Prison chiefs order report over pic of McCabe killers

PRISON authorities yesterday ordered a full report in to how a photograph of Sinn Féin TDs and the killers of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe was allowed to be taken at Castlerea Prison.

The Director General of the Prison Service Sean Aylward said he was satisfied there was a clear breach of prison rules. A picture of four Sinn Féin TDs Martin Ferris, Sean Crowe, Aengus O Snodaigh and Caoimhghin O Caolain caused outrage after being published in the Sunday Independent last weekend.

They were shown standing next to Pearse McCauley, Michael O'Neill, Kevin Walsh and Jeremiah Sheehy, who were all jailed for the manslaughter of Mr McCabe, receiving sentences ranging from 11 to 14 years.

A statement for the Irish Prison Service yesterday said: "The Director General is satisfied from initial enquiries that there has been a clear breach of the prison rules in force at Castlerea. He has asked the Governor of Castlerea Prison for a full report into the circumstances in which this breach took place."

The statement said the Director General had set up an immediate review of the visiting arrangements for the prisoners concerned to ensure full compliance with the Governor's orders. It added: "The Irish Prison Service regrets any distress caused by the publication of this photograph."

The family of Mr McCabe is understood to be upset and angry.

All prisoners are aware photographs are not allowed to be taken in prisons. Visitors also know they are not allowed to bring cameras in. Prison officers only recently intercepted an attempt by IRA prisoners to have their picture taken in Castlerea, where a number of sources have expressed concern at the amount of freedom given to IRA prisoners in the Co Roscommon jail.

Progressive Democrats Senator John Minihan yesterday criticised the Sinn Féin deputies and said their actions were an affront to the family of Mr McCabe, the Irish public and the democratic system.

Mr Ferris rejected claims he and his Sinn Féin colleagues had breached prison rules. The North Kerry TD said the photograph was only intended for publication in republican newspaper An Phoblacht. He said it was subsequently lifted by the Sunday Independent for political purposes.

Mr Ferris claimed photographs were often taken in prison with the knowledge of the Department of Justice. He added he had the "utmost sympathy" for Mr McCabe's family.