The two main unionist parties have expressed their outrage at tonight's release of convicted IRA bomber Seán Kelly.
Democratic Unionist Party MP Jeffrey Donaldson said he was outraged by the decision to release MR Kelly.
He said: "This was clearly and purely politically motivated by the Secretary of State who had reason to return Kelly to prison a few weeks ago.
"What then has changed? It's because the IRA is expected to make a statement.
"It seems if you murder nine innocent people justice is dismissed by a political diktat. Many people will find this highly regrettable and appalled that political expediency has been substituted for justice in Northern Ireland ."
Sir Reg Empey, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, said the Government decision was an act of madness. He said: "This government is grovelling to republicans. It is a capitulation.
"I can think of nothing more the Government can do to undermine the remaining confidence within unionism in what is about to unfold.
"It will be seen as a cynical manipulation, not only of the legal process, but the political process. It proves that those who have access to the threat of force still have primacy over the democrats."
Tonight's one line statement from the Government confirming Mr Kelly's release will only add to the suspicion that the choreography has begun in the run up to the IRA's statement.
The Northern Ireland Office said: "We can confirm Sean Kelly was granted temporary release by the Secretary of State on the expectation of the forthcoming IRA statement."