THE deputy leader of Fianna Fail, Ms Mary O'Rourke, said yesterday that she is to formally request a meeting with the British and German ambassadors to discuss the treatment in prison of Ms Roisin McAliskey, who is six months pregnant.
Ms O'Rourke, who was accompanied on a visit to Holloway Prison by a party colleague, Mr Eamon O Cuiv TD, said she intended to use "every possible diplomatic channel" to call for Ms McAliskey's release on bail.
"I spoke very strongly to the governor about her isolation, constant lighting, lack of exercise and sleep due to the half hourly inspections throughout the night. This is no way to treat a pregnant woman and I shall put it very strongly to every possible diplomatic channel", she added.
Ms O'Rourke and Mr O Cuiv met the prison governor following their 35 minute meeting with Ms McAliskey. They raised concerns that her baby might be taken from her after the birth because she is a high risk Category A prisoner.
"He said no decision had been made about her baby yet. He indicated that although it might cause difficulty he would be favourably deposed to her keeping it. But he has no discretion on the matter. The decision will be taken at a high level", said Mr O Cuiv.
The British Prison Service issued a statement denying media reports that Ms McAliskey would be handcuffed to a prison officer during the birth of her child. "Once a prisoner goes into hospital for the purpose of giving birth, any restraints are removed until the prisoner is due to return to the prison", a spokesman said.
Last night, Mrs Bernadette McAliskey - the former Mid Ulster MP and civil rights campaigner - held a press conference at the House of Commons to discuss her daughter's treatment. Other speakers included Mrs Gareth Peirce, Ms McAliskey's solicitor, Mr Kevin McNamara, the former shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, and Dr Wendy Savage, an obstetrician.