McArthur decision is an unenviable task

THE political time bomb now ticking away for one Cabinet minister is whether or not to release convicted murderer Malcolm McArthur.

The Parole Board has recommended that the man, convicted of the murder of nurse Bridie Gargan 20 years ago, be moved to an open prison where inmates are normally released within two years.

This has catapulted one of the State's most politically sensitive prisoners back into the media spotlight.