A Minister of State lobbied to have Mr Eddie Gallagher, one of the kidnappers of Dutch industrialist Mr Tiede Herrema, appointed to a prison visiting committee, it has emerged. Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent, reports.
In November 2000, Mr Pat "The Cope" Gallagher, then an MEP for Connacht/Ulster, wrote to the then Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue. The kidnapper had "spent a considerable period in prison and I do feel that he has a contribution to make", said the Donegal North East politician, who is now Minister of State at the Department of the Environment. Mr Gallagher's request was not met.
A place on one of the 15 prison visiting committees, which are appointed every three years, is greatly prized, particularly since it often brings with it considerable expenses. Last year, the committees cost €660,000 to run and are "loaded with Government supporters", complained Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Mr Jim O'Keeffe last night.
Along with Ms Marian Coyle, Mr Eddie Gallagher seized Mr Herrema, the managing director of the Ferenka factory in Limerick, near his Castletroy, Co Limerick, home on October 3rd, 1975. The kidnappers and their victim were traced to Monasterevin, Co Kildare, 18 days later. After a 17-day house siege, the pair, who had initially demanded the release of three Portlaoise prisoners - Ms Rose Dugdale, Mr Kevin Mallon and Mr James Hyland - gave themselves up.
Mr Gallagher was sentenced to 20 years in jail and served almost 14; Ms Coyle received 15 years and served 10. Mr Herrema always said the sentences were too long.
Gallagher is not the only one to be the subject of lobbying by Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrat figures, according to Freedom of Information files released to Mr O'Keeffe.
In November 1999, Minister of State Mr Willie O'Dea urged Mr O'Donoghue to appoint two of his Limerick supporters to any of the prison visiting committees. Both were unsuccessful local election candidates. "I am extremely anxious to keep both actively involved in the party. I trust you will give this request your most sympathetic consideration," wrote Mr O'Dea.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, then serving in Health and Children, sought the renomination of a constituent to the board of Wheatfield Prison. "As a personal favour to me, I would be obliged if you could reappoint him as he has no other interests in public life at this stage," Mr Cowen said.