Sunday, October 21, 2007
Sinn Fein boss Gerry Adams last night vowed to lobby George W Bush about an ex-republican prisoner who is facing deportation from the United States.
The west Belfast MP made the pledge after meeting with Malachy McAllister - whose two children could also be sent home - in America last week.
The senior republican, who has close links to the US administration, has urged President Bush to allow the McAllister family to remain in New Jersey.
Sunday Life understands the father-of-four - who fled Belfast in 1988 after a Red Hand Commando gang came within inches of killing his family - is expected to hear next week if he will be allowed to stay in his adopted home.
Speaking to us from his New Jersey home, the 50-year-old, who also met with victims' campaigner Raymond McCord last week, welcomed the support of the Sinn Fein president.
He said: "I met Mr Adams last week when he was in the States and we had a good meeting. He was very supportive of my case.
"The support I have received in the last few weeks has been tremendous and I hope to discover the outcome of my campaign very soon.
"We have a strong body of support here, because people know that this is a humanitarian issue. A wide range of people have been supporting me."
Although the Belfast man has received support from a number of high-profile politicians, he received a boost last week when leading senator Charles Schumer urged US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) chief Julie Myers not to deport the Belfast family.
Said the US politician: "This family faces immediate deportation to Northern Ireland unless the ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant 'deferred action' status to the McAllister's on humanitarian grounds.
"I have spoken with Julie Myers and made a strong case to grant the McAllisters deferred action status - it is the right thing to do.
"Malachy has made a life here and is a valued member of the community and it makes no sense to send him back into harm's way. Since the family has exhausted all legal appeals, the case is now entirely in the hands of DHS. It would be inhumane if this man and his family were sent home."
McAllister was jailed when he signed a police statement after being implicated by republican supergrass Harry Kirkpatrick.
The weapons used in the attack on his home were later found - along with McAllister's personal details - in a loyalist arms dump.
Sinn Fein boss Gerry Adams last night vowed to lobby George W Bush about an ex-republican prisoner who is facing deportation from the United States.
The west Belfast MP made the pledge after meeting with Malachy McAllister - whose two children could also be sent home - in America last week.
The senior republican, who has close links to the US administration, has urged President Bush to allow the McAllister family to remain in New Jersey.
Sunday Life understands the father-of-four - who fled Belfast in 1988 after a Red Hand Commando gang came within inches of killing his family - is expected to hear next week if he will be allowed to stay in his adopted home.
Speaking to us from his New Jersey home, the 50-year-old, who also met with victims' campaigner Raymond McCord last week, welcomed the support of the Sinn Fein president.
He said: "I met Mr Adams last week when he was in the States and we had a good meeting. He was very supportive of my case.
"The support I have received in the last few weeks has been tremendous and I hope to discover the outcome of my campaign very soon.
"We have a strong body of support here, because people know that this is a humanitarian issue. A wide range of people have been supporting me."
Although the Belfast man has received support from a number of high-profile politicians, he received a boost last week when leading senator Charles Schumer urged US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) chief Julie Myers not to deport the Belfast family.
Said the US politician: "This family faces immediate deportation to Northern Ireland unless the ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant 'deferred action' status to the McAllister's on humanitarian grounds.
"I have spoken with Julie Myers and made a strong case to grant the McAllisters deferred action status - it is the right thing to do.
"Malachy has made a life here and is a valued member of the community and it makes no sense to send him back into harm's way. Since the family has exhausted all legal appeals, the case is now entirely in the hands of DHS. It would be inhumane if this man and his family were sent home."
McAllister was jailed when he signed a police statement after being implicated by republican supergrass Harry Kirkpatrick.
The weapons used in the attack on his home were later found - along with McAllister's personal details - in a loyalist arms dump.
Art Hostage comments:
I sincerely hope and pray the McAllister family are allowed to stay in the United States.
Normally Senior Politicians do not get involved publicly unless they are assured of a positive outcome.
I really hope this is the case and Gerry Adams intercession is all part of the choreography.
Lets also hope this Gerry Adams intercession is the first step of a reconciliation between the INLA/IRSP and IRA/Sinn Fein.
Like all political organisations, the Irish Republican movement should encompass all aspects of Irish Republicanism.
Be that from the right wing, middle, or left wing.
For far too long now those with left leaning Irish Republican views have been treated shamefully and it is about time political parties like the IRSP are welcomed into the mainstream.
I firmly believe if there is to be a complete Irish Republican cessation of all military action the IRSP has a vital role to play.
The McAllister family being allowed to stay in America goes some way to uniting Irish Republicans in a manner that will benefit the Irish Republican cause no end.
This coming week my thoughts and prayers are with the McAllister family !!
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