Gardai travel to Colombia in IRA investigation

Two detectives have left for Colombia as part of the Garda investigation into the so-called Colombia Three.

Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan

One is a detective from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Harcourt Street, while the second is stationed with the crime and security division in the Phoenix Park.

The decision to send the two officers came last week after a row between the Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy and the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell.

The dispute, in which the Garda insisted it was its responsibility alone to make decisions and announcements on operational matters, emphasised the difficulties in the Colombia Three investigation.

Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan are in hiding in Ireland following their return here last month after eight months on the run. They absconded from Colombia after being sentenced to 17 years in prison for training Marxist terrorists.

They turned themselves in to gardai last month. Only one, Mr Connolly, was formally arrested, although a file is to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Colombian authorities have demanded the men be extradited, despite the lack of an extradition treaty between the two countries. Mr McDowell has pledged to "vigorously pursue" every option. However, it appears their extradition is highly unlikely.

The two detectives are will visit Colombia to see if there is any case to be built against the men that they could be tried for in Ireland.  A Garda spokeswoman said today it was unsure exactly how long they would be in the country, but insisted they will take "as long as is necessary" to see if they can advance the Garda investigation.

The Labour Party's justice spokesman, Joe Costello, has described the dispute between the Garda and Mr McDowell over the trip as "pathetic and regrettable". He accused the minister of overstepping his authority and said the decision to send officers to Colombia should have been an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.

"What, after all, are they expected to investigate?" Mr Costello asked. "The Minister who was so quick to announce this trip, has been extremely reticent in outlining its purpose."