Speaking on Thursday, Cllr John Dwyer said: "The prosecution case effectively collapsed on Tuesday. In any other court in Europe or the US the case would be dismissed and the men deported on the minor charge of travelling under false passports.

"Despite having 15 months to prepare and present a case, this trial was adjourned after two main prosecution witnesses failed to show. The first is actually in the custody of the Colombian authorities? While the second, who is in a witness protection programme, apparently could not be located? Two Garda witnesses for the prosecution also declined to travel?

"What was particularly extraordinary was that the judge tried to force the defence into presenting its case first, before any evidence was offered against these men? This procedure goes against any recognised international jurisprudence.

"The only witness the prosecution presented, Major Carlos Eduardo Matiz, said he had no knowledge of whether the three Irishmen even met, let alone trained, the rebel FARC. The only time he had seen them was on television! "If they were in the [rebel-held area] for several days, it's because they were doing something. I don't know what it was, but it was something," Matiz told the court

"It is patently clear" said Cllr Dwyer "That this attempt at a fair trial has degenerated into a shambolic farce and that these men have no case to answer"

"This case has been politicised all over the world, and has been used to destroy the peace process in Ireland and Colombia. This is totally unacceptable. Under the glare of the international media, the Colombian authorities have clearly demonstrated that they have no case and no evidence.

"We are calling on the Irish Government to use all its international influence and to act now to secure the immediate release of these three Irishmen. The Government must demonstrate that it is willing and able to protect Irish citizens held captive in a foreign country."