Ahern: ‘Release of McCabe killers off the table for good’

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has reiterated his previous vow that the release of the IRA killers of Garda Jerry McCabe is no longer on the negotiating table.

The Government had been prepared to release the IRA gang behind the 1996 killing in Adare, Co Limerick, as part of a comprehensive peace deal that fell apart at the last minute late last year.

However, it subsequently took the offer off the table after accusing the IRA of being behind the £26.5m (€38m) bank robbery in Belfast.

Speaking in Limerick this morning, Mr Ahern said: "I don't see it coming back on the table. The situation, as far as I'm concerned, is now closed on this.

"Whatever negotiations we have on the next round, this issue won't be part of those discussions."