Press Release Limerick: 7th January 2005:

The Garda Representative Association held their Central Executive Council meeting in Adare, Co Limerick in show of solidarity with McCabe family. Mrs Ann McCabe attended the meeting for a short time at which the potential release of the killers of Jerry McCabe was discussed.

Speaking afterwards, PJ Stone, General Secretary, re-iterated the GRA’s stance on the killer’s release.

“We are still committed to the principle,” he said, “that these criminals and murderers remain behind bars. 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 meeting the GRA attended at which the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice were present, the GRA were advised that if the situation in respect of the killers release alters or changes or its contemplation alters or changes, the GRA would be informed.

“If that were to happen,” said PJ Stone, “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.”