In protest at Maze Prison authorities Loyalist women occupy the UDA headquarters in east Belfast.
Angry wives and mothers of Loyalist detainees and prisoners in the Maze Prison (originally called Long Kesh) take over the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) headquarters on Newtownards Road in east Belfast. UDA commander Sammy McCormack and Tommy Stitt of the Loyalist Prisoner Association are held captive in the building.
The women are demanding that UDA members take more action against the Maze Prison authorities who are denying Loyalist prisoners visits and food parcels. Both have been stopped due to rioting and burning at the prison.
One of the women, Kay Shaw is adamant Loyalist prisoners played no part in the disturbances at the Maze because they were satisfied with the privileges offered to them by the prison governor. She believes Loyalists are being punished because of the actions of Republican inmates.
We don't see why they should fall for everything the Republicans do up there our men's parcels are stopped their foods stopped and now their canteen and everything else is burned to the ground.
The women have asked to be able to negotiate with the Northern Ireland Office or anyone else that can assist, but they are getting nowhere. They felt they had no choice but to take matters into their own hands,
To demonstrate how strongly we feel about what's going on.
Inside the Maze the prisoners are remaining calm but,
We're just too worried to play it cool I'm worried personally for my own family that’s inside.
UDA commander Sammy McCormack denies the occupation of the building and hostage taking is a publicity stunt.
This place was just taken over by about 50 women this morning and we were completely helpless.
He feels somewhat embarrassed to be locked into the building by the women.
We feel a bit humiliated by the whole thing, I do feel humiliated, but at the same time, I respect what these ladies are trying to do.
The women want the UDA to take militant action the time is not right. But Sammy McCormack is confident the women will succeed in their demands because,
These women are very determined.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 October 1974. The reporter is Brian Black.
