TD may rebel over McCabe killers’ release
Senior party sources in Limerick said Mr Power was under immense pressure to back Fine Gael on the matter next Tuesday when it will oppose early release for the gang members.
Mr Power, who won a seat in Limerick East in 2002, was not available for comment yesterday. However, he has had numerous meetings with senior party sources over the past 24 hours to take soundings.
A Fine Gael spokesperson said the party planned to “pin the Government to the wall” on the matter in the Dáil next week. This may result in a vote on the issue.
“If Fine Gael go ahead... it is highly likely Peter will support it,” said one Fianna Fáil party source.
Mr Power had several meetings about the early release issue with the Taoiseach, prior to Bertie Ahern’s announcement this week that the killers might be freed.
Mr Power is understood to have voiced his strong opposition to any early release for the four IRA men at two meetings.
The Fianna Fáil organisation in Limerick is believed to be very unhappy at the way the announcement was made and that the garda’s widow, Ann McCabe, only learned of it on radio.
If Mr Power were to vote against the government, he would automatically lose the party whip.
Meanwhile the Government has told Sinn Féin that strict conditions will be imposed on the IRA killers if they get an early release.
It is understood that one of the men, Pearse McCauley, would have to reside in the North for at least five years and will need special permission to enter the Republic. He is a native of Strabane, Co Tyrone.
Restriction of movement will also be placed on the three Co Limerick men involved in the killing.
Michael O’Neill, from Patrickswell, Kieran Walsh from Patrickswell and Jeremiah Sheehy from Rathkeale will have only limited access to Limerick city to allay concerns of Mrs McCabe and her family about coming across these men.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
