U.S. Bars Entry of Sinn Fein Lobbyist

U.S. officials have barred the top America-based lobbyist for Sinn Fein from traveling back to the United States from Ireland, the party said.

Rita O’Hare was denied a visa to accompany Sinn Fein deputy leader Martin McGuinness on a trip to New York and Washington.

U.S. immigration officials said O’Hare had violated a previous visa by traveling without authorization to Florida. She requires a special visa because she jumped bail in Northern Ireland 30 years ago while awaiting trial for attempted murder of British soldiers. She remains subject to arrest if she returns to the British territory. As part of her U.S. visa restrictions, she must tell the State Department of her specific travel plans.