Unionists react angrily to 'Colombia Three' return

Unionists have reacted with anger at the news that the 'Colombia Three' have arrived back in the Republic of Ireland.

Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan were sentenced to 17 years in jail on charges of training Marxists rebels but vanished in December 2004 while on bail awaiting an appeal.

DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson said he had spoken to the British Government to express his party's "grave concern" at the news.

"We asked them to convey in the strongest possible terms to their Irish counterparts that allowing these fugitives from justice to live freely within the Republic will be an intolerable affront," the East Belfast MP said.

"We are continually told that there must be a unified, world wide response to international terrorism. We are looking for their immediate arrest and for the Republic to hand them over to the Colombian authorities.

"Mr Ahern must facilitate by whatever means necessary their swift extradition. If he does not, unionists in Northern Ireland will believe him to be complicit."

Senior Ulster Unionist Michael McGimpsey also called on the Irish Government to send the three men back to Colombia to face due legal process.

"It is surely no co-incidence that the 'Colombia Three' have arrived home after the events of the last fortnight emanating from the IRA statement," the South Belfast MLA said. "The Irish Government are unlikely to send them back as this move is likely to be part of the latest concession choreography to Republicans.

"The 'Colombia Three' are probably the first ‘On the Runs’ to be given a pardon. Once again, despicable political expediency is replacing common sense and due process.”

However, Sinn Féin have welcomed the news of the trio's return and have denied that any deal was struck with the Irish Government in light of political changes in the peace process in recent weeks.

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy said the news would come as a relief to the men's families and friends.

“Since 2001 the men's lives have been in grave danger and they had their prospects of a fair trial completely undermined due to prejudicial comments from the Colombian military and senior politicians including the then President.

“Now that the men have returned home I hope that they will be allowed to get on with rebuilding their lives along with their families.”

A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said it was a matter for the Irish authorities on what actions they must take over the three men, however if they enter the UK, "any extradition request will be dealt with without delay".

(MB/SP)