Opposition may support code on prisoner representations

Fine Gael and Labour have reportedly indicated their willingness to sign up to proposals restricting political interference in the jail terms of prisoners.

The move is being suggested by Junior Minister Tony Killeen and one of his Fianna Fáil colleagues in the wake of the controversy surrounding his efforts to secure the early release of prisoners.

Mr Killeen has come in for widespread criticism after seeking to have a convicted child rapist and a murderer released from jail.

He is now suggesting official restrictions on such interference after he met the mother of murder victim Robert Lynch to apologise for his actions.

Reports this morning say Fine Gael and Labour TDs have indicated openness to the suggestion.

However, Labour TD Brendan Howlin is reportedly warning against an outright ban, saying it could prevent politicians from getting involved in genuine miscarriages of justice or suspected wrongdoing by State authorities.

The issue of a code of practice on prisoner representations is to be discussed at a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting next week.