David Blunkett today pulled out of a visit to a job centre in west Belfast as republicans staged a protest demanding the release from jail of IRA bomber Sean Kelly.
European Union employment ministers visited the job centre in Springvale where around 60 republicans gathered carrying posters and wearing T-shirts in support of Kelly, who was returned to prison last month for involvement in terrorist activities.
But the Mr Blunkett, the Works and Pensions Secretary, changed his plans to join them on the Springvale leg of the fact-finding tour.
Mr Blunkett is hosting a two-day summit of employment ministers in Belfast as part of Britain's presidency of the European Union. The ministers were also visiting a job scheme in the loyalist Shankill Road.
Around 60 people demanding Kelly's release picketed the centre in Springvale.
The European ministers were due to visit the loyalist Shankill Road to see at first hand how people usually marginalised in the jobs market are being equipped for the world of work.
Among those taking part in the protest was prominent Belfast republican Eddie Copeland. There was a heavy police presence in the area. Kelly was one of two men who planted a bomb in a Shankill Road fish shop. Nine civilians died, as did Kelly's IRA accomplice, Thomas Begley.
Kelly received a total of nine life sentences but was freed early from prison in July 2000, but returned to prison by Northern Secretary Peter Hain last month.
PA