Onus on IRA to show ‘war’ over

The controversy over the possible release of Jerry McCabe’s killers has become distinctly unseemly, as the issue has been kicked around like a political football by politicians posturing for political advantage in the run-up to the forthcoming elections.

The Taoiseach and Gerry Adams have been contradicting each other in relation to their private discussions prior to the Good Friday Agreement. “The Government has made it clear that it will not release the killers of Garda Jerry McCabe while paramilitarism on the part of the Provos continues,” Justice Minister Michael McDowell explained.

His careful choice of words suggested that the issue of the release would be on the table if the IRA abandons its unconstitutional approach and commits itself to be bound by the Constitution and laws.