Ireland and US clash over extradition requests

SHARP differences between Ireland and the US over the handling of extradition requests are emerging after it emerged all attempts have failed since 1999.

Officials in the Department of Justice believe US law enforcement agencies are to blame for making mistakes when compiling extradition papers. Authorities in America argue suspects facing extradition are effectively tried in Ireland before a request is granted.

Details of the row, so serious that it has led to the intervention of the US Ambassador John Kenny, have emerged ahead of a bail hearing for a man accused of the drink driving deaths of three college students in Washington state in 2001.