SF 'unaffected' by Colombia Three controversy

Sinn Féin has said it has not been negatively affected by the controversy surrounding the Colombia Three.

The party has refused to be drawn on the return of General John De Chastelain from his holidays, saying decommissioning is a matter to be sorted out between the General and the IRA.

Sinn Féin Councillor and Mayor of Kerry, Toireasa Ferris, claimed that the public are supportive of Sinn Féin's stance when it comes to the Colombia Three and are happy the men are home.

“My perception of the feeling on the ground is that people are actually delighted the Colombia Three have come home – I think that we had a very effective campaign in raising people’s awareness of the human rights abuses particularly of prisoners in Colombia.

" I don’t think anybody could put their hand on their heart and say that they want those men returned to such circumstances,” she said.

“To be honest, the only negativity coming seems to be coming from the corners of (Justice Minister Michael) McDowell and others and that’s what we’d expect from people like that anyhow,” she added.