IRA prisoner suffering from could soon be transferred Northern Ireland to a jail in Republic on humanitarian grounds, according to the SDLP MP, Dr Joe Hendron.
Whitehall sources were cautious last night, saying only that British Ministers were "probably moving toward a decision" on the Patrick Kelly case.
However, the indication was that decision to grant a transfer from was not imminent source said there were continuing British concerns about the likely attitude of the in the Republic, that assurances were still being sought, and that a time scale for a likely decision had not yet been defined Kelly, an inmate in jail, Co Antrim, wants to Portlaoise prison so can near his family, who live Co Laois.
Home Office said that the British was now treating his case as a matter of urgency and that he could be transferred to Portlaoise prison soon.
After an hour long meeting with the British Home Office minister, Ms Ann Widdecombe, Dr Hendron said "These are her precise words, a decision will be made as expeditiously as the Home Office can.
"I don't want to say whether that means days or weeks, but my own belief is that it will be very, very soon.
The MP said he had "strong reason to believe" that Kelly's transfer would be a "major point in bringing the ceasefire back again Kelly (43) underwent a third major operation for cancer in March. He had several cancerous lumps removed from his right arm pit at Belfast City Hospital.
He is serving 25 years for conspiracy to cause explosions and attempted murder. He was transferred from Whitemoor jail in England to Maghaberry earlier this year.
Kelly, a former haulage operator who was sentenced in 1993, is appealing his conviction, but no date has yet been set. He believes his health could deteriorate rapidly before his case is heard.
He had a malignant lump removed from his neck in Portlaoise General Hospital in 1992. He was arrested in England later that year.
He suffered back pains and had a large lump removed from his back in Peterborough Hospital last year.
Kelly claimed his condition was not constantly monitored while in jail in England.