Richard O'Rawe from west Belfast, who was the prisoners' public relations officer in the H-Blocks in the summer of 1981, is suing RTE over what he alleges are defamatory comments it broadcast by Morrison about him.

The case against RTE is due to open in Belfast High Court in September. It is believed O'Rawe may also sue Daily Ireland over similar remarks by Morrison that were published there. Morrison could not be contacted for comment.

O'Rawe has caused controversy with his claims. He alleges that on 5 July 1981, after the first four prisoners had died, Danny Morrison visited the officer commanding IRA prisoners in the H-Blocks, Bik McFarlane, to brief him on a British offer of a deal.

McFarlane then passed a 'comm' (communication) to O'Rawe's cell outlining the offer, O'Rawe alleges. He claims he told McFarlane:

"There's enough there" and McFarlane said, "I agree with you, I will write to the outside and let them know".

However, the IRA leadership outside the jail rejected the offer, O'Rawe claims. Six more hunger strikers died.

At the time of the alleged deal, Owen Carron of Sinn Fein was contesting the Fermanagh and South Tyrone Westminster seat made vacant by Bobby Sands' death.

O'Rawe's claims have been rejected by several republicans, including Morrison and McFarlane.