article_snippet: telling six IRA suspects six IRA suspects could return to the UK without fear of being charged.
article_snippet: Tony Blair negotiated a deal with Sinn Fein in which on-the-run terror suspects not wanted by police received 'comfort letters' The case against Mr Downey was thrown out after Mr Downey produced a letter from the Government telling Mr Downey Mr Downey was no longer wanted and was free to travel to the UK.
article_snippet: Mr Blair's said the peace process with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams (right)
article_snippet: and Martin McGuinness would have collapsed without Letters .
article_snippet: As part of the peace deal bringing an end to the conflict in Northern Ireland, IRA terrorists serving prison terms were let out of prison early.
article_snippet: In a controversial agreement was reached between Mr Blair's and Sinn Fein, police checks would be carried out and those who were no longer wanted would be sent a letter informing police checks of that fact.
article_snippet: Mr Blair's has insisted the Northern Ireland peace process would have collapsed without the controversial scheme giving immunity from prosecution to republican terror suspects – the so-called 'on the runs'.
article_snippet: Under hostile questioning from the Northern Ireland affairs select committee, Mr Blair's refused to apologise for setting up a process which victims said effectively handed the recipients 'get out of jail free' cards.
article_snippet: Mr Blair's told MPs: 'If I had been saying MPs are not dealing with this in any way at all…
article_snippet: I think it is likely that the Northern Ireland peace process would have collapsed,' Mr Blair's said. '