Call for Christmas release for Gerry McGeough backed by Sinn Féin

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

‘As we have stated publicly on many occasions – and to both the British and Irish governments – Gerry McGeough should never have been in prison in the first place’

SINN FÉIN MLA Raymond McCartney has supported the call made by Gerry McGeough’s family for him to be released for Christmas.

The conviction in February 2011 of Tyrone man McGeough (right) of attempting to kill a UDR soldier in June 1981 has been consistently criticised by Sinn Féin.

Sinn Féin said the offences fell under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and Gerry McGeough should be released.

Gerry McGeough, who was arrested in 2007, was also convicted of possessing firearms with intent and IRA membership.

The Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson said on Tuesday:

“Sinn Féin supports the call by the family of Gerry McGeough for him to be released for Christmas.

“Considering that he just recently had a seventh stent inserted because of a heart condition, his release makes even more sense.

“As we have stated publicly on many occasions – and to both the British and Irish governments – Gerry McGeough should never have been in prison in the first place. He should be allowed to r

At the time of Gerry McGeough’s conviction, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew said:

“It is our firm view that this prosecution should not have happened. The offences for which Gerry McGeough was today convicted of fell under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

“Had Gerry McGeough been imprisoned at the time of the Good Friday Agreement, he would have qualified for release. It is clear that this is an anomaly that has arisen around some of these historical cases, a fact acknowledged by the British Government some time ago along with a commitment to rectify the situation.