Mountbatten's killer to stay in Irish jail
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Irish government last night named nine IRA prisoners, two of them serving life sentences, to be released before Christmas. Nessan Quinlivan and Pearse McCauley, who escaped from Brixton Prison, and Tommy McMahon, convicted of the murder of Lord Mountbatten, were not on the list.
By not releasing Quinlivan, McCauley or McMahon, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, the Irish justice minister, defused a potential row between the two governments.
Earl Mountbatten's great-nephew, the Marquess of Milford Haven, yesterday said he was ``shocked and horrified'' by the possibility that McMahon could be released early. He should only be allowed to leave prison ``in a hearse''.
Ulster Unionists claimed that the release was part of a deal with the IRA; Dublin denies this. Both governments are resisting pressure from republican and loyalist paramilitaries for an amnesty.
In a signal that the peace process is gaining momentum, Ian Paisley, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said he would be meeting Sir Patrick Mayhew, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, for the first time since being told to leave Downing Street by John Major.
Mr Paisley denied his party was ready to re-enter the talks process, and said the meeting would concentrate on the Prime Minister's promise of a referendum on a final deal on Ulster.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments