Michael
McKevitt
Political Hostage
Portlaoise Prison
Portlaoise
Co Laois
21st
June 2006
It
is an impossible task to name everyone who has helped
in some way, let it be big or small with this endeavour
to highlight the human rights breaches against my
family and myself. So to all who have helped in
any way I say thank you most sincerely.
However,
acknowledgements should be singled out to those
at the helm of this embryonic campaign and to those
dearest to me who have always helped in every way
possible.
I
would like to thank Monsignor Raymond Murray, Fr
Des Wilson, Fr. Joe McVeigh and Noelle Ryan all
of whom are veteran human rights activists, who
when approached had no hesitation in lending their
support to this campaign. In particular I wish to
acknowledge Fr. Des who before this campaign was
ever mentioned had identified the human rights breaches
while attending my trial as an observer in Dublins
Special Criminal Court. He made no secret of his
disgust during the super-grass trial in the non-jury
court. I will always be grateful for his honesty,
sincerity and his comforting support to my family
at that time and since.
My
thanks must go to all the members of the McKevitt
and Sands families and also the extended families
who encouraged me to proceed with this campaign
when initially I was reluctant to allow it to advance.
When this idea was first put to me I wasnt
overly keen on it as I felt those involved may be
targeted unfairly by the tabloid press and their
associates. However after long and careful consideration
I was persuaded by those dear to me to give this
campaign my full endorsement, which I have done.
I
must thank especially Marcella, my sister-in law,
for all her unwavering help. She penned the book
with superhuman patience in a most resolute way,
highlighting aspects of a vicious campaign waged
against our family over the past number of years.
To
each of my children who despite the vicious tabloid
led campaign of vilification and the overt Garda
harassment, came through it all with great strength
and resilience. It is with pride that I acknowledge
their individual help with this project.
To
my devoted wife Bernadette, who has always stood
shoulder to shoulder with me through these difficulties.
She has been a tower of strength and I could never
find the words to express my gratitude to her.
Finally,
a special mention to two amazing people - my father-in-law
and mother-in-law John and Rosaleen Sands whom I
have the utmost respect and admiration for. Their
endorsement and support of this campaign has meant
a lot to me. I will always cherish the solidarity
and warmth, which they have shown to me during my
incarceration.
Yours sincerely
Michael McKevitt.