End of hunger strike welcomed

Raymond McCartney

Sinn Féin Assembly member Raymond McCartney welcomed the news on Tuesday that Liam Hannaway has decided to end his hunger strike. McCartney met with Justice Minister, David Ford, earlier on Tuesday to discuss Mr Hannaway’s situation and the conditions in which prisoners are currently held in Maghaberry.
“I welcome the news that Liam Hannaway has ended his hunger strike, the Sinn Féin MLA said. “I met with him and other prisoners recently when a Sinn Fein delegation visited the prison. During our visit we discussed at length the many issues raised by Liam and the other prisoners relating to the prison regime.
McCartney said it was clear that there are problems with the regime in Maghaberry. Particular issues raised by the prisoners included controlled movement, 23 hour lock-up and strip searching.
“Prisoners and their families must be treated with dignity and respect,” he said. “Prisoners have rights and the prison regime should reflect this. Following our visit to the prison I made a number of representations to the prison authorities and to the new Justice Minister, David Ford, relating to prison conditions.
“It was always my opinion that these matters can be resolved if the necessary political will is there.”
McCartney concluded by saying that it is important now that other outstanding issues of concern in Maghaberry are properly addressed by the prison authorities.
“Sinn Féin will continue in the coming days to keep working to that end.”