COLOMBIA TRIAL OBSERVERS

FINIAN McGRATH, TD, (Ind).,

FINIAN McGRATH, TD, (Ind).,

Madam, - I write to express my sadness and dismay at the way Irish parliamentarians are being treated by certain politicians and certain sections of the media. It is important that the public know the following facts:

- The families of the three men have requested us to go.

- We will be acting as observers and we will try to ensure that the men get a fair trial.

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- The families have expressed concern about their safety.

- It is basically a human rights delegation.

- The cost of the trip will not be from public money.

- All money raised so far was from social nights, sponsored walks and voluntary contributions. Everything is open and transparent.

I am particularly saddened by the disgraceful remarks by Sean Power TD (RTÉ News at One). They clearly showed his contempt for civil liberties and the right to a fair trial. Many people are now wondering who put him up to it and what was his real agenda?

I was also amazed and saddened by the way Joe Costello TD was treated by his own party. It now seems to be a crime to speak out on human rights issues. People who stand up for truth and justice will always be criticised. I would like to thank Senator Paul Bradford (FG) and John Curran, TD, (FF) and Senator Mary White (FF) for their courage and integrity on this difficult case.

It is important that people who care about civil liberties regardless of party stick together to preserve our democratic values. - Yours, etc.,

FINIAN McGRATH, TD, (Ind).,

Dáil Éireann,

Baile Átha Cliath, 2.

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Madam, - So the fate of the three Irishmen in Colombia is of no interest to the Labour, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail parties? Mr Sean Power's claim that the delegation was hoodwinked by Sinn Féin propaganda hardly merits a reply. If anything, the propaganda involved emanates from the American and British Governments. Shame on our politicians who are prepared to hang Irish people out to dry in a country where the rule of law is certainly suspect - in the interests of politically correct party politics.

Hearty congratulations to Senator Mary White for standing up for a principle - a rare enough occurence nowadays.

Unless the Colombian government is convinced that these Irishmen are going to be supported in their efforts to obtain a fair trial, it bodes ill for the outcome. The brave politicians who have pulled out of the delegation are lessening the chances of a fair trial and abandoning fellow Irishmen for the sake of political correctness. - Yours, etc.,

MARY STEWART,

Ardeskin,

Donegal Town.