The Workers’ Party have condemned the heavy handed arrest of former Party President Seán Garland outside the party’s Head Office in Dublin this morning (Friday 30/1/09).

Current Workers’ Party President Michael Finnegan has said:

“The Árd Comhairle of the Workers’ Party condemns this heavy handed and blatantly political act.  Some time ago Sean Garland had been in touch with gardaí through his legal representatives and had made it clear that he was willing and available to speak to them at any time. There was absolutely no need to arrest Sean Garland outside the party offices and the decision to do so only serves to reinforce the political nature of this arrest”.

Sean Garland has made it clear previously and again now that he will fight any attempt at extradition to the United States through the Irish courts.    The Workers’ Party will fully support Sean Garland in this process.

The Workers' Party calls on all progressive groups and individuals in Ireland and throughout the world to oppose the persecution of Sean Garland.

Issued 30th January 2009