The family of a Long Kesh escapee who is facing deportation from the US have appealed to the American government to allow their relative to remain in the country.

Last week Pól Brennan was given the dreaded news that he is to be sent back to Ireland after spending the past 25 years living in the US.

The 55-year-old Ballymurphy man was one of 38 IRA prisoners who escaped from Long Kesh in 1983.

He fled to the US and was arrested a decade later living under a new identity in San Francisco.

Pól was charged with gaining illegal entry to the country, however his problems appeared to end in 2000 when the British government dropped extradition proceedings.

Although confusion existed over his residency status, he continued to live in the US.

However, in January he was arrested in Texas for having a out-of-date work permit.

Pól Brennan has been held in a variety of jails ever since and now the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed he is to be deported back to Ireland.

The decision is a hammer blow for both him and his family – given the fact he has led a trouble-free life in the US.

Pól’s Belfast-based nephew, Colm Brennan, says that although the deportation decision has been “devastating” for his uncle, he has lost none of his fighting spirit.

“He will appeal the decision to a higher court, but is very concerned that Homeland Security will try to deport him before he has a chance to appeal,” said Colm.

“He will now apply for bail to be with his wife and family while the appeals process is undertaken.

“The US authorities know that Pól is no danger to society as they have allowed him to live openly with his family in San Francisco for the past ten years. 

“We hope that even at this late stage Pól will be shown clemency.”