The Five Demands

SDLP Ramsey: Brendan Lillis’ case to be raised with Taoiseach
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has reacted to news that Brendan Lillis has been refused parole today, and will now be making direct contact with An Taoiseach to intervene
Mr Ramsey said: “I am equally saddened and concerned today that the authorities have refused to release Brendan Lillis despite his obvious medical difficulties and the fact that all charges against him have been dropped.
It is not credible to assess Mr Lillis as still being a threat to the public, and I am extremely concerned that if the worst was to happen and Brendan were to pass away in Maghaberry, that some would use him as an excuse to create havoc on our streets – that is something none of us want.
I am again calling on Justice Minister, David Ford MLA to release Brendan on compassionate grounds immediately, and given today’s decision, I will now also be writing to the Taoiseach to ask him to intervene in this case and have Brendan released to be with his family.
This case is of grave importance on a number of levels and I would urge all those in a position to do so, to look on Brendan’s case and make a decision based on the medical evidence and make the right decision – and to do it urgently”