McCabe killers - Early release of men may secure peace

THE statement last evening by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in relation to the possible early release of the killers of Garda Jerry McCabe lent credence to the belief that a deal was done, or being negotiated, with Sinn Féin to pave the way to seal a solution for Northern Ireland.

Senior Government figures, including Mr Ahern, had denied the existence of any such agreement which would see the four killers released to facilitate the restoration of a power-sharing executive in the North.

No matter about the Government denials, it was always believed that the Government was prepared to agree the release of the killers if the stakes were very high and peace in Northern Ireland was very high.