Fugitive loyalists can apply for presidential pardons

MEMBERS of loyalist gangs who carried out a string of atrocities here will be eligible to apply for a presidential pardon under a scheme announced by the Justice Minister last night.

Those suspected of being involved in the killing of Garda Jerry McCabe and who are still on the run will not be considered for a pardon by an eligibility board.

As a political storm was breaking in the North over legislation to clear the way for the return of the “on the runs”, Minister McDowell announced plans for the board to advise the Government.