A Belfast republican has been charged in relation to the kidnapping of the former supermarket executive, Mr Don Tidey. Mr Brendan McFarlane (47), of Jamaica Street, Belfast, appeared amid heavy security at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday.
He faces three charges: falsely imprisoning Mr Tidey between November 24th and December 16th, 1983; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at Derradda Wood, Drumcroman, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, between November 25th and December 16th, 1983; and possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose at Derradda Wood between the same dates.
Two of Sinn Fein's negotiating team at the Stormont talks, Ms Lucillita Breathnach and Mr Jack Crowe, were in the public gallery for the 10-minute hearing, along with the writer and former republican leader, Mr Danny Morrison and other Sinn Fein supporters.
Mr McFarlane spoke only once when he replied: "That's correct, yes" when asked by the court registrar if he was Brendan McFarlane.
Det Garda James Sheridan gave evidence of arresting Mr McFarlane at Dundalk Garda station at 11.46 a.m. yesterday under Section 4 of the Criminal Law Act, 1997.
Mr McFarlane's counsel, Mr Hugh Hartnett SC, said he was not in a position to apply for bail. Folllowing an application by Assistant State Solicitor, Mr Liam Mulholland, the court remanded Mr McFarlane in custody until Tuesday.
He was driven to Portlaoise Prison under heavy Garda and Army escort.