FG deputy Tom Enright is a brave man. Almost as soon as he finishes canvassing the bogs of Offaly for his daughter Alwyn, a local election candidate, he is off to Turkey to represent the Council for Europe at the trial of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. The council is vehemently against the death penalty, so apart from reporting back to the plenary session in Strasbourg at the end of this month, he will be arguing against its use.
As a solicitor, Enright says, he has witnessed many criminal trials over the years but this will be unique in that it is taking place on the world stage. Ocalan is accused by some of murdering 30,000 people and, he adds, there are widespread protests and even flag- and picture-waving in court, something that would not be allowed here.
It is also unique in the list of conditions imposed on observers travelling to the trial island of Imrali - no jewellery, tiepins, cuff-links, army knives, nail-clippers, lighters, loose change, medicines, food, drink, perfumes, deodorants, paper or pens can be carried. These last two items will be supplied on the island. Enright says he is not worried; he is sure the Turkish authorities will respect the interests of the international observers.