Fianna Fáil has questioned remarks from the Tánaiste about the release of a peace activist from prison. Eamon Gilmore says he hopes the legal team of Margaretta D'Arcy are working to secure her release as soon as possible.
Ms. D'Arcy (79) is serving a three-month sentence for illegally accessing a runway at Shannon Airport during a protest against the US Military.
The writer and elderly activist is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
Fianna Fail's Michael McGrath says politicians cannot have a role in the judicial process.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said earlier that the visit was appropriate.
Meanwhile, the President is defending his wife's decision to visit the jailed anti-war activist.
Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed that Mrs. Sabina Higgins visited Ms. D'Arcy in Limerick Prison over the weekend, less than a week after she was jailed.
Michael D. Higgins says his wife was visiting a long standing friend in a personal and private capacity
He says whether it was appropriate or not does not arise at all.
Margaretta D'Arcy is due to appear in court again in Ennis on Wednesday to face separate charges arising from an incident at Shannon Airport in October of last year.
