O Caoláin calls for amnesty as Bill is passed
by Michael Pierse
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin called for the implementation
of the principles enshrined in the Good Friday agreement, in the
face of opposition from TDs Proinsias De Rossa and Charlie
Flanagan to the ``Release of Prisoners Bill'', which was discussed
in Leinster House last Thursday.
O Caoláin asserted that the Bill was consistent with the Good
Firday document, which had been accepted by the overwhelming
majority of the Irish people: ``This Bill has been drafted with
the clear remit of giving effect to the release of all those
imprisoned in this state as a consequence of the conflict which
has raged on and between these islands ove the past three
decades. This is in line with the outcome of the recent
multi-party talks at Stormont and the ratification by the
electorate throughout this island of the agreement reached.''
``During my first year as TD I have visited gaols in every state
where Irish republican prisoners are held... I have met with
prisoners who have maintained their political integrity and
personal dignity through the worst ravages of abusive regimes,
some incarcerated now well in excess of 20 years.''
O Caoláin commended the prisoners and their families for the
integral role they have played in progressing the peace process.
``Irish republican prisoners - as politcal activists and not as
hostages - have played a key part in the peace process... I pay
tribute to these prisoners and especially their families who have
endured so much.''
The Cavan/Monaghan SF representative castigated the ``quite
cynical and selective political and media manipulation of the
views of a section of victims of the conflict... This has been done
in order to resist the principle that in a conflict resolution
situation the release of political prisoners is essential.''
Emphasising the impetus provided to usher forward an era of
change, he said, ``to set victims against prisoners and their
families, who have themselves suffered much, is to return to the
old mindset of conflict.''
Although releases have to be accompanied by other changes, he
said, ``among the number of outstanding issues that remain to be
adressed include the need to end political extradition; the
plight of prisoners in the US; uncertainties and fears of those
and their families facing deportation from the US; regularisation
of the status of prisoners already released here - those on
licence.''
Shortly before the Bill was passed, O Caoláin said, ``a spirit
that matches the hope and expectation of the Irish people is
required here today - not a begrudging, minimalist and selective
attitude towards this critical issue.''
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)