Colombian question - Verdict must be looked at by Coalition

IT is hardly surprising the Government rejected Sinn Féin calls for intervention at the highest level over the 17-year jail sentences handed down to three Irishmen for training Marxist rebels in Colombia.

That became clear yesterday when Tánaiste Mary Harney said she saw no reason to believe a miscarriage of justice was involved. She saw the Government’s concern as ensuring their human rights were protected.

Despite nationwide surprise over the severity of the sentence, there was no outburst of public outrage at the verdict, which reversed a non-guilty finding last April when the men were convicted of travelling on false passports. Arguably, many people share the sentiments voiced by Ms Harney on the Colombian question. Doubtless, the PD leader was speaking on behalf of a unified Coalition when she ruled out interfering in the judicial process of another State.