The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern has apologised to Inishowen publican Frank Shortt for his wrongful arrest in 1992 and the treatment he and his family have been subjected to since then.

After a long battle to seek vindication for his wrongful jailing in 1995 Mr Shortt has finally received due recognition in the form of ¤4.7 million euro compensation from that State as well as number apologies from powerful figures within Government and from senior gardai.

Mr Shortt received the letter from An Taoiseach last week which was simply signed 'Bertie' in which Mr Ahern said the suffering endured by Mr Shortt and his family was 'unacceptable'.

The Taoiseach added: "On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf I would like to convey my sincere apologies."

Mr Ahern also acknowledged the former publican's conviction and imprisonment had been "unjust". His letter continued: "Any injustice of the kind suffered by you is unacceptable but in your situation it is compounded by the fact that it was caused by the deplorable actions of some members of An Garda Siochana."

Pointing out that the Garda Ombudsman Commission is to open its doors on May 9th Mr Ahern gave an undertaking in the letter to Mr Shortt that: "In the future nothing short of the highest standards of professional behaviour by members of An Garda Siochana will be tolerated."

He concluded by wishing 72-year-old Mr Shortt "every best wish for the future" and noted that "any apology, however genuinely offered, can never be adequate."

Commenting on the letter from An Taoiseach, a delighted Mr Shortt said: "I think he has done the right and honourable thing. Myself and my wife and family welcome this apology in all sincerity."

Mr Shortt has already received apologies from President Mary McAleese and Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy.