Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has expressed his sympathy to the family and colleagues of Adrian Ismay, the prisoner officer who died this morning after being injured in a terrorist attack 12 days ago.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“I am devastated to hear of the death of Prison Officer Adrian Ismay. My thoughts are with his family and friends and all who put on a uniform to keep us safe. Whatever the exact cause of death, I cannot accept he would be dead if it were not for the bomb.
“Those with knowledge of the perpetrators must come forward. The news has brought a cloud to the St Patrick's celebrations in Washington. I was here 17 years ago when the news broke of the murder of Rosemary Nelson. This is a bitter throwback to dark days. The perpetrators have nothing to offer but a brake on progress. They may slow us down but they cannot stop the journey.”