The sister of a Tramore woman murdered by her husband nearly 30 years ago has spoken of her relief that he has withdrawn his latest parole bid.

Marian Leonard has welcomed the news that double murderer Frank McCann has halted his latest bid for freedom after spending nearly 30 years behind bars.

McCann burned down his home in Rathfarnham in Dublin while his wife Esther, and their 18-month-old adopted daughter Jessica, slept inside in 1992.

McCann, who was a well-known swimming coach, had acted after details about a child he had fathered with a teenage swimming student with special needs, emerged.

The killer is technically still serving a double life sentence but has been allowed temporary release from Mountjoy prison on weekdays and some Saturdays to attend computer and employment training in Dublin.

He has previously made five parole applications, all of which were turned down, before he himself withdrew this latest sixth one.

Marian Leonard, sister of Esther, spoke to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today this morning (Wednesday).

During the chat, she also revealed that McCann had been preparing for his life on the outside, even applying for a job with his brother's company.

McCann's brother Bernard has said that a 'a life sentence should mean life', when contacted by the 'Irish Independent' who broke the story of the parole withdrawal.

You can listen back to Marian's interview with Damien on WLR this morning by clicking on the image above...