News

Republican prisoner Tony Taylor addresses RNU Easter commemoration

Tony Taylor has been returned to prison after his licence was revoked. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Tony Taylor has been returned to prison after his licence was revoked. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Tony Taylor has been returned to prison after his licence was revoked. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

REPUBLICAN prisoner Tony Taylor delivered a recorded address to supporters during a Republican Network Unity organised Easter commemoration in north Belfast.

Taylor had his early release licence revoked earlier this month amid claims he posed a risk.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 1994 after he was seriously injured in a premature explosion in Derry.

He was released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

In 2011 he was sentenced to three years for possession of a rifle.

The 48-year-old was detained at his home in Derry earlier this month and returned to Maghaberry Prison on the instructions of Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.

His voice was heard during the RNU organised Na Fianna hÉireann commemoration in Ardoyne on Saturday when he read out a recorded statement from inmates in Maghaberry Prison who are aligned to the party.

It is understood the recording was made last week.

Before his recent detention Mr Taylor was a senior member of the party.

The parade is organised each year to remember four local members of Na Fianna hÉireann who died during the Troubles.

There was a PSNI presence in the area and a police helicopter circled overhead.

It is understood the PSNI used loud speakers to tell those taking part the parade was "illegal".

The main oration was delivered by RNU national chairman John Heaney.

He spoke about the need for republicans to analyse their position.

"While the centenary is of course a time for celebration, it must also be a time for reflection and self-analysis," he said.

"Where did we come from, where are we now and where are we going - are three of the most important questions a Republican activist can ask themselves and they must be asked.

"I encourage you all to look back to the past but only in poignant remembrance - our march must be forward seeking at all times to advance the republican struggle."