Labour MP John Grogan, who is flying to Northern Ireland tomorrow in the push for a yes vote in the peace deal referendum, clashed with the parents of Special Constable Glenn Goodman, who was murdered by IRA terrorist Paul "Mad Dog" Magee, near Tadcaster.

The Selby MP, a member of the Commons' Northern Ireland select committee, said Magee would have to be treated the same as every other IRA prisoner when it came to a decision on early release.

He said that if there was a yes vote, part of the peace process would be a scheme whereby terrorists would be eligible for early release on licence, provided the organisation they belonged to was committed to peace, and the individual concerned posed no threat to the public.

He added: "The same conditions and the same assessment would apply to Magee as they would to anyone else.

"I attended a press conference in Belfast last week where relatives of people murdered by the Balcombe Street gang were urging people to vote yes in the referendum.

"They, too, were uncomfortable about repatriation and early release on licence, but were prepared to accept them as part of a peace settlement.

"I have tried to represent the views of the Goodman family to the Home Secretary, but equally I have had to tell them that ultimately the case of Magee will have to be treated exactly the same as other prisoners.

"I know how painful that is to the Goodmans, but if we can secure a peace deal, that would be the most lasting tribute to Glenn, whether or not Magee is released early."

Glenn Goodman's father, Brian, said he was furious that Magee should even be considered for early release.

He said: "Magee is not a political prisoner - he was convicted of cold-bloodedly murdering a police officer.

"We believe he'll be out in two years, which is an insult to the victim, his family and police officers.

"I want a yes vote, but not at any price, and not if it means the early release of men like Magee."

Mr Grogan, who has visited IRA and Unionist prisoners in the Maze prison, will act as an observer during the referendum count on Saturday, after taking part in a yes vote canvassing campaign in the east Belfast area of the city.

He said: "It would be nice to think that the next generation who are in school in North Yorkshire at the moment will not have to put their lives on the line in Northern Ireland."

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