March remembers hunger strikers 35 years on

A march has been held in west Belfast to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the hunger strikes.

Thousands of people and bands took part in the event which ended with speeches in Falls Park.

Senior Sinn Féin figures, including President Gerry Adams and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, were among those in attendance.

Former mayor of Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile said: “I am the proud son, grandson and nephew of Republican ex-PoWs.

“I am the product of a risen, politicised, defiant and organised community. I am the product of an Irish language education. I am a proud product of Béal Feirste."

He said he had been "inspired by the activism" of the hunger strikers to stand as a Sinn Féin representative in 2006.

“In 2011, I became Belfast’s youngest Mayor. Just a few short months ago, I was elected to Seanad Éireann," he recalled.

"Throughout all these journeys, I have been accompanied on the path by the men and women of ’81 - those who are still here with us and the spirit of those who sadly aren't.”

Former Derry City mayor Elisha McCallion added: “We must take inspiration from the hunger strikers and their representatives.

“The righteousness of Irish unity is self-evident. Partition has failed and unity is the way forward.

“Let this generation be the generation that delivers Irish unity.”