SINN FEIN has criticised the Government for refusing media access to republican prisoners in Portlaoise prison today. In the last of its prison "open days" the Department of Justice has invited the media into the prison, with restricted access.
Sinn Fein vice president, Mr Pat Doherty, said in a statement yesterday the decision to refuse access by the media to republicans would "heighten tension".
Republican prisoners are protesting at the refusal of compassionate parole to Pat McPhillips after the death of his mother. McPhillips is serving a 40 year sentence. Sinn Fein is planning to picket the prison next Sunday.
