Paisley slams Taoiseach’s ‘hypocrisy’ on McCabe killers

Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley has accused the Taoiseach of the “vilest hypocrisy” in his handling of the Garda Jerry McCabe case.

Mr Paisley said Bertie Ahern had broken his word to the murdered detective’s family and could not be trusted. He asked what confidence unionists could have in Mr Ahern when he appeared to be willing to break his promises in order to placate republican demands.

Earlier this week, Mr Ahern admitted that he would be prepared to consider releasing the IRA men who killed Garda McCabe as part of a deal to secure finality in the peace process.

Four men are serving between 11 and 14 years for the manslaughter of the detective and the Taoiseach had previously promised the McCabe family that they would serve their full sentences.