A FERMANAGH and Omagh District Councillor has written to the Minister of Justice in the Republic of Ireland, Helen McEntee, to express concern “about the perception of imbalance” surrounding the remand of a Kinawley man in Castlerea Prison, Co. Roscommon.

Sinn Féin Councillor, Chris McCaffrey, has raised the issue of the denial of bail of Bernard McGovern, who is currently on remand for the alleged assaults of two Mannok (formerly known as Quinn Industrial Holdings) directors, Kevin Lunney and Dara O’Reilly, at a service station in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan in February, 2019.

Mr. McGovern has been in jail since June, and all bail applications have been turned down.

In a statement, Councillor McCaffrey said: “I wish to highlight concerns regarding the denial of bail for Mr. Bernard McGovern, who is presently remanded in custody at Castlerea Prison in connection with the alleged assault of two individuals in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, contrary to S.3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

“I refer to the almost four month-long period that Mr. McGovern has spent on remand since June 4 this year.

“This is over 100 days, which is an extraordinary length of time, and completely contravenes normal judicial procedures involving cases of this nature.

“Throughout this period, Mr. McGovern has been denied bail, despite every condition being offered by his family and solicitors, such as a surety address with relatives in Kildare, significant offers of cash bail and other independent guarantees.

“The authorities, however, continue to hold Mr. McGovern on remand without any sufficiently adequate reason being provided thus far,” said Councillor McCaffrey.

He said the bail applications were not unreasonable and pointed out that it was the first time Mr. McGovern had appeared before any court in Ireland.

Councillor McCaffrey added: “Law and justice remain the cornerstone of every free democracy, and every citizen is entitled to fair treatment within the legal judicial system - it should be no different in this instance.

“Take into consideration the multitude of examples where bail has been granted in other cases despite defendants facing serious charges and which involve other mitigating factors.

“While of course the alleged charges must be answered for in court, there is no justifiable reason to deny Mr. McGovern bail.

“I have written to Minister McEntee to express concern about the perception of imbalance surrounding bail proceedings.”

The Erne West councillor also raised concerns about the decision to send four carloads of PSNI officers to deliver court letters to the McGovern family, who have been holding regular protests over the detention of Mr. McGovern.