The former governor of Mountjoy Prison has said the release of Malcolm MacArthur is “a positive step” and said it may have happened sooner were it not for political pressure.

A victims’ group has criticised the lack of victim representation on the Parole Board after two candidates it put forward for nomination failed to be appointed by Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

Judges will have to listen to victims of crime in certain cases before deciding whether or not to grant bail to an accused.

CANDIDATES in the General Election have been asked not to use crime as a cynical vote catcher.