Holmes criticises Taoiseach’s remarks on life sentences

The chairman of the Parole Board has criticised the Taoiseach's recent comments that people sentenced to life in prison should never be released.

Mr Ahern made the comments in response to the spate of gangland killings in Dublin earlier this year, saying he believed "life should mean life".

Speaking at the launch of the Parole Board's latest annual report today, Gordon Holmes said rehabilitation was an important part of the criminal justice system and he described the Taoiseach's view as defeatist.