Prison officer Adrian Ismay died from a heart attack on Tuesday 11 days after a bomb exploded under his van
FIRST Minister Arlene Foster has condemned reports that dissident republican inmates in Maghaberry’s Roe House cheered and smoked cigars on hearing news prison officer Adrian Ismay died in Belfast on Tuesday.
A booby trap bomb partially exploded under the Volkswagen Transporter van Mr Ismay was driving in Hillsborough Drive off the Cregagh Road in east Belfast on Friday, March 4.
The 52-year-old died on Tuesday in hospital after suffering a massive double heart attack 11 days after the bomb blast.
The New IRA claimed responsibility for planting the bomb and warned Mr Ismay’s name was on a list of people it was planning to target.
The group was formed a number of years ago as an amalgamation of dissidents in Derry, east Tyrone, north Armagh, Antrim and Belfast.
There have been reports that some Maghaberry prisoners celebrated the news of Adrian Ismay’s death by cheering and smoking cigars.
“Those people are societal deviants, they are barbaric,” said Ms Foster.
“I have spent many hours going around Northern Ireland, people want devolution and peace to succeed, they want a bright and positive future.”
In a join statement Mrs Foster and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness said:
“This is devastating news for the family who have lost a much loved husband and father,” they said, speaking from Washington DC.
“Our prayers are with them all at this incredibly difficult time.
“Although we are far from home, foremost in our thoughts are a grieving family.
“A family that was unashamedly targeted by those who used the cover of darkness to inflict terror and try to create fear in our community.
“Later today we are meeting with President Obama safe in the knowledge America will continue to stand strong with us to face down and defeat violence regardless of whatever quarter it comes from.”
Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney also condemned the attack on Mr Ismay by dissident republicans.
He said: “This attack was wrong, it will achieve nothing, and was condemned by all sections of society.
“Those responsible for this attack, regardless of what they choose to call themselves, do not speak for or act in the name of the Irish people.
“They will not derail the progress that has been made in the peace process and they need to realise that and end these actions immediately.”
One man has been remanded in custody accused of the attempted murder of Mr Ismay and possessing explosives with intent to endanger life.
Police will later today know the results of a post mortem examination.
Once that it is known, detectives will then decide on whether or not to charge the man with murder.
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