Sinn Féin's general election candidate in North Kerry has been released from Garda custody. Martin Ferris was questioned throughout the day about a so-called "vigilante" attack in Castleisland last December.
Mr Ferris again denied any knowledge of the incident. He alleged that his arrest was part of a campaign of harassment being orchestrated against him and his party by Gardaí.
He said he had made an official complaint to the Gardaí, and he alleged he was assaulted while in custody. Mr Ferris said he had put the matter into the hands of his solicitor.
Earlier today, Martin McGuinness was in direct contact with senior officials in the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Justice to complain about the arrest. Sinn Féin's Chief Negotiator described Mr Ferris' arrest as a campaign of harassment by Gardaí in Kerry against his party. Mr McGuinness called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to intervene.
Mr Ferris was the sixth member of Sinn Féin to be arrested in connection with the abduction of a man near his home in Castleisland on 7 December. Others arrested include his director of elections in North Kerry, James Sheehan.
