THE Irish government is set to visit jailed republican Tony Taylor after he was turned down again for release.
The Derry man has spent more than a year in jail without charge after his early release licence was revoked by then Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.
His solicitor Aiden Carlin last night said he is also preparing to launch a legal challenge of the decision not to release Mr Taylor.
Politicians and human rights groups have voiced concern about his continued detention in Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim.
A former republican prisoner, Taylor was sentenced to 18 years in jail in 1994 for IRA activity and for three years in 2011 for possession of a rifle.
Those who took part in the parole hearing earlier this year are banned from speaking about it.
Mr Carlin last night said there is no evidence against his client.
“It is respectfully submitted that there is no objective evidence that Tony Taylor behaved in a manner which demonstrates breach of his licence conditions and public protection does not require his confinement,” he said.
“His continued detention is internment in all but name.”
Sinn Féin national chairman Declan Kearney said the decision to deny parole “is a denial of justice and due process.”
“The quasi judicial process which occurred was a travesty and has acted in subordination to the political primacy of the NIO."
