GRA: Orde comments prove nature of McCabe killers and IRA
The national executive of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said Northern Ireland Chief Constable Hugh Orde’s assertion that the IRA carried out the multi-million euro bank heist in Belfast last month was further proof that the killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe should not be released under any circumstances.
Members of the national executive met in Adare Co Limerick today where their former colleague was killed in a botched IRA post office raid in June 1996. His widow Ann and son John attended today's meeting which marked the first time that 28 members of the national executive met outside of Dublin.
The meeting was organised to discuss a date for a public demonstration in oppposition to any possible early release of the killers of Det Gda McCabe.
Local reports had suggested that the detective's widow might lead the demonstration but Mrs McCabe made no comment after today's meeting at the Woodlands Hotel in Adare.
In a statement issued after the meeting by the GRA, the group's General Secretary PJ Stone said that Chief Constable of Northern Ireland Hugh Orde's assertion that the IRA was behind last month's £26.5m (€37.9m) bank heist indicates the true nature of the IRA, and as a result the IRA should not be given special concessions in respect of early release.
"We are still committed to the principle that these criminals and murderers remain behind bars," said Mr Stone.
"Further to that, we believe the statement by the PSNI Chief Constable, Hugh Orde, indicates the true nature of the IRA and its cohorts and they should not be given any further special concessions in respect of early release."
Mr Stone went on to say that the GRA received an assurance from the government that they would be advised if the situation in respect of the killers' release alters or changes.
"If that were to happen,we would then organise an appropriate assembly and we would advise our members accordingly and then ask the general public for their support, which they have been giving us up to now and which we are very grateful for," said Mr Stone.
Meanwhile, GRA president Dermot O'Donnell said today that a public protest against any early release of Det Garda McCabe's killers was not an issue for the moment.
However, he added that the GRA had reached a "level of preparedness" regarding a protest and that this level would be maintained and that public support would be sought should the situation change.
Mr O'Donnell went on to rule out any suggestion of a "blue flu" sitatuion in the event of any early release of the killers as "not even a remote possibilty".
