US death row prisoner granted Irish citizenship

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a man on death row in America has now been granted Irish citizenship and is receiving consular assistance.

Michael Fitzpatrick is facing the death penalty for a second time having been accused of capital murder in Florida — and his retrial begins today.

International organisation Reprieve has followed his case since last year and had called on the Government to get involved, as they fear he could be found guilty again despite serious questions over his original conviction, which led to a retrial being called earlier this year.