The large turnout and the calibre of those who stood on the picket line sent a clear message that these Irish Republicans will not be forgotten. In the crowd we had lifelong republican activists, several Ex POWs, former Hunger Strikers and a large number of high profile republicans including Marian Price and Tony Catney. These are the people who have given their all for the Republican cause and who sacrificed so much to strive to achieve the ultimate goal.
It was a great moral booster to have people of such calibre standing alongside us on the picket line and it provided the prisoners and their families with the assurance that Republicans are right behind them.
We were also privileged to have a number of families of the prisoners in attendance including the family of Lurgan Republican Colin Duffy, as most of you know Colin and his family are no stranger to political policing, harassment, intimidation and collusion.
Even though the peaceful picket lasted only an hour, thousands of people would have seen the impressive display of solidarity. Republicans from all backgrounds came together in unity to highlight the plight of the prisoners.
We also highlighted 28 day detention, Internment by Remand, the restoration of political status, extradition and political policing. Indeed several of those who attended the picket have in recent weeks been victims of political policing including Tony Catney and Marion Price.
It was heartening to see that so many Republicans who have spent their lives in struggle are still behind the prisoners and their families.
Organisers of the Picket with Ex-POWs and Colin Duffy's children 
The Paramilitary Police maintained a constant presence for the duration of the Picket with British police vehicles placed at both ends of the picket line. They kept everyone under surveillance and photographed everyone present. This won't deter us from highlighting these important issues but will in fact make us more determined.
We want to thank everyone who attended the picket making it a huge success and we urge people to spare a thought this Christmas for the prisoners and their families.
The Paramilitary Police maintained a constant presence for the duration of the Picket with British police vehicles placed at both ends of the picket line. They kept everyone under surveillance and photographed everyone present. This won't deter us from highlighting these important issues but will in fact make us more determined.
We want to thank everyone who attended the picket making it a huge success and we urge people to spare a thought this Christmas for the prisoners and their families.
Many thanks also to the staff and management of the Railway Bar in Monaghan St for their kindness, hospitality and light refreshments made available to everyone following the picket.
Organisers of the picket with Ex-POWs
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