March 9, 2003 Trial Row
by Des Dalton, Assistant Publicity Officer, Republican Sinn Féin

What has been described as the biggest trial of Republicans in the Special Non-Jury court in Dublin is in danger of total collapse because the State is refusing to pay a solicitor on behalf of all his clients, a member of Republican Sinn Féin said today.

Des Dalton, a member of the Ard Comhairle of RSF, said that Limerick solicitor John Devane is acting for six of the seven men on trial.

"Yet the State is now insisting on paying Mr. Devane for acting only on behalf of Des Long, the vice-president of Republican Sinn Féin," said Mr. Dalton who heads up the RSF prisoners welfare department.

"The fact is John Devane is also the solicitor for five of the other six men - in fact he was acting for seven of the initial eight until one was acquitted. For the past year - and since the very outset, he has worked tirelessly for all the men - holding numerous meetings with each man and often working through weekends. He has almost totally given over his practice to the management of this case. No later than this morning the State refused to pay for legal services - it is tantamount to the State trying to scupper the trial because it is obvious the State's case is falling apart. It is not fair on the men and their families as they will have to put their lives on hold again because of the decision of the State not to pay their legal representative.

"So far the case has cost the taxpayer between three and four million euros - and this is an attempt by the State to deprive these men of adequate legal services. If Mr.Devane is forced to withdraw at this stage, it will be a serere blow to the defence - it will be a mockery of justice.

There is no justification for the action of the State: it is tantamount to perverting the course of justice. We are now calling on the State to ensure that Mr.Devane is paid in full forthwith."