Republican News · Thursday 25 October 2001

Connolly was Sinn Féin rep

In a statement on Monday morning, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams revealed that Niall Connolly, one of the three Irishmen currently being held in a Bogota jail in Colombia, was in fact a representative of Dsinn Féin in Cuba. The party had previously denied this, a claim made in good faith but that has since emerged as erroneous, said Adams. His full statements reads:

"Following the arrest of three Irish citizens in Columbia in August of this year there was a significant amount of speculation, much of it ill-informed and malicious.

"Niall Connolly was described in some reports as Sinn Féin's representative in Cuba. This was denied by us.

"This statement was made in good faith and based upon the information available at that time. Since then, two Sinn Féin representatives have visited Cuba and we have carried out a thorough internal investigation.

"It has emerged that one of our senior members asked Niall Connolly to represent the party in Cuba.

"This decision was taken without the knowledge or authorisation of the International Department or any other party structure, including the Party Chairperson and myself.

"Proper procedures were not employed in this case. These procedures have now been reviewed to ensure that this unfortunate situation does not arise again.

"Niall Connolly, for his part, acted in good faith in his dealings with the Cuban government and in lobbying and information activities.

"I regret and apologise for the embarrassment caused by our initial response to this issue of Niall's role.

"This however does not effect in any way Sinn Féin's position in respect of the three arrests in Colombia. It remains my view that Sinn Féin has no case to answer over the Colombia arrests.

"We endorse the campaign for the early release and speedy release of Niall Connolly, Jim Monaghan and Martin McCauley and their return home to their families."