FORMER WORKERS’ party chief Tomás MacGiolla has joined a support group to oppose the extradition of former Official IRA leader Seán Garland to the United States.
The US alleges Mr Garland has been involved in a major counterfeiting operation involving North Korea and the Russian mafia since the early 1990s. Now in his 70s and living in Co Meath, Mr Garland is on bail and due to appear again in court in May.
The support committee is chaired by Chris Hudson, a former trade union official and founder member of the Peace Train organisation 20 years ago.
Mr MacGiolla, a former TD and Dublin lord mayor, was president of Sinn Féin in the 1960s and 1970s before becoming the first leader of the Workers’ party. He will serve as secretary.
Mr Hudson is now a minister with the Presbyterian Church in south Belfast.
The US authorities allege the fake $100 bills are printed in North Korea and distributed by the Russian mafia.