Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has said that given the nature and history of republican terrorists in prison, it is no surprise to many that they continue their attempts to control the prison areas where they are located.
Mr Elliott said:
“It is imperative that the senior prison management give every ounce of support to their officers to deal with any problematic issues within Maghaberry prison. Surely the authorities should understand that these terrorists will go to any length to upset the regime and take control of the area that they inhabit.
“The people in this area of the jail are housed for very serious offences, including murder. They are terrorists and criminals. Unfortunately some of the prison management may believe that they can be rehabilitated with a very soft approach with an under-strength prison staff compliment who may be working in terrible conditions and within a very stressful atmosphere.
“It is vital that the prison authorities provide whatever support mechanisms are necessary to assist the prison staff who are on the front line of this matter.”