Allister calls on EU to pressurise Dublin over Colombia Three

DUP MEP Jim Allister has taken steps to ensure that "the Irish government does not provide sanctuary" for the 'Colombia Three' following their return to the Republic of Ireland last week.

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. However it emerged at the weekend that all three men have since returned to the Republic.

“Since the EU boldly proclaims its commitment to the international fight against terrorism, I have today taken steps to raise the uninhibited return of the Colombia three to Dublin with both the Council of Ministers and the Commission," Mr Allister said.

He said he had tabled an Oral Question for the EU parliamentary sessions in September which asked: "What steps has the Council of Ministers/Commission taken to ensure that the Irish government does not provide sanctuary for these international terrorists and is the Council/Commission satisfied that Europol did everything possible to thwart their return?".

“I have also circulated every MEP with a comment urging maximum pressure on Dublin to live up to its international obligations," Mr Allister continued.

"I fully intend to use the forum and facilities of the European Parliament to keep the focus on this issue, believing that it is intolerable for any civilised government to harbour terrorists. Ahern and his seemingly robust Justice Minister must now be put to the test.”

Meanwhile, Irish Tanaiste Mary Harney has said the Irish government would consider any request from the Colombian authorities for all three men's extradition. However, she confirmed that no such formal request had been received.

Taoisach Bertie Ahern has also promised to consider any request from Colombia for assistance following pressure from opposition parties in the Republic.

(MB/SP)