The Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has held talks with convicted loyalist paramilitaries currently held in the Maze prison. His intention was to gauge their mood and attitude towards the peace process.

Mr Trimble's move comes in the wake of their vote on Monday in which two thirds of loyalist paramilitaries declared they had lost "faith" in the peace process.

Some people would say the paramilitary voice must be heard to make peace talks work. Others say that like all other prisoners, the men in the Maze should have no say in the democratic process.

For a special report on the Maze prison click here

Should prisoners take part in the peace process?

It makes my blood boil to see so called respected politicians running to talk to convicted murderers and bombers. How can anyone treat criminals as if they are special...
M Brimacombe Devon, UK

These men have devoted their lives to this struggle - any settlement must include them...
T A Glynn, USA

We either regard Maze prisoners as criminals with no political concessions or as captured soldiers fighting a "cause"...
Campbell Boyd, Scotland, UK

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