McDowell seeks meeting with murdered detective's widow

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is expected to seek a personal meeting with the widow of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe to explain why the Government could allow the release of her husband's killers.

The Taoiseach told the Dáil that he would be recommending the release of the four IRA men as part of a deal to secure complete IRA decommissioning and save the peace process.

Garda McCabe was shot dead during a botched post office raid in Adare, Co Limerick, in 1996.

His wife, Ann, has expressed her shock that those responsible for her husband's death could be freed early, despite previous Government assurances they would serve their full sentences.