The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has firmly ruled out the early release from jail of the killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe, even as part of a comprehensive deal with Sinn Féin, write Mark Brennock, Mark Hennessy & Kathryn Hayes.
Mr Ahern yesterday closed off the possibility of the early release of the men, which has been the subject of political contention throughout last year's failed attempts to reach a comprehensive deal in the North.
He said that while the Government was prepared to consider the release of the four men as part of an agreement, this was no longer the case. The issue "won't be part" of any future discussions in relation to a deal for as long as he was Taoiseach, he said.
The four men were sentenced in 1999 to terms of up to 14 years. If granted normal remission their release dates would range from mid-2007 to 2009.
Mr Ahern has removed all ambiguity from the Government's position. Earlier this month he told the Dáil that he did not see the issue coming back on the table, but did not rule it out. But yesterday he said: "I've made it clear that the question of the early release of the killers of Det Garda McCabe is no longer on the table. I've said that I don't see it coming back on the table, that position has now been endorsed overwhelmingly by the Dáil in its recent debates so, I think the situation as far as I'm concerned is now closed on this."
Speaking on Limerick's 95 FM radio station he said: "I attempted to try to resolve it as part of a comprehensive deal but you know the situation has changed utterly now and whatever negotiations we have in the next round and hopefully we do have, this issue won't be part of those discussions."
Asked if that meant there was now no chance of early release he said: "Not on my watch."
Det McCabe's widow, Ms Ann McCabe, said she was glad Mr Ahern had given a commitment that the matter was closed. "Originally I was disappointed to hear that the matter was 'on the table' as part of a negotiation deal with people who are involved in murder and criminality. Having said that, I am so glad that the Taoiseach has eventually given his commitment and said that it will never be back on the agenda again," said Ms McCabe.
The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, said the killers would serve their full sentences. Speaking in Cork, Mr McDowellsaid: "The Irish people, in my view, would not tolerate the early release of the killers of Jerry McCabe in present circumstances or in the light of recent events and in my view, they will serve their full sentences."
Speaking in Meath, the Sinn Fein chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin said: "Does that mean that Bertie is anticipating losing the next election? That is the signal that I picked up...Does that mean that he does not expect a deal? Does that mean that he has given up?"