Patriot Game

Come all ye young rebels, and list while I sing,

For the love of one's country is a terrible thing.

It banishes fear with the speed of a flame,

And it makes us all part of the patriot game.

My name is O'Hanlon, and I've just gone sixteen.

My home is in Monaghan, where I was weaned.

I learned all my life cruel England's to blame,

So now I am part of the patriot game.

It's nearly two years since I wandered away,

With the local battalion of the bold IRA,

For I read of our heroes,and wanted the same,

To play out my part in the patriot game.

I joined a battalion from dear Ballybay

And gave up my boyhood so happy and gay.

For now as a soldier I'd drill and I'd train,

To play my full part in the patriot game.

This Ireland of ours has long been half free.

Six counties are under John Bull's tyranny.

But still De Valera is greatly to blame

For shirking his part in the Patriot game.

And now as I lie here, my body all holes

I think of those traitors who bargained and sold,

And I wish that my rifle had given the same,

To those Quislings who sold out the patriot game.

Slainte'

Blighter

Belfast: Open for Business

Belfast: Open for Business
A decade after the Good Friday peace agreement, Northern Ireland's economy is blossoming.

That's right! Belfast Northern Ireland is booming according to an article in Business week On July the 3rd.

Source

The article states that the Peace accord is finally paying off economically and that Belfast is becoming a real boom Town with businesses such as Citigroup, GE Healthcare, and Microsoft setting up shop. During the past 10 years over 100,000 jobs were created and that the unemployment rate, which used to be one of the worst in the UK, is at a 26 year low of 3.9%.

Why do I care?

Well for one, this article shows that if the governments of city's and towns are willing to work with businesses and corporations then prosperity can be had. I have known that to be the case for many years, but with my limited education and lack of political contacts I have been unable to convey this simple theory unto our elected leaders. Here before them today, rests evidence of the greatest magnitude.

The City of Belfast has been the center for much violence and discord for generations. Aptly named " the Troubles" the period from the late sixties until 1998, the violent struggle between the various factions of Loyalists and Republicans made the city a very tough place to get on indeed. During the 70's and 80's the PIRA actually performed bombing campaigns against foreign owned businesses. This of course, curbed any desire for companies to invest monies domestically as well as internationally.

I believe that if Belfast NI can overcome all of the terrible challenges of the Troubles and find a way to become economically prosperous, then there is a small glimmer of hope for us here in Maine. For this State, and it's communities, bear a likeness to Northern Ireland, sans the violence of the past. The only issue I see that our Leaders might raise is " taxes".

The tax incentive idea to entice business to invest in an area is not new or faulty, but what we see time and time again is that City, Town and State Representatives, just can't stomach the idea of not grabbing every penny they can from every source. Thus tax burden is of great concern and measure in new business development. This shortsighted and obtuse outlook has hindered our progress here for generations and will continue to do so until we can elect some people with common sense and intelligence.
Here's a quandary, Belfast being part of the UK, has a higher tax rate than the Republic of Ireland to the South, 28% compared to 12.5% corporate respectively. So why would Microsoft chose Belfast over Dublin, or for that matter Portland Maine?

Because, Belfast offers what we do not, Highly educated and skilled workers, Government cooperation in business set up, and incentives for businesses to create jobs and bolster the economy.


The second reason I take great pleasure in the prosperity of Belfast is that for two years now I have been telling every hapless soul who would listen, that Northern Ireland is the place to invest. The educated, hardworking, English speaking people of Northern Ireland are the perfect fit for industries of all types, and finally someone agrees with my assessment. My friend Vince, turned me on to this article, has been listening to my views on the subject for that entire time. It feels good to be right about something every once in a while.

So take heed, you Senators and Congressmen, you town Managers and Board Members, Prosperity can be had, we can all succeed and live comfortably, each and every one of us, if you would just get your heads out of the sand.

If that is too difficult of a task then just get out of the way and let us grow.

Slainte'
Blighter

The attached Photo is of Victoria Mall in Belfast
Special thanks to Vince for sending me the article and listening to my Tirades.

Senator George Mitchell pays tribute to Paisley

Senator George Mitchell pays tribute to Paisley

Ian Paisley must be given credit for finally delivering power sharing in Northern Ireland

Senator George Mitchell has said.

As the First Minister prepares to step down from the Northern Ireland Executive, the former Maine Senator paid tribute to the 82-year-old North Antrim MP who walked out 11 years ago from the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement.He said: "I have to say it has been a pleasant surprise seeing what has happened."

Senator Mitchell, who chaired the Stormont talks, continued"Dr Paisley deserves credit for doing the right thing at the right time."

He was speaking ahead of a conference at Queen`s University in Belfast later this month about how peace in Northern Ireland was achieved.

Source

I found this small piece from UTV interesting for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is Senator Mitchell’s, seemingly faulty Memory.

Either George Mitchell has forgotten that it was Dr Paisley who coined the phrase “ Never, never, never” or he is simply playing lip service to his audience. Maybe he feels that the “Good Doctor” really did help in bringing about the peace process, but I for one am unconvinced.

Senator Mitchell also gave Hillary Clinton a pass on her claim that she had “helped to bring Peace to Northern Ireland.” It seems the Senator believes that anyone who says they did something to that effect , though the evidence points to the contrary, is deserving of the accolades and credit that the Nobel peace prize laureates John Hume and David Trimble received for their work on this monumental accord.

This revisionist viewpoint on, what I feel, is a very great event in the history of Northern Ireland, is not only shameful, as it cheapens the hard work of those who actually took part, but also shows a lack of character, in that through revisionism, the Senator is pandering to persons of power, or perceived power. I have long respected Senator Mitchell; I have held him in high regard for a man of principle, intellect and determination. Thus my anger and ire over this latest of statements.

Ian Paisley walked out of the assembly in protest when Sinn Fein was allowed in on the talks after the IRA cease fire. Then his Democratic Unionist Party began a campaign of vilification against the UUP that was then David Trimble’s party. It was not pretty to say the least. Though Ian Paisley and the DUP finally agreed to sit down and talk with Republicans, it was not during the GFA talks, but 11 years later when the good doctor was magnanimously offered the First Minister’s seat in the new Assembly.

Hillary Clinton did even less.

According to Lord Trimble formerly David Trimble.

Hillary Clinton had no direct role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland and is a "wee bit silly" for exaggerating the part she played.”
"I don't know there was much she did apart from accompanying Bill [Clinton] going around," he said. Her recent statements about being deeply involved were merely "the sort of thing people put in their canvassing leaflets" during elections. "She visited when things were happening, saw what was going on, she can certainly say it was part of her experience. I don't want to rain on the thing for her but being a cheerleader for something is slightly different from being a principal player.

She did have tea with some Women’s groups that were already sitting down to meet, and she made a grand speech at Musgrave Park in Belfast while planting a Tree. The park was supposed to be a “Peace park“(I’m still laughing about that) where Children of both Nationalist and Unionist families could play together. The park is still empty, almost as empty as her rhetoric.

So, Senator Mitchell is giving these two individuals undue credit for their roles in the Peace process, one an avowed wrecker, the other a tea drinking opportunist. Whatever his motivation, intentional or not, he is cheapening and weakening the standing of those fine people who actually did work hard to accomplish the accord. Maybe if I call him and tell him about my Friend in Belfast he will afford me accolades in his next speech. Wouldn’t that be grand?

Slainte’
Blighter

Domhnach na Fola ( Bloody Sunday )

January 30th 1972, also commonly known as Bloody Sunday.

On this day 36 years ago, thousands of people, organized by the NICRA ( Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association ) marched through the streets of Derry in an attempt to end Internment, Gerrymandering, and for a One man, One Vote platform. It was a peaceful protest of the government's ( Stormont) total disregard for the civil rights of 1/3 of Northern Ireland's populace. During this peaceful march 14 innocent people were murdered by the British security forces, who went on a rampage, firing indiscriminately into the crowd.

What amazes me about this event, is the lack of knowledge people here in America have about it. Not one person with whom I've spoken in the past month even knew where Derry is, let alone that a very active and strong Civil Rights movement took place in the late 60's-early 70's in Northern Ireland. When I asked them what they thought about the U2 song " Sunday, Bloody Sunday." they all said they liked it, but to be sure they didn't know what it was about. So, I thought I would put some of the information out there for people to see and perhaps take an interest in the Nation that so many claim as their homeland.

At around 3:00 pm that Sunday the march began in a light hearted mood. The march's planned route had taken it to the Guildhall, but because of army barricades it was redirected to Free Derry Corner. A small group of teenagers broke off from the main march and persisted in pushing the barricade and marching on the Guildhall. They attacked the British Army Barricade with stones and shouted insults at the troops. At this point, a water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets were used to disperse the rioters. Such confrontations between soldiers and youths were common, though observers reported that the rioting was not intense. Two people were shot and wounded by soldiers on William Street.

At a certain point, reports of an IRA sniper operating in the area were allegedly given to the Army command centre. The order to fire live rounds was given, and one young man was shot and killed when he ran down Chamberlain Street away from the advancing troops. This first fatality, Jackie Duddy, was among a crowd who were running away. He was running alongside a priest, Father Edward Daly, when he was shot in the back. Continuing violence by and against British troops escalated, and eventually the order was given to mobilise the troops in an arrest operation, chasing the tail of the main group of marchers to the edge of the field by Free Derry Corner.
Despite a cease-fire order from the army HQ, over a hundred rounds were fired directly into the fleeing crowds by troops under the command of Major Ted Loden. Twelve more were killed , many of them as they attempted to aid the fallen. Fourteen others were wounded, twelve by shots from the soldiers and two knocked down by armoured personnel carriers ( Saracens).

The list of the victims is as follows:

John (Jackie) Duddy (17). Shot in the chest in the car park of Rossville flats. Four witnesses stated Duddy was unarmed and running away from the paratroopers when he was killed. Three of them saw a soldier take deliberate aim at the youth as he ran. Uncle of Irish boxer John Duddy

Patrick Joseph Doherty (31). Shot from behind while attempting to crawl to safety in the forecourt of Rossville flats. Doherty was the subject of a series of photographs, taken before and after he died by French journalist Gilles Peress. Despite testimony from "Soldier F" that he had fired at a man holding and firing a pistol, Widgery acknowledged that the photographs showed Doherty was unarmed, and that forensic tests on his hands for gunshot residue proved negative.

Bernard McGuigan (41). Shot in the back of the head when he went to help Patrick Doherty. He had been waving a white handkerchief at the soldiers to indicate his peaceful intentions.

Hugh Pious Gilmour (17). Shot in the chest as he ran from the paratroopers on Rossville Street. Widgery acknowledged that a photograph taken seconds after Gilmour was hit corroborated witness reports that he was unarmed, and that tests for gunshot residue were negative.

Kevin McElhinney (17). Shot from behind while attempting to crawl to safety at the front entrance of the Rossville Flats. Two witnesses stated McElhinney was unarmed.

Michael G. Kelly (17). Shot in the stomach while standing near the rubble barricade in front of Rossville Flats. Widgery accepted that Kelly was unarmed.

John Pius Young (17). Shot in the head while standing at the rubble barricade. Two witnesses stated Young was unarmed.

William Noel Nash (19). Shot in the chest near the barricade. Witnesses stated Nash was unarmed and going to the aid of another when killed.

Michael M. McDaid (20). Shot in the face at the barricade as he was walking away from the paratroopers. The trajectory of the bullet indicated he could have been killed by soldiers positioned on the Derry Walls.

James Joseph Wray (22). Wounded then shot again at close range while lying on the ground. Witnesses who were not called to the Widgery Tribunal stated that Wray was calling out to say that he could not move his legs before he was shot the second time.

Gerald Donaghy (17). Shot in the stomach while attempting to run to safety between Glenfada Park and Abbey Park. Donaghy was brought to a nearby house by bystanders where he was examined by a doctor. His pockets were turned out in an effort to identify him. A later police photograph of Donaghy's corpse showed nail bombs in his pockets. Neither those who searched his pockets in the house nor the British army medical officer (Soldier 138) who pronounced his death shortly afterwards say they saw any bombs. Donaghy had been a member of Fianna Éireann, an IRA-linked Republican youth movement. Paddy Ward, who gave evidence at the Saville Inquiry, claimed that he had given two nail bombs to Donaghy several hours before he was shot dead.

Gerald (James) McKinney (34). Shot just after Gerald Donaghy. Witnesses stated that McKinney had been running behind Donaghy, and he stopped and held up his arms, shouting "Don't shoot! Don't shoot!", when he saw Donaghy fall. He was then shot in the chest.

William A. McKinney (27). Shot from behind as he attempted to aid Gerald McKinney (no relation). He had left cover to try to help the older man.

John Johnson (59). Shot on William Street 15 minutes before the rest of the shooting started. Johnson died of his wounds 4½ months later, the only one not to die immediately or soon after being shot.

Unlike the countless acts of repression, that had taken place in NI the years previous, this attack was Photographed and filmed. It made the news worldwide and it brought the British Government into the light of world opinion. The Government understood fully that they could in no way avoid an inquiry, and to avoid world opinion to bear on them they formed the Widgery Tribunal, to explain the shootings.

Widgery Tribunal, The report that was hurriedly produced exonerated the soldiers of any misconduct or wrong doing. In it's opinion The Widgery Tribunal felt that the soldier's behavior " Bordered on recklessness" and nothing more. It also went so far as to perpetuate the myth of an IRA sniper in the area, though no evidence of any kind was, or ever has, been produced to support such allegations. This report had serious ramifications as to the situation in Northern Ireland for years to come. Seen for what it truly is, a whitewash, the Nationalist community was angered and incensed. However, I believe Widgery served it's purpose in that it put the nature of the protesters in Doubt in world opinion. By implying that the IRA were at the march and shooting at the troops, the British Government could then say they were justified in their actions. The hogwash worked, and even today people believe that somehow the troops were under attack by Republican forces. This deception helped stem the tide of international pressure. Widgery also hurt the Government. As many citizens of Northern Ireland saw that they really had no representation in their government at all. Not only were the nationalists being Imprisoned ( Internment ), their right to vote being denied, and their fellows being shot down in the street by the same government who was supposed to protect them, but they were also told, By Widgery's blatant cover up, that the government wasn't even going to admit wrongdoing when it came to murder.

This fact, led to one of the largest recruitment surges into the PIRA that the organization had ever seen.

Currently the Saville Inquiry, is investigating the events of Domhnach na Fola, after 8 years of testimony and searching this group has yet to report it's findings, though it is expected to do some some time this year 2008.

Those are but some of the facts surrounding this most terrible tragedy. There are many great books on the subject as well as a film aptly named " Bloody Sunday" which is worth a watch.

So the next time you are humming along to Bono's heart racing beat, try to remember how heart wrenching the day was that produced the lyrics of that song.

Slainte'

Blighter

Provos shouldn't exist anymore - Derry dissident

The Derry Journal printed this article today. I find the timing of this statement by the RIRA ( Real Irish Republican Army) to be a bit contrived. On the eve, of the 36 year anniversary of the Bloody Sunday Massacre in Derry, that did so much to bolster support for the Provo's, Gary Donnelly comes out and says the organization not only has become defunct, but shouldn't even exist. I'll write more on the Massacre later, for the moment I'd like to address Mr. Donnelly's comments.

I believe the people of Northern Ireland have spoken, in full, in support of a political solution to the issues at hand. By voting for Stormont, they said they are wearied of war, of the bigotry and hate that was so evident on that terrible Sunday in 1972. Mr. Donnelly wishes to continue the violent struggle, he has even gone so far as to reach out to the CIRA ( Continuity Irish Republican Army) in the hopes of an alliance to wreak more havoc on a populace that wants nothing more than peace and prosperity. I find this sad and disturbing to say the least.

I, obviously, disagree with Mr. Donnelly. His contention that the Provo's are dead is false in so many ways. I am not supporter of any of the organizations that promote violence, but I do understand that at one time they were needed. Does he think that this organization after 30 years of fighting is not ready to take up the mantle again if the new Government fails to represent the people? Does he not know that the Provo's are but waiting in the wings, quietly watching events? So what, Mr. Donnelly, that they are not setting bombs and killing policemen, perhaps the Provo's have listened to the people's wants. Read a bit of history and you will find that the underground societies that are the backdrop of Irish landscape, have been around for 800 years. They have remarkable resilience and patience Mr. Donnelly, patience which you are lacking. The 14 who died on Bloody Sunday, who were seeking an end to Internment, were trying to achieve a goal peacefully. You disgrace their memory by screaming for blood on that anniversary.

Slainte'
Blighter

A leading Derry dissident republican has called on the Provisional IRA to disband.

Gary Donnelly, a key figure in the 32 County Sovereignty Committee - the political wing of the Real IRA - said he supported "armed opposition" to British rule in Ireland. "It's legitimate," he said.In an interview with a national Sunday newspaper, the Creggan native, who was an unsuccessful independent candidate in the Derry City Council elections in 2005, added: "There shouldn't be a Provisional IRA anymore. What is its function. It was set up to fight the British in Ireland. It shouldn't exist if it's not upholding the IRA's constitution."
He said that the organisation had been "knocked for six" by the Sinn Fein leadership. "Remember what they said 'not a bullet, not an ounce'. Many republicans now realise they were conned."And Mr. Donnelly said he believes that the Real IRA and Continuity IRA "should unite" in armed struggle. "It is the obvious thing for them to do. There is strength in unity."I would love to see republicanism united. It would be more logical to have one group which would be more effective than two."Mr. Donnelly was among those arrested and quizzed following the shooting of Derry police man Jim Doherty at Bishop Street in November. He also accused police in Derry of breaking his arm during an "vicious and unprovoked assault" more than week afterwards.
The full article contains 237 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
Last Updated: 29 January 2008 11:01 AM

Banner comes down on momentous year

The following article appeared on BBC today and I found it very interesting. The figures associated with " Operation Banner" are impressive indeed when placed in comparison to the current conflicts that the armed forces are engaged in. As many know my feelings as to the army's involvement in NI I'll not bore you with a tirade on the subject. Allow me but one line from a song " With your Kit bag on your shoulder, and a tear all in your eye,
Pardon me for smilin' while waving you goodbye".

Slainte'
Blighter


Banner comes down on momentous year
By Vincent Kearney BBC NI home affairs correspondent

Troops regularly supported police operations It was the year the British army left Northern Ireland - in an operational sense anyway.
After 38 years, the longest continuous campaign in the Army's history ended.
A strong wind blew across the parade ground at the Army's headquarters in Lisburn as the last post sounded on Friday 3 August.
But this was no ordinary parade. A few hundred specially invited guests were there to witness a truly unique ceremony.
The winds of change were also blowing.
This was the official end of Operation Banner, the name given to the Army's support role for the police during the Troubles.
It started when troops arrived during the summer of 1969, when Army commanders expected them to spend a few weeks sorting out a small, local problem.
Looking back at the footage of the soldiers arriving, it was like a scene from a war movie as thousands disembarked from ships in Belfast as the small peace time garrison was reinforced from British army bases all over the world.
Troops and equipment arrived from throughout the United Kingdom, Germany and Africa.
The Army was clearly unprepared - soldiers arrived on the streets of Belfast and Londonderry with bayonets fixed, some of the signs they carried warning rioters to disperse were in Arabic, and many of the troops were issued with flak jackets the Americans had used in Vietnam.
By the height of the Troubles in 1972, there were 27,000 military personnel here, based in more than 100 locations.
The numbers are quite staggering - that's 1,000 more than the number of British soldiers deployed for the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and more than double the combined Army force in Iraq and Afghanistan today.
In total, more than 300,000 British soldiers served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and for many years it was used as a training ground for the Army's most able officers.
Seven hundred and sixty-three military personnel were killed, and many more injured and maimed.
To put that in perspective, the number of combat deaths suffered by the army in Afghanistan since 2001 is 59, while in the worst year of the Troubles, 1972, the number of deaths was 129.

Thousands of troops arrived on the streets of Northern Ireland in 1969
Soldiers also killed more than 300 people, more than half of them civilians.
Many of the killings were highly controversial and provoked allegations of collusion.
A number of highly secretive military units also operated here during the troubles and they have been accused of working in collaboration with loyalist paramilitaries.
There were very different views about how the Army performed.
In unionist areas, generally speaking, the Army was regarded as a vital bulwark against terrorism, and part of the solution. However, in nationalist areas it was widely regarded as part of the problem.
Today, the Army doesn't have an operational role here.
Soldiers will still train and be based here, but they will be for deployment in trouble spots across the world, not on the streets of Northern Ireland.
The home service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment, the successor to the UDR, were also disbanded during the summer.
In future, there will be no more than 5,000 troops in Northern Ireland, but that figure will be significantly lower during periods when resident battalions are deployed to places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7144091.stm

SF councillors accused over stance on policing

The following article , again, comes from the Derry journal. I find the points made in it interesting as it supports my previous post as concerns Joy Riders and the Nationalist communities aversion to the PSNI and the old RUC. If SF cannot even get enough political Representatives to fill the allotted seats on the board, because there are not enough Representatives willing to participate, what message does that send the people? Or, which I doubt, does the Nationalist community as whole wish to have no say or influence on how their neighborhoods are policed? I reiterate my position that the people of NI need to work with the PSNI and turn their backs on the old ways. At least give it a go, then if it doesn't work out you can always go back. Whats the harm? I am betting if cooperation was forthcoming many more criminals, Drug dealers, Joy Riders, Hoods etc. would be off the streets.


SF councillors accused over stance on policing

By Staff reporter

Sinn Fein councillors are "opposing policing and a lawful society at every turn", according to the chairman of Derry District Policing Partnership, Councillor Shaun Gallagher.
Colr. Gallagher was speaking after Sinn Fein councillors in Strabane were unable to fill their positions on the area’s DPP. Sinn Fein was entitled to five places, but could only find three candidates willing to take seats on the DPP,Colr. Gallagher said: “It is becoming clearer day by day that Sinn Fein rammed their turnaround on policing through the Ard Fheis as the price of a deal with the DUP. It was clearly a forced, top-down decision whi
ch bypassed the consultation process which they demand of everyone else. They did not prepare their grassroots or even their elected representatives..” claimed the SDLP man.“The upshot of their poor preparation in Strabane is that the DUP get handed two extra seats, just as they once handed seats on the Policing Board itself to the DUP. This is a raw deal for nationalist voters at the hands of Sinn Fein.”Sinn Fein MP., Pat Doherty said: “Obviously there is disappointment that our party grouping on Strabane Council did not reach agreement on its full compliment of nominees to the District Policing Partnership at this time. Sinn Féin is fully committed to engaging with all of the policing structures.“I am confident that right across the north we will continue to provide constructive leadership in ensuring accountable policing that serves people in the communities we represent.”
The full article contains 259 words and appears in Journal Friday newspaper.
Last Updated: 12 December 2007 4:05 PM
http://www.derryjournal.com/politics/SF-councillors-accused-over-stance.3581946.jp

Slainte'
Blighter

Joy Riders: a plague

The following story was in the Derry Journal this morning and it reminded me of this epidemic that has Plagued Norn Iron for as long as I can remember. Hoods, stealing cars and racing about causing destruction, and injury. I was informed by a mate from Belfast that the PIRA used to knee cap these little demons when caught. It seems the PSNI ( Police service of Northern Ireland) is having difficulty in catching and punishing the joyriders. This fact shows that much more confidence needs to be built in the PSNI by the community as a whole.

I fully understand the historical and cultural reasons behind not cooperating with the authorities, especially in predominately Nationalist/Republican communities. However, as these communities no longer can go to the IRA to meet out justice, I see that they no longer have much choice but to go to the PSNI. For if this kind of crime is not checked, along with the drug trade, their communities will continue to be unsafe. I don't know of anyone who wishes to live in fear of their possessions being stolen or their children being offered drugs. It's the time to cast off the tags of Grass and Tout. The Police can't do it alone, they need the people to help with information.

'Joyriders' return to crash scene for booze

By Staff reporter
Joyriders who overturned a car in a weekend smash at Ballyarnett later returned to the vehicle to recover a crate of beer.
The occupants of the car narrowly escaped serious injury when the vehicle struck a lamppost and overturned close to Cornshell Fields on Saturday night.A helicopter unit searched nearby fields as it was feared the car’s occupants may have been injured in the smash.A number of eye witnesses reported that, after the car crash, a number of youths scrambled out of the overturned Vauxhall, only to quickly return to recover a number of beer bottles from the wreck.A police spokesman told the Journal: “It is understood the burgundy Vauxhall Astra collided with a bus stop and landed on its roof. “A number of youths were seen running from the vehicle in the direction of Cornshell Fields.”Local councillor Tony Hassan says it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed in such an incident.“The PSNI need to address the problem of these run arounds or stolen cars in the Greater Shantallow area over the weekends.”Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Strand Road station on 0845 600 8000 or ‘Crimestoppers’ on 0800 555 111.
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Joyriders-return-to-crash-scene.3597698.jp

Slainte'
Blighter

Dissidents hanging on....

Dissidents Hanging on.

I read this article Incident had hallmarks of bad policing - SF from the Derry Journal as I was starting my workday. It bothers me just a little that the victim, Gary Donnelly, was treated so harshly and I am glad someone ( Sinn Fein) is doing something about it. Police brutality, no matter the motivation, I believe to be a serious breach of trust with the community and society. There is no place for such behavior as it weakens society's confidence in the authorities.

That being said, I also believe that I can understand the Officer's Frustration in dealing with dissidents as a whole. The RIRA ( Real Irish Republican Army) and the CIRA ( Continuity Irish republican Army) have recently threatened to kill Police officer's, and burn businesses during the upcoming Christmas season. These "Dissident" groups attempted to kill PSNI Officers in Derry and Dungannon earlier this month. Emboldened, by the PIRA's ( Provisional Irish Republican Army) disarmament and cessation of activity, the Dissidents are attempting to carry the violent struggle to the fore again. What a Pity. For, I believe that the people of Northern Ireland have made their voice clear. They have accepted the cease fire, they have elected an new Assembly to Stormont, and they have chosen Politics over bullets, to resolve their differences. Nationalists and Unionists are trying to talk through the seemingly endless questions about the Troubles. The 30 odd years of violence and bloodshed have stopped and the people of NI wish to move on.

Not so the rag tag few. The perpetrators of Omagh, want to continue the struggle for a United Ireland by burning down shops. Now that's a plan. They want to shoot Police officers, good going there. To what end I ask? If the goal is for a United Ireland, and the people are seeking it through peaceful means, what is the point of burning shops? If these groups ignore the wishes of the populace they claim to represent they will find that the little support they now have will dry up and blow away on the wind. Violence for violence sake makes no sense at all, and is not a sound programme for victory. Perhaps the Dissidents should sit down and formulate a political agenda that they can present to the Nationalist communities that will actually further the interests of the people.

I do not condone the violence perpetrated against Mr. Donnelly, nor do I condone the violence and threatened violence, of these so called Dissidents. I condemn it all and can only hope that the people of NI will continue to do so as well.

Cheers
Blighter

Update: From the Derry Journal 12/6/2007


Four arrested in cop shooting probe


By Staff reporter
Four men were still being questioned by police last night after they were arrested as part of the investigation in to the shooting of an off-duty police officer in Bishop Street last month.
The arrests were made in a number of areas of the city yesterday and searches were also carried out at a number of houses and police took a number of items away for further examination, including a car. It is believed that leading dissident republican, Gary Donnelly, is one of those arrested.The four men were taken to the serious crime suite at Antrim PSNI station where a police spokesperson said they were being questioned in connection with “serious terrorist crime.”The arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into the shooting of 43 year-old PSNI officer Jim Doherty on 8th November. Mr. Doherty was shot minutes after he left child to school in Bishop Street. The Real IRA later claimed responsibility for the shooting.
The full article contains 166 words and appears in Journal Friday DER Edition newspaper.
Last Updated: 06 December 2007 6:05 PM