The family of the Belfast hunger-striker Bobby Sands has condemned "untrue sensationalist" media coverage which sought to connect its members with reports of a republican split. In a statement issued through a Dundalk solicitor, the family said it was fully committed to the aims for which Bobby Sands died but it had "grave reservations with the current political negotiations".
The statement said: "Our family to date has made every effort to maintain a dignified and private existence. We have witnessed unfounded vicious attacks on a member of our family which we refute entirely. Legal proceedings are in train.
"We are reluctant to be drawn into any public debate but feel we must clarify our position. We wish to state that no member of our family is claiming to lead any `renegade IRA faction'.
"Furthermore, no member has been visited by representatives of the republican movement, nor has any family member been involved, as claimed, with any attempts at reconciliation between those of differing views. We are united in condemning these false reports as dangerous and manipulative.
"Mindful of Bobby's extraordinary sacrifice, we remain fully committed to supporting the aims and objectives for which he died. We would, however, have grave reservations with the current political negotiations and maintain a close interest in the developing situation," the statement concluded.
Bobby Sands died on hunger-strike in the Maze Prison on May 5th, 1981, the 66th day of his fast in support of political status for republican prisoners. During his hunger-strike he was elected MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone in a by-election.