BERNARD SHAW, CNN ANCHOR: One of Northern Ireland's most feared gunmen walked out of prison Monday after 11 years. Michael Stone was released as a provision of the Good Friday peace accord. Correspondent Ben Mccarthy has more.</s>BEN MCCARTHY, ITN REPORTER (voice-over): He is one of Ulster's most notorious paramilitary terrorists, but as a result of the Good Friday peace agreement, Michael Stone was released early from the Maze prison, where he was serving life for six murders. At the gates of the prison, which will soon be empty, a spokesman read a statement on Stone's behalf.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We would like to say a few words on behalf of not only Michael Stone, but the rest of the Loyalist prisoners, who Michael had the honor to serve alongside. That includes prisoners from all sections of the Loyalist family. I'm sure we speak for many thousands of working class Loyalists as well as a broader union's family in welcoming Michael back home to his own community. Michael, with the rest of the loyalist prisoners and ex-prisoners, continue to support the present peace process. Michael's first priority now is to go home and spend some time with his family.</s>MCCARTHY: Stone became a deeply hated figure after his attack on mourners at an IRA funeral in 1988. He was later sentenced to six life sentences and it was recommended that he serve at least 30 years in jail. For many, his release will be difficult to accept. But more terrorists are set to be released this week, including the IRA's James McArdle, who served two years of a 25-year sentence for planting the London Dockland's bomb, which ended the IRA's cease-fire. And the killer of Stephen Restorick, the last soldier to be murdered in Northern Ireland, will also be freed. Stone's release is the beginning of the final phase. By next week, there will be no political prisoners left in Northern Ireland. Ben McCarthy, ITN.
Political Prisoners Freed in Northern Ireland