RNU Call For Independent Enquiry into 1981 Hunger-Strike

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Thursday January 19, 2012 11:57 by RNU PRO - Republican Network for Unity (RNU)

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson, MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN calls for an Independent Public Enquiry into the 1981 Hunger Strike controversy.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson, MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN calls for an Independent Public Enquiry into the 1981 Hunger Strike controversy.

Mr Meehan said; 'Prior to the publication of Richard O’Rawes book’s, Blanketmen and Afterlives, it was generally accepted that the prisoners were in control of their destiny and it was they who decided to continue their fast to its tragic end.

In spite of strenuous denials from Provisional Sinn Fein Leaders, our Network feel that this controversy will continue until a Public enquiry is held. Into claims to the contrary by O’Rawe, a number of former Blanketmen, the IRSP and the then H-Block INLA O/C. Indeed, it has also been confirmed by Brendan Duddy and recent documents released under the 30 year Freedom of Information Act, that an offer was made'.

Mr Meehan concluded; 'RNU do not wish to cause further hurt to an already sensitive situation but given the seriousness of this tragic period in Republican history, we feel the only way to resolve this issue once and for all is to have the deaths of ten courageous comrades fully explained by way of and independent public enquiry. All families deserve nothing less than the truth'.