US church minister admits role in assisted suicide

A US church minister has admitted his role in the suicide of Dublin woman to an American newspaper.

Reverend George Exoo told the

Charleston Gazette

he and his partner sat with the 49-year-old woman in her house in Donnybrook in what is thought to be the first case of assisted suicide in the history of the State. He said she swallowed tablets and suffocated herself with a makeshift helium mask.

"We were present when this woman took her life," Rev Exoo said. "I gave her instructions, but that's what we do. And provided spiritual support for her."

Gardaí have launched an international investigation into the death and wish to interview the Reverend and his partner Mr Thomas McGurrin.

"I have nothing to hide," said Rev Exoo said in the interview published today. He was now in the US after spending a week in Amsterdam. He would be willing to talk to Gardaí, but would consult his lawyers first.

He added he was unaware that assisted suicide is illegal in Ireland, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. He described it as "a horrible law."

"She had gone through real hell and there was no relief in sight for her," he said.

Rev Exoo denied claims that he met the woman through an Internet chat room. He was contacted by her after a "concrete referral from a woman who was really well grounded." He also denied that she was suffering from depression, alleging she was terminally ill and in great pain.

He said he was paid $2,500 to fly to Ireland for the two-day visit.

The woman, a separated former bank employee with no children, was "very pleasant" Rev Exoo said. "I said, 'Are you sure you want to do this? You're so cheerful.'"

He also claimed the woman’s 90-year-old father had been aware of her plans beforehand.

"We had gotten permission from her father. We asked him, 'Do you give your blessing to this?' He said, 'Yes, I do.'"

Rev Exoo runs Compassionate Chaplaincy, an organization to help people commit suicide. He has also been a minister at New River Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship in West Virginia since 1997.