THE wife of Derry republican Tony Taylor has spoken about the impact his detention without charge is having on their family.
Mr Taylor has been held at Maghaberry Prison since his early release licence was revoked by former secretary of state Theresa Villiers in March 2016.
Campaigners, including nationalist politicians, have voiced concern about his continued detention.
Speaking at the ard fheis of hardline republican party Saoradh in Derry at the weekend, Mr Taylor’s wife Lorraine said the family has been left “traumatised” by her husband’s detention.
“Tony’s continued absence is having a devastating impact on his family...I am at my wits' end to understand how the British government, after nearly two years, can be allowed to keep Tony in prison without any due legal process, this in reality internment without trial.
“As a family we are all physically and emotionally drained both because of Tony’s continued detention and his absence from his family.
“I would also wish to outline the impact on his detention of his elderly parents, both of which are not in good health.”
Meanwhile, Co Tyrone republican David Jordan has been re-elected as chairman of Saoradh.
In his address to delegates he criticised Sinn Féin and the DUP and voiced his party’s support for Brexit.
“Saoradh should support strategically any initiative that quickens the end of one of the most repulsive and destructive nations that has ever existed,” he said.
“That which weakens and fragments Britain is good for Ireland, let us hope that Brexit is as hard as hell and helps usher in the demise of the last section of the cruel British empire.”
