Donegal Sinn Fein member John Downey is in good spirits, says MP
THE LEADING Sinn Fein member from Donegal arrested over the 1982 Hyde Park bomb murders should be released immediately.
That’s the call from Sinn Fein’s West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty who has visited John Downey in London’s high security Belmarsh Prison.
The 61-year-old was arrested last month by Scotland Yard detectives at Gatwick Airport after stepping off a plane.
Mr Downey, from Carrigart, was later charged with the murders of four British soldiers during the bomb attack 31 years ago.
On Wednesday, he was told at preliminary hearing that he would stand trial for the offences this November at the Old Bailey.
His arrest has provoked a strong reaction from Sinn Fein.
Donegal County Council has already passed a motion calling for his release.
Pat Doherty visited Mr Downey in the jail following his court appearance.
“I visited John Downey in Belmarsh this morning and assured him of Sinn Féin’s solidarity and support.
” I also met with John’s solicitor Gareth Pierce and am meeting with the Irish Embassy this afternoon to raise his case with them.
“John was very relaxed and in good spirits despite the situation in which he has been placed through the latest instance of broken British commitments.
“I assured John that Sinn Féin will pursue every avenue available to us to hold the British government to its commitments and secure his release.
“John Downey is a member of Sinn Féin and a long-time supporter of the Peace Process. The decision to arrest and charge him in relation to IRA activities in the early 1980s is vindictive, unnecessary and unhelpful and is a source of anger within the Republican community.
“As part of the Weston Park negotiation the British Government committed to resolving the position of on the runs (OTRs). John Downey received a letter from the NIO in 2007 stating that he was not wanted by the PSNI or any British Police Force. Despite travelling to England on many occasions now six years on he finds himself before the courts on these historic charges.
“This development represents bad faith and a departure from what was previously agreed by both governments. I will be raising these issues with the Irish Embassy this afternoon.
“John Downey needs to be released and allowed to return home to his family.”