The IRSP in Derry have said there's a need to actively begin a process of healing the relationships between the various republican traditions.
IRSP Ard Comhairle member, Eddie McGarrigle, who made the comment at the weekend parade to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of hunger striker Micky Devine, said political prisoners around the world had taken inspiration from Micky and the oth
er hunger strikers.
Mr. McGarrigle said: "Today in prisons throughout the world there are many political prisoners, Palestinians, Lebanese, Basque and Kurdish prisoners and all of them draw inspiration from Micky and his nine comrades."
Mr. McGarrigle added that there was now a need for republicans to come together in an effort to gain political status for prisoners in Maghaberry.
"We as republicans from every party need to sit down together and resolve to end the conditions endured by these men. The republican prisoners in Maghaberry are political prisoners and no British Government can deny them their rights.
"Republicans learn to treat each other with respect, we should debate with each other and engage each other in a genuine spirit of comradeship. Whilst recognising the absolute need to engage with the unionist tradition we should be mindful that all of us need to actively begin a process of healing the relationship between the various republican traditions."
Mr. McGarrigle concluded by saying it was imperative for Republicans to accept the diversity and move towards the future constructively.
"We should not let our egos or our pride stand in the way, I believe we need to put out the hand of friendship to each other, we need to accept and welcome the diversity of opinion within republicanism. It is time to heal and to move on," he said.
