NUJ President Barry McCall has extended sympathy to the family of Mr Black and has endorsed the strong condemnation issued by the ICTU.

 

Barry McCall, NUJ President said: “Our thoughts are with the Black family and with David Black’s colleagues in the Prison Officers Association of Northern Ireland. The murder of a prison officer on his way to work must be condemned by all who cherish democratic values and who aspire to peace in Northern Ireland.”

 

NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet also expressed sympathy to the Black family and is writing to Mr Finlay Spratt, Area Secretary, Prison Officers Association of Northern Ireland expressing condolences on behalf of the union.

 

Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary of the ICTU said: “The Northern Ireland Committee of Congress sends its sincere condolences to the Black family and our colleagues in the Prison Officers Association.

 

“Those who carried out this heinous attack may attempt to ‘justify’ this savagery as being in the cause of seeking a resolution of issues at Maghaberry Prison. Congress and Creggan Enterprises, in the pursuance of conflict resolution, have been involved in facilitating a resolution of those issues between Republican Prisoners and the Prison Establishment for over two years now. This murder will not in any way assist in resolving these issues, but could rather exacerbate an already difficult situation.

 

“Congress reiterates its call to halt forever the killing of any citizen going about their lawful duty and appeals to those who may contemplate retaliation to desist, otherwise the spiral of violence and grief will only deepen.”

 

 

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