Fine Gael's decision to reluctantly accept the early release of the jailed INLA kidnapper, Dessie O'Hare, has been challenged by a leading member of the party's front bench, its spokesman on justice, Mr John Deasy.
O'Hare, also known as the 'Border Fox', is serving 40 years in connection with the kidnapping of Dublin dentist, Dr John O'Grady.
The disagreement could provoke a serious clash between Mr Deasy and his leader, Mr Enda Kenny, who disciplined the Waterford TD last month after he had strongly criticised the Northern Ireland policy of the former taoiseach, Mr John Bruton.
On Monday Mr Kenny instructed the Laois-Offaly TD, Ms Olwyn Enright, to speak in support of O'Hare's transfer from Portlaoise Prison to Castlerea, and his eventual release, before she appeared on RTE's Questions and Answers.
Questioned by John Bowman, Ms Enright said: "It is a price that we are going to have to pay. Families will find it hard to accept, but we will have to accept it and move on."
However, Ms Enright's statement was challenged yesterday by Mr Deasy.
He told The Irish Times: "This guy should remain in prison. I don't think 14 years is long enough. Fine Gael's stand on this one should be very definite.
"People who wandered around this country mutilating people and who receive 40-year sentences should serve them."
The Release of Prisoners Commission, which was set up by the Government after the Belfast Agreement, ruled that O'Hare qualified for early release from jail for kidnapping Dr O'Grady in Cabinteely, Dublin.
The last minister for justice, Mr John O'Donoghue, accepted the decision about O'Hare, who deemed himself to be a member of the Irish National Liberation Army during his court appearances.
On Sunday the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, ruled that O'Hare should be transferred from Portlaoise to Castlerea Prison in preparation for his final release. However, a date has not yet been set.
But Mr Deasy remained unconvinced, saying: "I don't believe that this guy necessarily meets the terms of the Good Friday agreement. He is trying to argue that he found God in prison.
"Sometimes in this country we seem to have a tendency to pay more attention to perpetrators of crime rather than the victims of crime."
However, the Fine Gael leader laid down party policy last night.
"We might not like this, but if we start to pick and choose then we run counter to the courts and make a mockery of the entire package," Mr Kenny said.
