Early release for IRA prisoners

Dublin yesterday moved to reinforce republican confidence in the resumed peace process in advance of next month's multi-party talks by releasing two IRA prisoners.

The two were not amongst the most important prisoners and the Irish government decision, though less than a month after the latest IRA cessation, appears to be a minimal first step reflecting general caution following the abrupt ending of the first ceasefire in february last year. Gerard Burke, of Dublin, was serving four years for offences linked to a robbery. Thomas Flynn of Cork was jailed for six months for assault. Burke was due to be released next June and Flynn in October this year. Alan Murdoch