Gardaí 'probe 40 republican abusers'

Mairia Cahill

Philip Ryan and Niall O'Connor

March 30 2015 01:22 AM

GARDAI are investigating more than 40 suspected republican sex abusers, according to IRA sex abuse victim Mairia Cahill.

Ms Cahill met with gardaí last week to discuss the increasing number of victims she has spoken to who endured similar treatment to her at the hands of republican abusers.

It is understood the cases being investigated include at least three attacks in Dublin.

The abuse suffered by victims dates as far back as the 1970s, with most of the cases being reported occurring in Belfast and Derry.

Gardaí are working closely with the PSNI and the State's child and family agency, Tusla.

"I am appealing to victims to come forward and report their abuse.

"There is nothing to be afraid of and if I can help in any way to alleviate the fear that victims have I will," Ms Cahill said.

The fresh revelations come as a new opinion poll shows a drop in support for Sinn Féin.

Gerry Adams' party is now the fourth-most popular party in the State, according to the Red C poll in 'The Sunday Business Post'.

At a special Mass for the families of the "The Disappeared" yesterday, Archbishop Eamon Martin called on anyone with information about where murder victims were secretly buried by paramilitaries during The Troubles to come forward.

"I appeal to the conscience of anyone who has information that might help to come forward to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims," Mr Martin said during a Mass at Saint Patrick's College in Armagh.