"Given the continuing dirty protest at Maghaberry involving Republican prisoners, it is imperative that a united stance be taken by all Republicans in support of segregation. The IRSP fully support the right of the Republican prisoners to segregation.

"We clearly recognise that they are political prisoners involved in a legitimate form of protest within the jail. As a former prisoner myself, I fully understand the frustrations that have driven the prisoners to undertake a dirty protest. I call on all former INLA prisoners to come out on demonstrations in support of the call for segregation no matter who calls those demonstrations.

"But the IRSP would like to see, instead of the current divisions between Republicans, a unified campaign. Disunity among Republican parties weakens the possibility of winning the justified demands of the prisoners.

"The IRSP are calling for the establishment of a broad based committee comprising representatives of all Republican groups and other supporters to take up the demand for segregation. The history of the H-Block mass struggles during the '81 hunger strikes show what can be achieved by a unified campaign drawing support from a wide base."

Mr. McGarrigle concluded:

"Such support for the prisoners should not be seen as an endorsement for the continuation of armed struggle by Republican groups. The IRSP are very clear about the futility of the continuation of armed actions at this time. It is clear that the vast majority of Republicans as well as the vast majority of the Irish people reject armed struggle as a current tactic. We urge other Republicans to take the political road. It is the only way forward to progress Republican objectives."

STATEMENTS ENDS