Ahern admits U-turn on release of McCabe killers

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday conceded the release of the killers of Detective Jerry McCabe is a key factor in negotiating peace in Northern Ireland — a complete reversal of written Government commitments to the McCabe family.

Speaking at the launch of the Fianna Fáil local election manifesto, Mr Ahern acknowledged for the first time that an end to IRA paramilitarism would, among other things, be contingent on the release of the McCabe killers.

"It is clear that the Sinn Féin leadership will not be able to persuade the IRA leadership on that issue until we come to a conclusion on a range of issues ... One of those outstanding issues is the remaining prisoners," he said.