Government denies deal on Colombia Three return
But the development has put the peace process under strain, throwing suspicion on the extent of any deals brokered in return for last week’s IRA stand-down.
One of the three, Jim Monaghan, 58, told RTÉ he returned to Ireland with Martin McCauley, 41, and Niall Connolly, 38, in the past few days.
The three vanished last December after the Colombian appeals court sentenced them to 17 years for training FARC guerrillas.
Yesterday’s development saw the Irish Government accused of including the three in a promise to allow the return of wanted paramilitary terrorists known as “on the runs”.
The suggestion was strongly denied.
“This issue is not part of the discussions with Sinn Féin and the Government had no prior knowledge of this,” said a spokesman for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Tánaiste Mary Harney said there were serious issues as to how the men returned since they had been travelling on false passports.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams also denied a deal.
“This issue was not discussed with the Irish Government nor was it either a deal or a side deal related to recent developments in the peace process,” he said.
Mr Monaghan denied any deal had taken place.
“Not that I’m aware of. There hasn’t been any deal of any sort. We returned as soon as we were able to return,” he said.
As republicans celebrated, unionists demanded the three be arrested.
Deputy DUP leader Peter Robinson called for the men to be handed over to the Colombians.
“George Bush has made it clear that those who harbour terrorists are terrorists. Where does Bertie Ahern stand on that?” he asked.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny called for a statement from Mr Ahern, while Labour deputy leader Liz McManus said the men had not been honest with the Irish people.
“The appropriate legal authorities here will have to consider the position, including the question of whether or not the possession by at least two of the men of forged Irish passports requires any further action,” she said.
A Department of Justice spokesman said no extradition treaty existed with Colombia, but indicated any request would be considered.
The Colombian Government did not react last night, but unnamed sources in Bogota were quoted as saying the authorities would seek to execute an international Interpol warrant for their arrests.
A garda spokesman last night declined to comment on whether the men were being sought.
However, the Northern Ireland Office warned the men would face extradition if they crossed the Border.
