Fianna Fáil TD urges Taoiseach not to free McCabe killers

A FIANNA Fáil backbench TD has told Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that he is opposed to any early release of the four men jailed for the brutal killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe.

There is renewed speculation that an early release will form part of the package involving acts of IRA disarmament currently being negotiated to restore the Stormont Assembly and end direct rule in the North.

Senior Fianna Fáil sources said last night that East Limerick TD, Peter Power has met the Taoiseach privately in recent days to tell him the four McCabe killers should not get early release.

Last night, Mr Power refused to verify that he has had a meeting with the Taoiseach on the issue and would only say: “I am deeply concerned.”

Mr Power is known to be in ongoing talks with Ann McCabe, the widow of Det Gda McCabe.

Mr Power lives near to the McCabe family and is understood to visit the McCabe home frequently to update them on the situation regarding the four men jailed for the manslaughter of Det Gda McCabe.

Pearse McCauley from Strabane, Jeremiah Sheehy, of Rathkeale, Michael O’Neill, of Patrickswell and Kevin Walsh, also from Patrickswell, were jailed for the manslaughter of Det Gda McCabe by the Special Criminal Court in 1999.

The detective was shot dead during an abortive post office van robbery in Adare in June 1996. His colleague Det Gda Ben O’Sullivan survived multiple gunshot wounds.

McCauley and Walsh each received sentences of 14 years; Sheehy was given a 12-year sentence and O’Neill was sentenced to 11 years in jail.

Mrs McCabe has continually spoken out against any early release for her husband’s killers.

Reports that an early release for the four was part of negotiations involving the Government last October, caused a public outcry.

In December 1999, the then Minister for Justice John O’Donoghue wrote to Mrs McCabe after the four killers were moved to Castlerea prison from Portlaoise. He told her: “I am absolutely assuring you again, that this has no early release implications, whatsoever, insofar as those convicted in connection with your husband’s death are concerned.”

Informed sources said last night as an early release under the Good Friday Agreement has been ruled out, it would require a Government order to free the four Castlerea prisoners.