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Updated at 1.11pm
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has said a visit by his wife to imprisoned peace activist Margaretta D’Arcy was “private and personal” and that the issue of whether or not it was appropriate “doesn’t arise”.
The 79-year-old, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, was arrested at her home in Galway last week after she refused to sign a bond to keep away from unauthorised zones at Shannon Airport. She’s now serving a three month sentence in jail.
It emerged yesterday that Sabina Higgins had paid a visit to her in prison.
The event was played down as ‘private’ last night by an Áras spokesperson. And President Higgins reiterated that sentiment when questioned on the issue this morning by Today FM News Correspondent Fergal O’Brien
“Sabina was visiting a friend of long standing whose health is frail and who is a fellow artist,” the President said.
“Sabina is a person who can speak for herself and is a person of very good judgement, and we do a lot of other things as well.
“It’s not for me to comment — but it really is a private and personal visit to someone who is her friend who is fragile and who is a fellow artist.”
(Youtube: Fergal O’Brien)
Speaking earlier, Tánaiste and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said that there was nothing inappropriate about the visit, and described the veteran campaigner as a “strong woman with strong convictions”.
Fianna Fáil’s Michael McGrath was also asked about the issue and said that it was the right of any citizen in the State “to make a private visit to a prisoner held in this State in whatever way they see fit”.
Asked whether she should be released, McGrath said it was a matter for the the judiciary and the Prison Service, and that no politician could interfere in such decisions.
Around 150 people turned out for a protest calling for the activist’s release at the Department of Justice in Dublin last Friday, with smaller demonstrations taking place in Galway and Limerick.
Speaking at the weekend, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams called for her immediate release, saying that the writer and film-maker is “not a criminal and poses no danger to the public”.
D’Arcy had initially been given a suspended three-month jail term for trespassing at Shannon, but the sentence was activated after she declined to sign the court bond last week. She had been protesting the use of the airport by the US military.
Originally posted at 12.50pm.
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Great story, lovely to see people getting a permanent home, wishing them health and happiness in their new abodes.
Trust a politician to turn up for the foto
I love my brick. Foto, Foto…
There are 2 houses boarded up on my street in dublin 9. They have been foe over a year since the last families were evicted for drug dealing. There is another around the corner that was vacated and is now used as a changing room for the local soccer club. So there’s 3 3 bed homes not being used. What the fook are the council playing at.
It’s very positive… We could complain and moan, that someone one had to die outside the Dáil for things like this to happen but realise it’s A good news story on the back of a very tough year for the likes of poor John Corry.. Let’s hope they have a good Christmas and great credit The likes of Lord Mayor Christy Burke & all involved..
No Ray,these houses haven’t been planned, built and equipped since that poor man died near the Dail!
But I take your point. Never in the history of our decrepit little state have a government responded so quickly to a tragedyli,e that, but at least they are responding which can only be a good thing. It’s up to us, the public, to ensure that it’s not a just pre christmas, pre election stunt. We need to keep the pressure on to make sure the policy is continued and also spread nationwide. While the homeless crises in Dublin is desperate, and the govt response is making the headlines, other cities like Cork and Waterford have a similar problem which are not being tackled.
great news to hear, i wonder how long they were waiting? just 5 f****in houses though, hard work from Alone mind, they get little support only from what we give :/ and to think this government could provide 500 if they wanted but would rather pay others.
Its so good to know these few people are living in their own homes for Christmas, long may they enjoy and hopefully by next Christmas no one will be sleeping on the streets at least those who don’t want to. Happy Christmas to you.
I used to work with ALONE when i was a teenager, very long time ago, need to get finger out
and get back there , Merry Christmas to one and all, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Once it is not a publicity stunt? What about homeless families too?
Isn’t it great that these people can now have a cup of tea by the fire in their own homes ! All the best to them
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