Republicans mark 25th anniversary of Bobby Sands’ death

Republicans are today marking the 25th anniversary of the death of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.

The 27-year-old died in the Maze Prison on May 5th, 1981, after 66 days without food as part of a campaign to get IRA inmates recognised as political prisoners.

Another nine hunger strikers died in the following months before the protest was eventually brought to a halt.

The hunger strikes are regarded a turning point in the history of the Troubles, attracting the interest of the media worldwide.

Sands had been elected as MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone just a month before his death.

Members of his family are due to hold a private gathering to mark his death at the former Maze Prison today.

Sinn Fein will also hold a series of separate memorial events, including one at the Maze that will be attended by several leading republicans.

Mr Sands' sister, Bernadette Sands-McKevitt, who is married to jailed Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt, has frequently accused Sinn Fein of selling out the ideals that her brother died for.