June 6, 2003 Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association Press Release
Officer Commanding Republican Prisoners of War meets Secretary of State Paul Murphy.

Today in the education wing of Maghaberry gaol, the OC Oglaigh Na hEireann prisoners John Connolly came face to face with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland Paul Murphy. Despite a large entourage of NIO officials, Prison Officials and body guards Mr Connolly was able to approach Mr Murphy and introduce himself as the OC of the republican prisoners.

There was an attempt made by the prison officials to prevent any contact but the Secretary of State indicated that he was prepared to speak with the OC. Mr Connolly then outlined the position of the republican prisoners in the gaol and told of the litany of abuse from Loyalist prisoners as well as prison officials. Connolly then went on to demand segregation from loyalists and the restoration of political status on behalf of the republican POW's.

Mr Murphy indicated that there was movement on the issues that had been raised and was thanked by John Connolly for his time and interest when it was apparent that officials did not want the exchange to take place. The IRPWA reiterate John Connolly's demands and would urge the NIO to segregate republican prisoners immediately. Paul Murphy's indication that moves are afoot are a cause for some optimism but while officials talk the likelihood of another serious assault or a death increases.

We ask the British Government to bear in mind what has happened in the past when indications of movement were not followed up by action and when hopes were raised only to be dashed.

Martin Mulholland, Spokesman.
     Contact: Martin Mulholland/Marian Price,
     Phone: 07801 729 412,
     E-MAIL: irpwa@hotmail.com