Billy Hutchinson of the Progressive Unionist Party said the sanctions were illegal and could not be enforced.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Sinn Fein vows to fight sanctions

The Progressive Unionist Party's prisoners spokesman, William Smyth, said he thought inmates would look at separation as a logical decision.

BBC: Maghaberry jail

He said some parties close to the thinking of loyalist paramilitaries, like the Progressive Unionist Party, would be included.

BBC: Nesbitt: Unionist forum no guarantee of full flag return