US campaigner admits suicide role

A right-to-die advocate in the United States is admitting he was with Rosemary Toole when she died in her Dublin flat, sparking a suicide investigation by gardai.

A right-to-die advocate in the United States is admitting he was with Rosemary Toole when she died in her Dublin flat, sparking an investigation by gardai.

The Rev George Exoo in West Virginia says he and his companion were with the 49-year-old as she swallowed crushed pills, covered her head with a plastic bag and breathed helium.

Interviewed in The Charleston Gazette Exoo says he gave Rosemary Toole instructions on what to do and provided spiritual support. Gardai found her body after breaking into her flat on January 26.

Exoo says he did not know that it was a crime to aid a suicide in this country.

He claims it is a "horrible law".

If convicted, Exoo could face up to 14 years in jail.

He says he will consult with his lawyers before talking to the authorities here. The campaigner says he has nothing to hide.

Exoo said Toole told him she had a terminal brain condition.

‘‘She had gone through real hell and there was no relief in sight for her,’’ he said.

Toole, a former bank clerk with no children, was ‘‘very pleasant’’, Exoo said. She even took a day trip with the two men to County Mayo to try to find McGurrin’s relatives.

‘‘I said, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? You’re so cheerful’,’’ Exoo said. ‘‘She replied, ‘Yes, I really have enjoyed these two days with you, but I will be miserable’. She had not a doubt in her mind about her exit.’’

Exoo said he has probably attended 100 suicides. Most people want him to read or talk while they breathe their last, he said, but not Toole.

‘‘She was more concerned with having a cigarette,’’ he said. ‘‘The last thing she did before she pulled down the bag was take one last pull on the cigarette. I said, ‘OK, Rosemary, time to put down the cigarette if you don’t mind’.’’