Allister calls on EU to pressurise Dublin over Columbia 3
08 August 2005
“Since the EU boldly proclaims its commitment to the international fight against terrorism, I have today taken steps to raise the uninhibited return of the Columbia 3 to Dublin with both the Council of Ministers and the Commission. I have tabled the following Oral Question for the parliamentary sessions in September:-
"Following the unimpeded return of convicted terrorist fugatives, Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, to the Republic of Ireland from Columbia, and given the EU's declared commitment to support the fight against international terrorism, what steps has the Council of Ministers/Commission taken to ensure that the Irish government does not provide sanctuary for these international terrorists and is the Council/Commission satisfied that Europol did everything possible to thwart their return?"
I have also circulated every MEP with a comment urging maximum pressure on Dublin to live up to its international obligations.
I fully intend to use the forum and facilities of the European Parliament to keep the focus on this issue, believing that it is intolerable for any civilised government to harbour terrorists. Ahern and his seemingly robust Justice Minister must now be put to the test.”
