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22/10/2001
Adams admits Sinn Fein link with Colombian trio
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has admitted one of three Irishmen detained in Colombia was Sinn Fein's representative in Cuba.
Mr Adams revealed on Monday October 22 that Niall Connolly’s appointment was made without his knowledge or authorisation of the International Department.
Mr Connolly was one of three men arrested in Bogotá in August on suspicion of training member’s of the left-wing FARC militia and for travelling on false passports.
Mr Adams said although the party had denied claims that Mr Connolly was their representative, an internal investigation revealed: “One of our senior members asked Niall Connolly to represent the party in Cuba. This decision was taken without the knowledge or authorisation of the international department or any other party structure including the party chairperson or myself.”
Mr Adams said proper procedures had not been employed in the appointment of Mr Connolly and that they had been reviewed to ensure that this “unfortunate situation” does not arise again.
Mr Adams, however, denied Monday’s admission in any way altered Sinn Fein's opposition to the Colombian arrests. He said: “It remains my view that Sinn Féin has no case to answer over the Colombia arrests.”
Sinn Féin have publicly endorsed a campaign for the release of the “Colombia Three”. Among those backing the ‘Bring Them Home’ campaign is former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan, Irish folk singer Christy Moore, independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae and Green Party MEP, Patricia McKenna as well as Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
A full-page advertisement in the Irish News claims the three men are being held in “inhumane conditions in Colombia which violate their basic human rights and contravene International Law”.
The advertisement also condemned "adverse and inaccurate" press coverage of the arrests, claiming it has undermined their right to a fair trial. (AMcE)
Mr Adams revealed on Monday October 22 that Niall Connolly’s appointment was made without his knowledge or authorisation of the International Department.
Mr Connolly was one of three men arrested in Bogotá in August on suspicion of training member’s of the left-wing FARC militia and for travelling on false passports.
Mr Adams said although the party had denied claims that Mr Connolly was their representative, an internal investigation revealed: “One of our senior members asked Niall Connolly to represent the party in Cuba. This decision was taken without the knowledge or authorisation of the international department or any other party structure including the party chairperson or myself.”
Mr Adams said proper procedures had not been employed in the appointment of Mr Connolly and that they had been reviewed to ensure that this “unfortunate situation” does not arise again.
Mr Adams, however, denied Monday’s admission in any way altered Sinn Fein's opposition to the Colombian arrests. He said: “It remains my view that Sinn Féin has no case to answer over the Colombia arrests.”
Sinn Féin have publicly endorsed a campaign for the release of the “Colombia Three”. Among those backing the ‘Bring Them Home’ campaign is former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan, Irish folk singer Christy Moore, independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae and Green Party MEP, Patricia McKenna as well as Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
A full-page advertisement in the Irish News claims the three men are being held in “inhumane conditions in Colombia which violate their basic human rights and contravene International Law”.
The advertisement also condemned "adverse and inaccurate" press coverage of the arrests, claiming it has undermined their right to a fair trial. (AMcE)
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