Sir, - When I heard that the Home Secretary was seeking a judicial review on the early release of four IRA prisoners, my first thoughts were: "Unionists and nationalists have seen those guilty of murdering their loved ones released early, but when it comes to someone guilty of bombings in England the government challenges it." I expect many in Northern Ireland felt the same way, especially as these men had served up to 15 years in prison.
The person found guilty in Belfast last week of the murder of my son and two others will be eligible for early release in July 2000 if all the provisions in the Belfast Agreement are judged to be up and running by then. I had accepted this fact with a heavy heart as I desperately want the agreement to work so that this tragic episode in our history can be ended. However, Bertie Ahern has stated that the IRA men convicted of killing of Garda McCabe will not be eligible for early release.
Gerry Adams sat beside Mr Ahern when commenting on the Home Secretary's challenge and I wondered why he did not also turn to him and ask why he considered the scheme did not extend to the Republic. The governments of Britain and the Republic were joint signatories to the agreement and I am not prepared to see the Republic's Government cherrypick in this way. As far as I know, these are the only prisoners sentenced for crimes committed in the Republic. Perhaps Mr Ahern forgot that their case was due to come to court when he signed the agreement and thought it would not affect his Government. What are his criteria for exempting them?
Due to Mr Ahern's decision, I am demanding that the men found guilty of a variety of terrorist activities at Belfast Crown Court last Friday should be treated in exactly the same way as those found guilty of the manslaughter of Garda McCabe. Both crimes were carried out before the agreement was signed but conviction was not until afterwards. I shall do my utmost to achieve this on behalf of the parents of the 10 soldiers and RUC men killed by a single-shot sniper in the south Armagh area during 1992-93 who may not be able to see justice done in court. - Yours, etc., Rita Restorick,
Fairview Avenue, Underwood, Nottingham, England.