Maze breakout - Sinn Féin stunt must be condemned

The decision by republicans to mark the mass breakout from the Maze Prison 20 years ago was ill-advised, given the present stalemate in the North and the perceived anxiety to get the peace process moving again.

Last night’s function in Letterkenny, attended by prominent Sinn Féin members, sent out a wrong message because it was a reminder of an era which Northern Ireland has to leave behind if it wants to move on to a peaceful and positive future.

The prison breakout resulted in the loss of one prison officer’s life, although 16 escapees were eventually charged and acquitted of murder.