Another intervention for big-hearted Bertie

HAVING heard Senator Terry Leyden attribute the Taoiseach’s intervention in the recent Roscommon planning controversy to his being a ‘humanitarian’ with a ‘big heart’, I’ve wasted no time faxing Mr Ahern to request the release of Fintan Lane of the Irish Anti-War Movement from Limerick Prison.

Dr Lane, PRO of the Irish Anti-War Movement, is serving a 60-day sentence for non-payment of a fine imposed for his part in a peaceful protest at Shannon airport last October.

Given the Taoiseach’s willingness to intervene in a case where someone has apparently broken the planning laws, I am optimistic that Mr Ahern will now act on behalf of Dr Lane, especially in view of his recent statement of opposition to the American invasion of Iraq.