr Connolly was their representative, an internal investigation revealed: “One of our senior members asked Niall Connolly to represent the party in Cuba. This decision was taken without the knowledge or authorisation of the international department or any other party structure including the party chairperson or myself.”
Mr Adams said proper procedures had not been employed in the appointment of Mr Connolly and that they had been reviewed to ensure that this “unfortunate situation” does not arise again.
Mr Adams, however, denied Monday’s admission in any way altered Sinn Fein's opposition to the Colombian arrests. He said: “It remains my view that Sinn Féin has no case to answer over the Colombia arrests.”
Sinn Féin have publicly endorsed a campaign for the release of the “Colombia Three”. Among those backing the ‘Bring Them Home’ campaign is former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan, Irish folk singer Christy Moore, independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae and Green Party MEP, Patricia McKenna as well as Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
A full-page advertisement in the Irish News claims the three men are being held in “inhumane conditions in Colombia which violate their basic human rights and contravene International Law”.
The advertisement also condemned "adverse and inaccurate" press coverage of the arrests, claiming it has undermined their right to a fair trial. (AMcE)
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12 September 2001
Sinn Féin deny link with Colombian suspect
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has denied that one of the Irish men being held in Colombia was ever a member of the political party. On Monday, Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque confirmed the statement made by his office last month that Sinn Féin had a representative based in Havana.
Sinn Féin deny link with Colombian suspect
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has denied that one of the Irish men being held in Colombia was ever a member of the political party. On Monday, Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque confirmed the statement made by his office last month that Sinn Féin had a representative based in Havana.
23 October 2001
Key witness disappears in Colombia
It has been revealed that a key witness in the case against three Irish republicans detained in Colombia has disappeared. The news comes in the wake of an admission from Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams that one of the men, Niall Connolly, was the party’s representative in Cuba.
Key witness disappears in Colombia
It has been revealed that a key witness in the case against three Irish republicans detained in Colombia has disappeared. The news comes in the wake of an admission from Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams that one of the men, Niall Connolly, was the party’s representative in Cuba.
20 May 2016
SDLP To Enter Official Opposition
The SDLP has joined the UUP and announced it is to form a constructive opposition at Stormont. This means the new government could be made up of only the DUP and Sinn Fein. SDLP Party Leader Colum Eastwood said: "Entering into opposition is not an easy decision to make, particularly for a Nationalist party in the North.
SDLP To Enter Official Opposition
The SDLP has joined the UUP and announced it is to form a constructive opposition at Stormont. This means the new government could be made up of only the DUP and Sinn Fein. SDLP Party Leader Colum Eastwood said: "Entering into opposition is not an easy decision to make, particularly for a Nationalist party in the North.
10 February 2005
SF members sanctioned robbery – IMC report
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19 December 2001
House of Commons votes to allow Sinn Féin offices
The House of Commons has voted to allow the four Sinn Fein members office space and access to allowances enjoyed by other MPs. Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith condemned the decision saying that it would create a two-tier system of MPs.
House of Commons votes to allow Sinn Féin offices
The House of Commons has voted to allow the four Sinn Fein members office space and access to allowances enjoyed by other MPs. Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith condemned the decision saying that it would create a two-tier system of MPs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
