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05/08/2009
McCabe Killers' Apology 'Genuine': Adams
The Sinn Féin President has said that apologies from the killers of an Irish police detective - who were released from jail today - were genuine.
Gerry Adams (pictured) made the comments as the two men who were convicted of the manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in 1996 were freed from Castlerea Prison.
Kevin Walsh from Limerick and Pearse McCauley from Strabane, Co Tyrone, had been given 14-year sentences for the manslaughter of the Limerick detective and completed just over ten years of their sentences.
The two walked out of the Co Roscommon prison shortly after 7am this morning where they were met by Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris. They were then driven away in a van without making any comment.
Gerry Adams has spoken out as the men were released, saying he believed that apologies the men had given were genuine.
"In a public statement some years ago the IRA members convicted in relation to Jerry McCabe's death and the wounding of Gardai Ben O'Sullivan, expressed their deep regret and apologised for the 'hurt and grief we have caused to their families'.
"I believe that this apology was genuine and it echoes the sentiments of republicans everywhere. I deeply regret the great loss and hurt suffered by the McCabe and O'Sullivan families," Mr Adams said.
He added: "The release of Kevin Walsh and Pearse McCauley comes at the end of their sentences, despite them being qualifying IRA prisoners under the Good Friday Agreement."
Meanwhile, the UK authorities have dropped plans to extradite either Pearse McAuley - who was released from Castlerea Prison this morning - or Nessan Quinlivan.
The two IRA men were sought over alleged offences when they escaped from London's Brixton prison 18 years ago.
It was confirmed today that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was no longer preparing a case against McAuley or Quinlivan.
The pair were awaiting trial on conspiracy to murder and explosives charges when they launched the jail-break in July 1991.
In a statement the CPS said: "Having reviewed these cases, the CPS has decided there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."
However, Jeffery Donaldson of the DUP: "Discharging a firearm and breaking out of jail is a criminal offence.
"People will be aghast to hear the CPS claiming they could not secure a conviction in such circumstances."
(DW/BMcc)
Gerry Adams (pictured) made the comments as the two men who were convicted of the manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in 1996 were freed from Castlerea Prison.
Kevin Walsh from Limerick and Pearse McCauley from Strabane, Co Tyrone, had been given 14-year sentences for the manslaughter of the Limerick detective and completed just over ten years of their sentences.
The two walked out of the Co Roscommon prison shortly after 7am this morning where they were met by Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris. They were then driven away in a van without making any comment.
Gerry Adams has spoken out as the men were released, saying he believed that apologies the men had given were genuine.
"In a public statement some years ago the IRA members convicted in relation to Jerry McCabe's death and the wounding of Gardai Ben O'Sullivan, expressed their deep regret and apologised for the 'hurt and grief we have caused to their families'.
"I believe that this apology was genuine and it echoes the sentiments of republicans everywhere. I deeply regret the great loss and hurt suffered by the McCabe and O'Sullivan families," Mr Adams said.
He added: "The release of Kevin Walsh and Pearse McCauley comes at the end of their sentences, despite them being qualifying IRA prisoners under the Good Friday Agreement."
Meanwhile, the UK authorities have dropped plans to extradite either Pearse McAuley - who was released from Castlerea Prison this morning - or Nessan Quinlivan.
The two IRA men were sought over alleged offences when they escaped from London's Brixton prison 18 years ago.
It was confirmed today that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was no longer preparing a case against McAuley or Quinlivan.
The pair were awaiting trial on conspiracy to murder and explosives charges when they launched the jail-break in July 1991.
In a statement the CPS said: "Having reviewed these cases, the CPS has decided there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."
However, Jeffery Donaldson of the DUP: "Discharging a firearm and breaking out of jail is a criminal offence.
"People will be aghast to hear the CPS claiming they could not secure a conviction in such circumstances."
(DW/BMcc)
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