Colombia Three ‘could serve prison sentence in Ireland’

THE Government last night insisted a proposal to enable the Colombia Three to serve their sentences here was feasible despite predictions the measure would never stand up in court.

The proposal, which would involve the Colombian Government signing up to a Council of Europe Convention on the transfer of prisoners, is one of several being considered by the Government as a possible solution to the crisis.

Outlining the initiative yesterday, Tánaiste Mary Harney said a bill currently passing through the Dáil to give effect to a new section of the European Convention could enable the Government to imprison Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley in Ireland for the duration of their 17-year sentence.