GRA fury at Taoiseach's intentions for McCabe killers

The Garda Representative Association has reacted with fury to the Taoiseach's announcement the IRA killers of Garda Gerry McCabe will be released as part of a deal to renew the peace process.

Bertie Ahern told the Dáil that he would be recommending the release as part of a deal to secure complete IRA decommissioning despite previous assurances they would serve their full sentences.

However, GRA president Dermot O'Donnell said he and his colleagues completely opposed the move.

"Our position is that these people should serve out each and every day of their sentence," he said.

"I'm particularly conscious of the deep hurt that this has caused Ann McCabe, the wife of Gerry McCabe. She has displayed immense courage throughout all of this and I understand from speaking to people in Limerick that she is deeply, deeply distressed by what has happened and what has been said today."