27.07.1995

Free all political prisoners!

IRSP statement on the ending of the prison protest

THE IRISH Republican Socialist Party confirms that two republican socialist POWs, Martin McMonagle and Liam Heffernan, ended their protest in Whitemoor Prison on July 24 1995.

Following a meeting in Dail Eireann (Friday July 21) with the Irish Labour Party delegation scheduled to meet with the prisoners, the IRSP made a number of proposals (including the decategorising of Irish political prisoners) that, if accepted by the prison authorities and Home Office, would allow the IRSP to recommend to the prisoners that they conclude their protest.

It is our understanding that the matter has now been resolved.

Gino Gallagher, IRSP prisons spokesperson, commenting on the move, said:

“Naturally I welcome the ending of the protest. I would particularly compliment the Labour Party delegation on their contribution to this resolution. However the men (Heffernan and McMonagle) have made it clear that - given the track record of the British in relation to guarantees to Irish political prisoners - should the authorities renege on the understanding, they will have no hesitation in re-embarking on a renewed protest.”

Saoirse branch launched

LAST WEDNESDAY a meeting in the Town Hall attended by over 50 people launched the Manchester branch of the Saoirse campaign for the release of Irish political prisoners. The organisation’s national chair opened the meeting by describing the conditions of Irish prisoners still held in British jails.