Irish Northern Aid: Action Alerts 2006
Ó Snodaigh - Anger at Brendan McFarlane trial decision
Published: 8 December, 2006
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice issues Aengus Ó Snodaigh today described the decision of the Supreme Court to allow a trial to proceed against Brendan McFarlane in connection with alleged IRA activity in 1983 as 'deeply flawed and nonsensical'.Mr Ó Snodaigh said: "During earlier hearings into this case the Gardai had to admit to losing all of the alleged evidence against Brendan McFarlane. That should have been the end of the matter. However in a vindictive move the DPP sought to go down the road of a trial."The decision of the Supreme Court to allow a trial to proceed in a case where the Guards have lost the supposed evidence is deeply flawed and nonsensical."Republicans will be angered by this turn of events. Brendan McFarlane is a solid supporter of the Peace Process and Sinn Féin will continue to demand the end of this judicial farce."
Sinn Féin welcomes Electoral Commission support for registration action
Published: 8 December, 2006
Sinn Féin National Director of Elections Pat Doherty MP today welcomed the comments of the head of the Electoral Commission in the six counties Seamus Magee supporting demands for people to be able to register up to 11 days before any election.Mr Doherty said, "The current electoral register is not fit for purpose. Tens of thousands of people have disappeared from what was already a deeply flawed roll. Urgent action is required to remedy this situation if an Assembly election is to proceed on the basis of a level electoral playing field."Sinn Féin have proposed to the British government rolling over those missing from current register but who registered the last time onto the new document. We have also proposed that the British government allow people to register up until 11 days before any election, a procedure incidentally which they have already legislated for but have not brought into force."I welcome that fact that the head of the Electoral Commission here Seamus Magee has now added his voice to those calling for registration to be allowed up until 11 days before an election. The British government now need to listen to the advice being given to them by the Electoral Commission and introduce this measure without further delay."
Gerry Adams sets out Sinn Fein's stance on policing in 6 counties
Published: 8 December, 2006
"I want to welcome Ian Paisley’s commitment to take up the post of First Minister and to share power with Sinn Féin once outstanding issues are resolved, and if the electorate so decide. I do not underestimate the challenge this is for Sinn Féin and for many republicans and nationalists. Nor do I underestimate the challenge a power sharing arrangement presents for Mr. Paisley and the DUP."However, I am confident that all of the outstanding issues can be resolved, including that of policing. Sinn Féin is for policing and a fair and effective legal and judicial system which is transparent and accountable. That requires a different policing experience to the one we have known."Republicans and nationalists are against criminality. Those who target the young and the elderly, those who deal in drugs and rob and assault our senior citizens, as well as the rapists and racists, have to face justice."In all of the countless negotiations we have had on this issue in recent years Sinn Féin’s strategic goal has been to achieve a civic policing system which is accountable to citizens and representative of the community as a whole."A number of key matters remain to be resolved. Central to these are the exercise of power and accountability over policing and justice. It is unreasonable to expect politicians or citizens to take responsibility for policing and justice and yet have no real authority over these matters."Local politicians would not agree to run the health service without authority over it. Local politicians would expect to be able to question or challenge the Health Minister about decisions being taken by the health department."Policing and justice are vital, fundamental issues of concern for every citizen. The Assembly and Executive should have the same rights in respect of these matters as for health and education and environment and so on. It makes sense. I believe we can find agreement on this."What is needed is a definitive timeframe, a date for the transfer of power and the departmental model into which power will be transferred. This isn’t rocket science. It is about parties taking straightforward and practical decisions."Some DUP politicians have said this matter cannot be resolved for several political lifetimes. That is unsustainable. Arguments about trust and confidence are in my opinion fundamentally bogus. None of our political parties trust each other. That is universal. It is not unique. It is the nature of politics. In our situation this distrust is heightened by decades of injustice, division, discrimination and the last 30 years of conflict."Very few nationalists or republicans trust the agencies of the northern state. This is particularly so, and with good reason the case with policing agencies, whether the old RUC, the B Specials and other local militia, or the PSNI."Significant progress has been made in making the PSNI more accountable but because of the sectarian and repressive history of policing in the six counties the PSNI will have to do a lot to earn the confidence of most nationalists."Some in this post conflict period may think this is unfair. But the fact is that there was partisan policing which engaged in harassment, torture, assassination, shoot-to-kill, plastic bullet murders and maimings and collusion with death squads. That is why the Good Friday Agreement required ‘a new beginning to policing’ as an essential element of the peace process."That is why policing is such an emotive issue. And because many RUC officers died or were injured in the conflict it is understandable that this emotion affects unionists as well as nationalists."That is why there is a need for interlocking processes and measures to compensate for the lack of trust and confidence. And the truth is there is not a single political player who does not know this. So crucially we need local accountability and control of our policing and justice structures. We need to take control of policing and justice away from London."The British government also needs to deal with a number of matters which remain under its control; principle among these is the role of MI5. There is no role for MI5 in civic policing. The PSNI cannot serve two masters. Neither can there ever again be a force within a force."So, there is a job of work to be done on these issues. Can they be resolved? Yes. And let there be no doubt that even if and when these matters are resolved, there will still be a lot of work to be done by everyone to win nationalist and republican confidence in the PSNI. Indeed some republicans may argue that the British connection and the partition of Ireland prohibits support for any policing agency in the north. But Sinn Féin believes that none of these problems are insurmountable. We are up to the challenge of resolving these matters."Let me be very clear about this. I am committed to calling a meeting of the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle immediately when these issues are resolved. This Ard Chomhairle meeting will be for the purpose of convening a special Ard Fheis within the timeframe set out at St. Andrews."However, let me be equally clear that I will not go to the Ard Chomhairle to seek a special Ard Fheis unless I have the basis to do so."In order to expedite these matters Sinn Fein will intensify our contact with the British government. We are prepared to meet with the PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde on issues which fall within his remit and we will sit down with the DUP and other parties at any time to agree other issues."I am determined to make clear to the widest cross section of national public opinion and especially unionist people that I am determined to see all these issues dealt with as quickly as possible and, as I have said, within the timeframe set out at St. Andrews. If the two governments and the other parties are of the same mind then there is no reason why this cannot happen."Making the peace process work is exhausting and frustrating. It is far from a perfect process and republicans are not naive. I have repeatedly said that progress is very much inch by inch."I would appeal to nationalists and republicans to stay focussed, united and patient through this difficult period
Adams - Ian Paisley's conditional 'yes' at Saint Andrews is a positive shift for rejectionist unionism
Published: 24 October, 2006
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has this afternoon delivered the keynote address at a party conference entitled "Building an Integrated Future for the Border Region" in the Canal Court, Newry. In the course of his remarks at today's conference Mr Adams spoke about the current political situation and said:"There have been many positive developments in recent years. I include the talks at St Andrews though there are elements of the British and Irish governments agreement at Saint Andrews which many republicans and nationalists would have difficulties with. The text needs to be scrutinised carefully and needs to be looked at in the context of
the overall peace process.
"The most important outcome of the Saint Andrews talks is that DUP leader Ian Paisley said yes, even if it was a qualified yes and even if he has wobbled since then. The fact is that Ian Paisley's conditional yes at Saint Andrews is a positive shift for rejectionist unionism. That is good for the rest of the people of this island."There are justifiable concerns that the Programme for Government has still not met as was planned. Sinn Féin continues to be engaged with the two governments as we try and work through the current difficulties which are primarily between the DUP and the British government."Republicans have to be magnanimous but we also have to be vigilant that the two governments do nothing that would undermine the Good Friday Agreement or its political institutions."The British government has to stop pandering to the unrealistic demands of the DUP. And the Irish government needs to assert it's role as co-equal partner with the British."It is crucially important that the Irish government doesn't stand back from the process. They need to ensure that the British government don't take short sighted decisions now which could cause greater problems down the road.”
Full Text of Adams' Speech:
Published: 24 October, 2006
Building an Integrated Future for the Border Region - By Gerry Adams MP Sinn Féin President
Let me begin by congratulating all of those who helped in any way to plan and organise today's conference. Today's theme is "Building an Integrated Future for Ireland's Border Region".
This is a project central to Sinn Féin's political vision - A New Ireland, an Ireland of Equals. Partition has been an unmitigated disaster for all the people of this island, nationalist and unionist; republican and loyalist. Its imposition was not in the interests of the people of Ireland. Its impact on the south was and remains profound. Successive policies by governments in Dublin have undermined the quality of life in rural communities, in areas west of the Shannon and in the southern counties along the border.In the north we have survived over three decades of conflict, preceded by 50 years of institutionalised violence, discrimination and sectarianism. Partition institutionalised sectarianism. It created a one party state - an orange state - in which to be a nationalist or to be a Catholic - was to be labelled not just second class but in many ways 'a non citizen'. Citizens have rights. In the north nationalists had no rights. This institutionalised sectarian approach to economic development and social provision saw border counties robbed of resources.Under British direct rule this structured discrimination continued. And even now 8 years after the Good Friday Agreement, and the acceptance at that time by the British government of an equality agenda, there is a daily battle to overturn the bad policies of the past. So should we be surprised by the similarity of deprivation to be found on both sides of the border? Should we be surprised that the problems of dire economic planning, lack of investment, poor housing, bad roads - and for the most part non existent rail services - are common features of border counties? Of course not.The fact is that social, economic and spatial deprivation is directly linked to the effect of the border. And this in turn adversely impacts on the life chances of the people who live there. And, it isn't just Sinn Féin that is pointing to the detrimental effects of the border. Anyone who farms along the border can testify to this. Anyone trying to do business along the border can testify to this. Anyone who wants to travel along or across the border can testify to this.And then there are those who are sick, or have to travel long distances to visit doctors or hospitals when the nearest facility is just a few minutes away across the border. Or the children who spend too long in school buses when the nearest school is a few minutes away across the border. The list is endless.The operational plan for INTERREG IIIA confirms the undesirable effect of partition ."In general, borders can constrain economic activity by limiting market areas, preventing optimal allocation of resources and preventing competition. The Border has certainly thus affected economic relationships in the past.
[the border] remains a social and psychological barrier which is an impediment to the exchange of ideas and information and a barrier toeffective co-operation and the development of effective local policies/strategies.[.]
The economic weaknesses of the Border area are characteristic of rural areas outside the dynamic growth centres on the island.Moreover, the existence of the border is an obstacle to the remediation of economic problems."These are damning words - their meaning is clear - but they point us in a definite directionIf the border counties are to maximise their full potential the key to achieving that will be found in strategies which are built on the twin foundations of integration and participation. It was with this process in mind that in October 2003 in Armagh, Sinn Féin launched its policy document - Reunification through Planned Reintegration.This document was primarily aimed at the Border Corridor Area.
It called for development of Integrated Area Planning. In summary it seeks:
· Integrated Spatial Planning
· Integrated Economic Planning
· Utilising the Common Chapter and the Strategic use of EU Funds
· Developing a Multi Agency approach to Cross Border Integration
· The need for training in the Public Sector on Cross Border Development
· The enhanced development of the Cross-Border Corridor groups
· The Integration of Social Partner Networks to develop a "Community" of stakeholders to promote cross-border integration
That was just over three years ago.
Since then Sinn Féin has been working, consulting and debating with the business community, the farming sector, voluntary and statutory bodies and others to deliver these goals.Sinn Féin doesn't have all the answers. We know that. Through this process of engagement we have sought to fine tune our ideas.A crucial part of conferences like this is that we learn from each other and help shape and reshape our opinions and ideas.
In the area of cross border work it is possible to report progress.
The various levels of local government, along with implementation bodies, cross-border corridor groups, development agencies, the community sector andbusiness sectors, are moving ahead in developing linkages across the border.So, we all have a part to play in advancing the all-Ireland agenda and improving the quality of life of citizens living within the border corridor.
And we have a role to play in challenging government or governments when they fail to deliver what is required.
For example: six years ago the two governments said they were committed to developing the Letterkenny-Derry Gateway. More recently they launched their North West Gateway Initiative.But all of this is non-statutory - it is not obligatory - government agencies are under no direct obligation to implement it.So despite an extensive consultation the people of that region are left with an initiative which might not be worth the paper it's written on.Six years on - the people of North West deserve better.But so too do the people in the Border Corridor who live and work and seek to build a future for themselves and their families in the most difficult ofconditions.The governments have also said that the next ten years will see tens of billions spent on infrastructure projects across this island.So let all of us, in business, in the rural and farming sector, in local communities, work together and define and cost the complete infrastructuralneeds for the entire Border Corridor region.And then let this be presented to the two governments as an agreed plan for the future development of the counties affected.
And if we are successful than in a relatively short time the border will in every way imaginable be redundant. It will serve no purpose.
In his inaugural speech when becoming President of a new, free South Africa Nelson Mandela said:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness, that most frightens us".What do those words say to us?Do not fear the economic, social, cultural, political opportunities that the peace process have opened up and are expanding each day - reach out andgrasp them.Understand that if we work together no problem is insurmountable; no difficulty is beyond our ability to resolve. Republicans are convinced of this. Why? Because we have a vision for the future. A vision which goes beyond the current, troubled and protracted phase of Anglo-Irish relationships. It is far-sighted and strategic. It is inclusive.Ireland today is a country in transition. There have been many positive developments in recent years. I include the talks at St Andrews though there are elements of the British and Irish governments agreement at Saint Andrews which many republicans and nationalists would have difficulties with. The text needs to be scrutinised carefully and needs to be looked at in the context of the overall peace process.The most important outcome of the Saint Andrews talks is that DUP leader Ian Paisley said yes, even if it was a qualified yes and even if he has wobbled since then. The fact is that Ian Paisley's conditional yes at Saint Andrews is a positive shift for rejectionist unionism. That is good for the rest of the people of this island.
There are justifiable concerns that the Programme for Government has still not met as was planned. Sinn Féin continues to be engaged with the two governments as we try and work through the current difficulties which are primarily between the DUP and the British government.
Republicans have to be magnanimous but we also have to be vigilant that the two governments do nothing that would undermine the Good FridayAgreement or its political institutions.The British government has to stop pandering to the unrealistic demands of the DUP. And the Irish government needs to assert it's role as co-equal partner with the British.It is crucially important that the Irish government doesn't stand back from the process. They need to ensure that the British government don't take short sighted decisions now which could cause greater problems down the road.A lot of the old certainties are gone. A lot of the old conservatism has been weakened. The peace process and the Celtic Tiger have brought about great changes. Our task is to make best use of the opportunity for progress that all of the hard work of recent years have created. Our task is to ensure that the people of Ireland, and in the context of today's conference, the people of the border counties experience a new future, a new beginning, a change for the better in their daily lives.
Leading Republican receives loyalist death threat
Published: 24 October, 2006
North Belfast Republican Martin Meehan has received what he has described as "the latest in a long line of death threats from loyalist paramilitaries".
Mr Meehan made his comments after he was visited by the PSNI at the weekend and warned his life was in danger.
Speaking today Mr Meehan said:
"At approximately 7.10pm on Saturday evening last, the PSNI arrived at my door with a sheet of paper which claimed that my life was under threat from loyalists. This is the latest in a long line of death threats made against me over the years and the threat stated that a phone call had been made to the Samaritans claiming that an unnamed loyalist organization had been involved in a shooting at what it believed to be my home.
"No such incident has taken place as far as I am aware, and it is likely they targeted the wrong house after a number of incidents in recent times. I would remind all nationalists to remain vigilant given this serious threat against me."
'Time to say enough is enough' - Ó Caoláin
Published: 21 October, 2006
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, describing a health system where 500 people can wait on trolleys in A&Es in the winter, where the Government and the HSE are unable to agree on how many beds are needed and where the Government’s solution is to deepen the two-tier system through privatization, told thousands of people who attended a Sinn Féin health rally in Dublin today that ‘We have seen all of this and it is time to say ‘Enough is enough.’
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said: “Despite the unprecedented wealth in this economy we live in a society that is very far from cherishing all the children of the nation equally.
“We have a two-tier public-private health system where wealth can buy the best care and skip the queue while those who depend on the public system must wait in line. How could it be any different when we have a Government whose Tánaiste Michael McDowell has said that inequality is a good thing for the Irish economy?“To solve the A&E crisis this coming winter we need more acute hospital beds in place. In 2001 the Fianna Fáil/PD Government said 3,000 beds were needed and they were going to provide them. They have provided only 535 extra beds since 2001 and with our growing population we now have fewer beds per head of population than we had five years ago.“But it gets worse. We now have a situation where the Minister Mary Harney and the head of the Health Service Executive Professor Brendan Drumm cannot agree on how many beds we need. Minister Harney claims they are still committed to 3,000. Professor Drumm claims we do not need them. What an indictment of a Government that promised us a world-class health service! What a shambles and what a disgrace!“We have seen all of this and it time to say ‘Enough is enough!’ The only Republic worthy of the name is a Republic, which treats all its people equally. Nowhere is that more important than in health. Let us take forward our campaign for decent healthcare together.”Full textA chairde,Molaim sibh uile a tháinig amach ar na sráideanna inniú chun ár gcearta chúram sláinte a éileamh. Táimíd anseo chun a rá leis an rialtas agus leis an pobal nach bhfuilimíd chun seasamh siar nuair atá géarchéim sna seirbhísí sláinte, go bhfuilimíd ag éileamh athrú bunúsach agus go bhfuil córas nua sláinte uainn agus beidh sé againn.I want to commend everyone who has come out on the streets here today to demand our healthcare rights. Sinn Féin has called this rally to provide people with the opportunity to show their anger at the state of our health services and to demand real change – change that will deliver the best healthcare to all our people equally. It is very fitting that we are here in front of the GPO where the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was first read and where Irish revolutionaries first pledged that in a new Ireland all the children of the nation would be cherished equally.Despite the so-called Celtic Tiger, despite the unprecedented wealth in this economy we live in a society that is very far from cherishing all the children of the nation equally.We know only too well that the inequalities in Irish society today are carried into our health services. We have a two-tier public-private health system where wealth can buy the best care and skip the queue while those who depend on the public system must wait in line. How could it be any different when we have a Government whose Tánaiste Michael McDowell has said that inequality is a good thing for the Irish economy?
His colleague, the former Tánaiste Mary Harney, has now been Minister for Health and Children for just over two years. In that time she has presided over the worst winter crisis in Accident and Emergency units in the history of our health system. Last winter the daily number on trolleys and chairs in A&E units exceeded 500. These are men, women and children forced to wait many hours and often days on end in overcrowded conditions - unsafe, unsanitary and totally unacceptable. We have seen the spread of MRSA. We have seen the indignity suffered by older people in A&E units. We have seen all of this and it time to say ‘Enough is enough!’
To solve the A&E crisis this coming winter we need more acute hospital beds in place. In 2001 the Fianna Fáil/PD Government said 3,000 beds were needed and they were going to provide them. They have provided only 535 extra beds since 2001 and with our growing population we now have fewer beds per head of population than we had five years ago.
But it gets worse. We now have a situation where the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney and the head of the Health Service Executive Professor Brendan Drumm cannot agree on how many beds we need. Minister Harney claims they are still committed to 3,000. Professor Drumm claims we do not need them. What an indictment of a Government that promised us a world class health service! What a shambles and what a disgrace!And what is this Government’s solution to these problems? It’s the same solution they offer to the housing crisis. Privatisation. Give more money and more land to developers. As we speak Minister Harney and the HSE are preparing to carve up land at public hospital sites and make it available to developers of private for-profit hospitals. These developers are getting tax breaks and land so they can build exclusive private hospitals beside our public hospitals. And this is from a Government whose main party – Fianna Fáil – told the people in their 2002 General Election manifesto that they were committed to “the end of the two-tier health system”. I challenged the Taoiseach in the Dáil last Wednesday on this and asked him if he wanted hospitals run by the likes of the privateer hospital providers in the USA that have had to pay out €1.7 billion to the US Justice Department to settle a raft of criminal and civil charges brought against it by the US Government. They want to do with our hospitals what they’ve done with Eircom and Aer Lingus. We say ‘No way!’I want to commend people from throughout the length and breadth of this country who are campaigning for the retention of services at local hospitals. Successive Governments have presided over a policy of over-centralisation which has seen local hospitals stripped of services. This policy has cost lives and continues to cost lives and Sinn Féin is committed to reversing it. We stand shoulder to shoulder with communities in Monaghan, in Ennis, in Roscommon, in Mallow, in Tralee, in Nenagh, in Dundalk and throughout the State who are campaigning for health services delivered as locally as possible and that includes maternity services, accident and emergency and the long-promised but not-delivered network of primary care centres. We want to see the full roll-out of cancer screening and treatment services, including radiotherapy, in all the regions. We want to see the highest standard mental health services provided. In short we want what this Government has repeatedly promised and spectacularly failed to provide – a world class health service for the people of Ireland.We are here today not simply to point out the current crisis in our health services and the failures of this Government. We are here to say loud and clear that there is a different way forward. We have a vision for change. We have a vision for Healthcare in an Ireland of Equals. We have brought our policy to people throughout Ireland and they have responded with enthusiasm. People who work in the health services have responded enthusiastically to our message that all Government spending on healthcare should be in the public system only with equal access for all regardless of how much money they have or where they live.I want to pay tribute to people working in the health services. They are providing excellent care against all the odds. We need to build on their work, harness their talent and commitment and unite with them and with communities to transform our health services.The only Republic worthy of the name is a Republic which treats all its people equally. Nowhere is that more important than in health. Let us take forward our campaign for decent healthcare as together we build a United Ireland of Equals. Ar aghaidh linn le chéile.
Parades Commission abdicate responsibility over Drumcree rally
Published: 20 September, 2006
Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd has this afternoon been informed by the Parades Commission that they have rejected his request that they issue a determination in respect of this weekends loyalist rally at Drumcree.
Mr O'Dowd said:
"When this Commission was cobbled together by Peter Hain last year we expressed serious reservations about its make up and balance. Many of these fears were seen to be justified throughout the summer months in Belfast, Castlederg, Maghera and elsewhere.
"In the past week the Parades Commission has reached an entirely new level. Just how the Commission can determine that a loyalist parade and rally at Drumcree is not contentious is simply beyond comprehension. The request Sinn Féin made for a review of the original decision not to issue a determination gave the Parades Commission an opportunity to see sense and diffuse the tension and anger within the nationalist community in Portadown at the way in which this application has been handled.
"The situation as it now stands is that the Orange Order have been given a green light to behave in exactly whatever fashion they decide this Saturday night. The PSNI have been handed the power over parades, exactly the role which the Parades Commission have been tasked to do. They have abdicated their responsibility. Given the history of intimidation and violence which is associated with the Orange Order at Drumcree nationalists in Portadown are rightly apprehensive at this turn of events."
Seek Release of Sean O'Cealleagh
Published: 15 September, 2006
INA Action AlertI. Background FACTS:* Sean Kelly [O'Cealleagh], who served 8 years in prison in the six counties for his alleged role in the death of the two British Corporals and subsequently released under the GFA, was arrested last Friday morning and is being held by Immigration officials in Orange County, CA.* After coming to the US, Sean was arrested and threatened with deportation. In 2004, Sean's lawyer, Jim Byrne, successfully argued to Immigration Judge Peters that Sean's actions were of a purely political nature. Judge Peters also ruled that Sean could legally stay and work in the US, noting that the trial in the north of Ireland that convicted Sean
received widespread criticism.
* Even though Sean won the case, Immigration refused to release Sean and started to appeal the decision. Sean's lawyer issued a writ of habeus corpus and Sean was released on a $15,000 bond.* The Immigration Board of Appeals has overturned the original decision by Judge Peters and said that while the act took place in a political milieu, the motivations were revenge.* The case has been referred back to the original judge to decide.II. Action:* The key is to get Sean out of custody -- request a Waiver for BAIL.Sean is not a flight risk. He is a Green Card holder, employed full time, and married to an American woman with a young child.We are seeking the intervention of Congressman Peter King [head of the House Homeland Security Committee] and other Members of Congress.Please contact Congressman King directly and ask your Members of Congress to contact him ask well. Local Members of Congress should be encouraged
to call the Immigration Control and Enforcement [ICE] themselves for details on the case to let immigration authorities know that we are concerned and that Sean is not without support.
Do not bother to argue the rightness or wrongness of the case. We are asking only for a waiver for bail.Sean's lawyer, Jim Byrne, will forward the original Judge's decision to any official who will intervene and help request a waiver so Sean can be released to his family.III. Contact Information:The Honorable Peter T. KingUnited States House of Representatives436 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-3203Phone: 202-225-7896; DC Fax: 202-226-2279District Office:1003 Park Boulevard
Sinn Fein Determined to Increase Representation - Adams
Published: 8 September, 2006
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking as the party’s TDs, MPs, MLAs and MEPs begin a day-long meeting in Howth, County Dublin said: “Sinn Féin is going into the General Election determined to increase our representation and to deliver real change across Ireland. At the core of our campaign will be proposals to end the crisis in the health service, advance the peace process and Irish unity and build a strong economy that delivers for all. In the coming months we will be putting a major policy platform before the people and taking our campaign to every corner of Ireland.' Following today's meeting Sinn Féin Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald MEP announced that the party would be holding a major rally to push for radical action to address the crisis in the health service. This rally will take place in Dublin on October 21st.Mr. Adams said:“Sinn Féin is going into the General Election to increase our representation so that we can deliver real change. Sinn Féin is ready for government but only on the basis of a programme for change. In or out of government Sinn Féin is looking for a mandate to deliver on a republican agenda.At the core of our campaign will be ending the crisis in the health service, advancing the peace process and Irish unity and building a strong economy that delivers for all. In the coming months we will be putting a major policy platform before the people and taking our campaign to every corner of Ireland.“The vast majority of people are angry because the Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrat government has completely failed to use the wealth of the economy to provide a proper health service, sufficient housing and a decent education system.“And Fine Gael/Labour is trying to get into power on the mantra of ‘anyone but Fianna Fáil’ – without any credible political platform.“Sinn Féin’s platform is a genuine republican one based on a belief that a rights based approach is essential to ensure equality in Irish society and deliver on the commitments of the 1916 Proclamation and 1919 Democratic Programme.“This means a change of political direction, a change that only Sinn Féin is prepared to lead. It means implementing policies that will end inequality and the privatisation of key public services. We believe that a quality public health system is a basic prerequisite of any civilised society and can be provided.“Things can be better. Economic growth can be used to serve the people, and not the other way round. Promoting workers rights and investing in public services will help the ongoing development of the economy. They are not mutually exclusive. A health service that cares for all regardless of income will not bankrupt the economy, in fact it is an investment.“In the coming months we will also be setting out a far reaching policy platform including:- job creation, enterprise and regional development, workers rights, public finances, healthcare, housing and rural regeneration. These alongside the peace process and building Irish unity will be at the centre of Sinn Féin’s Programme for Government.”
INA Headquarters Relocating
Published: 7 September, 2006
The National Office of Irish Northern Aid, 363 7th Ave, New York, will be closed until September 18th because it is relocating to a new location.
The new site is at 252 West 38th Street, Ste 1404, New York, NY 10018. Please note this also includes the Homefront Library. Phone number remains the same. 212-736-1916 or 1-800-IRELAND
In the meantime if you need assistance or information and can't wait until after the 18th email [email protected]
Parades Commission adds insult to nationalist injury in Castlederg
Published: 25 August, 2006
Sinn Féin Cllr Charlie Mc Hugh has accused the Parades Commission of adding insult to injury to the nationalist community in Castlederg by determining that protests against their decision to allow Royal Black Preceptory Feeder Parades to coat-trail through nationalist areas of the town four times in total tomorrow (Saturday 26th August) be corralled into a tiny section of Ferguson Crescent.
Cllr. McHugh said,
"Decisions by Parades Commission governing the multitude of Loyal Order parades in Castlederg this year have reinforced the perception among the majority nationalist community that they expect us to be second class citizens in our own town.
"The decision to allow the Royal Black Preceptory to parade through nationalist areas at the top of the town four times in total tomorrow defies logic:
"While the Parades Commission criticized the continued refusal of the Royal Black Preceptory to sit down with local nationalist residents and discuss the vexed issue of contentious parades in Castlederg, it then goes on to reward this intrangincice by allowing the Royal Black Preceptory to march at will through the nationalist Priests Lane, Ferguson Crescent tomorrow.
"In contrast, it has been determined that nationalists protesting against this blatant coat trailing should be corralled into a tiny section of Ferguson Crescent.
"Given the precise and specific details the Parades Commission has issued in relation to where nationalist protesters can stand in comparison to the open ended freedom given to the loyal orders to march where and when they want in Castlederg has added insult to injury and resentment amongst the local nationalist community is continuing growing.
Silence from Paisley on Seawright revelations not an option
Published: 25 August, 2006
West Belfast Sinn Féin Assembly member Fra McCann today said that people were waiting for Ian Paisley to publicly clarify his relationship with the UVF after the revelations that former DUP Assembly member and Belfast City Councillor George Seawright was a member of that paramilitary organisation.
Mr McCann said:
"Nationalists and republicans continue to wait for a public statement from Ian Paisley clarifying his relationship with the UVF after it emerged that former DUP Belfast City Councillor and Assembly member George Seawright was a member of that organisation. It is not credible to suggest that if this was any other party or party leader that the media would not be demanding answers.
"Over the course of recent years nationalists and republicans have had to listen to Ian Paisley of all people lecturing our community on democracy. This after building a political career on defending sectarianism, discrimination and inequality.
"Last week the DUP proposed a motion at the Preparation for Government committee demanding an end to paramilitary organisations. Now let us see their commitment to achieving this. Let them use the long established and documented links with unionist paramilitary organisations to deliver an end to paramiltarism and criminality from within that community. Staying silent on this issue will simply not work. Nationalists are now watching Ian Paisley‚s next move closely."
Unionist 'obsession' with hierarchy of victims
Published: 25 August, 2006
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Truth, Philip McGuigan MLA speaking after today's (Friday, 25th August) meeting of the 'Preparation for Government' committee at Stormont has said that the Unionists' obsession with reinforcing a hierarchy of victims scuppered proposals around a Victims' Forum and an inclusive Day of Remembrance.
Mr McGuigan said:
"The obsession of both the UUP and DUP with propagating divisive myths about a hierarchy of victims scuppered two proposals designed to cater for the needs of those who suffered as a result of the conflict.
"Unionists need to grow up and recognise that their determination to politicise victims' issues only serves to disenfranchise all victims.
"A consensus was reached on making victims' issues a priority for any future Executive and on the need for the British government to deliver on the recommendations of the Commission for the location of bodies and for a liaison officer.
"Unionists then refused to support a proposal that the Inquiries agreed at Weston Park, including those into the murders of Pat Finucane and Robert Hamill, should be fully independent and allowed to get to the truth. This speaks volumes about their partisan approach to the issues of truth recovery and healing.
"Sinn Féin wants a focused discussion around a Truth Process based on full disclosure and co-operation from all the protagonists, not a partial one designed to hide the truth about Britain's dirty war in Ireland."
Brits used CR Gas on Republican Prisoners
Published: 24 August, 2006
A former leader of the IRA in Long Kesh has claimed a senior British government official admitted to him during a private conversation that CR gas was used on republican prisoners during a riot in the jail.
West Belfast man George Gillen was officer commanding in charge of IRA internees in Long Kesh in October 1974.
Three weeks after republicans wrecked the prison, he was taken to a meeting with then Long Kesh chief prison officer William “Punchy” Wright. Also present at the meeting was a senior British prison official from London.
According to Mr Gillen, they wanted to know why the prisoners had rioted.
They summoned him in his capacity as leader of the internees.
In an Interview with Daily Ireland, Mr Gillen said that, before the meeting started, the British prison official had immediately distanced himself and Long Kesh prison staff from the riot.
“I hadn’t even sat down when this guy started talking about CR gas,” said Mr Gillen.
“To be honest, I really didn’t know what he was on about. But he said to me — I can still remember it clearly — he said: ‘Everything I tell you is off the record. The prison officers had nothing to do with the distribution of CR gas.’
“It wasn’t until years later, when the stuff about CR gas being used on us came out, that I realised what he had meant.
“The man who was introduced to me as a senior British prisons official from London admitted CR gas had been used against the prisoners,” added Mr Gillen.
“It is obvious to me and everyone else who was there on the day of the riot that the Brits used CR gas on the prisoners.
“It was fired from helicopters that flew above the football pitches where prisoners were fighting with the British soldiers.
“It made you feel as if you were on fire.
“I was in absolute agony and couldn’t get a breath. I reckon I was knocked out almost instantaneously.”
The controversy over the British army’s use of CR gas on republican inmates reopened this week when former soldiers from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment, who were in Long Kesh during the disturbances, told Daily Ireland an “unknown” gas had been used.
One ex-squaddie who fought with inmates on the prison pitches said: “I can tell you now, because I have seen CS gas [a less harmful gas] being used, that it wasn’t CS which was fired from the helicopters.
“I don’t know what it was. We weren’t told and we didn’t ask questions.”
The British government has always denied using CR gas, which can cause cancer, on the prisoners.
However, it has admitted that 200 handheld sprays containing CR gas were being kept in Long Kesh at the time of the riot and that clearance for the use of the chemical had been granted in 1973.
Around 300 prisoners were affected by the gas, a fifth of whom have since died or are suffering from rare forms of cancer.
Following the British soldiers’ admissions that an “unknown” gas was used on the prisoners, Sinn Féin has called on the British government to finally come clean on the issue.
Foyle assembly member Raymond McCartney said: “The British government now needs to come clean. Thirty years on, the people deserve to know the truth.
“A group of former prisoners are preparing a legal challenge on this issue.
“The British government attempts to conceal the truth about that night in October 1974 must end, and the truth must emerge.”
White-line picket against UDR monument
Published: 24 August, 2006
Anti-collusion campaigners staged a white-line picket on the outskirts of west Belfast yesterday, against plans to erect a Ulster Defence Regiment monument in the area.
The group An Fhírinne organised the demonstration outside Dunmurry Chapel, the spot where loyalists murdered the Belfast man Michael Power in 1987.
The UDR was heavily implicated in the death of Michael Power, who was shot in front of his seven-year-old daughter as he drove her to Mass.
UDR soldiers were questioned about his killing. A UDR checkpoint in Dunmurry had been lifted just ten minutes before the fatal shooting. The week before his death, UDR soldiers told Michael Power he would be murdered.
The victim’s father, Michael Senior, led yesterday’s protest alongside Lisburn Sinn Féin councillor Paul Butler.
Mr Butler said nationalists in Lisburn were “deeply insulted” by the unionist-dominated Lisburn city council’s plans to develop a UDR memorial in the city centre.
“If monuments are to be erected to the UDR, then it should be within the military bases from where they operated,” he said. “A city centre is no such place for such a memorial of this kind. A clear message is being sent out to Catholics and nationalists that they are not welcome in Lisburn.”
PSNI victim’s family launch website
Published: 24 August, 2006
Relatives of the first person shot dead by the PSNI have launched a website to publicise their case. Neil McConville from Bleary, near Lurgan, was killed in April 2003.
The 21-year-old was driving home from Belfast when police rammed his car at Upper Ballinderry in Co Antrim. PSNI officers then opened fire.
A second man in the car was slightly wounded.
The surveillance operation against Neil McConville and his companion involved 26 personnel and a helicopter.
Barry McConville, Neil McConville’s uncle, said the website had started last Friday and was still under construction.
“It’s putting the case out there. The family are determined Neil will not be forgotten. We feel the police felt he was only a bit of a young lad.
“We got the impression they felt the whole thing was done and dusted and could be pushed under the carpet.
“We are determined the police should be held to account for their actions and forced to explain what they did and why they did it.
“It has to be done in a full and accountable way.
“We want (Police Ombudsman Nuala) O’Loan’s report published in full. We don’t want any watered-down version.”
As of yesterday afternoon, there had already been more than 300 hits on the website.
The site carries a series of articles giving a detailed account of events.
The Justice for Neil website is at www.justiceforneil.com.
Appeal for unionist leaders to stop Short Strand attacks
Published: 11 July, 2006
Sinn Féin Assembly member for South Belfast Alex Maskey has called for unionist politicians to ensure that sectarian attacks on homes in the Short Strand cease. Mr Maskey's call comes after sustained stone throwing attacks on homes on Beechfield Street and the building of a massive bonfire at Cluan Place with images of the Hunger Strikers placed on top.
Mr Maskey said:
"Over recent nights catholic homes in the Beechfield Street area of the Short Strand have come under constant attack from stone throwing unionists. In addition to this a large bonfire has been built at Cluan Place adjacent to nationalist homes in Claneboye Gardens. Images of IRA Hunger Striker Bobby Sands and INLA Hunger Striker Kevin Lynch have been placed on top of the bonfire.
"We have heard much from unionist politicians in recent days about the 12th being a celebration of Protestant culture. I would challenge them to tell the community in the Short Strand what is cultural about attacks on homes or cultural about the placing of republican heroes and icons on 11th night bonfires for drink and drug fuelled unionist mobs to dance around.
"Unionist politicians and community leaders have a responsibility to ensure that the usual sectarian bigotry which streams from 11th night bonfires and 12th July parades is confined to their own communities and does not result in attacks on innocent Catholics."
Funding must be on basis of objective need and not political bias - Bairbre de Brún
Published: 10 July, 2006
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that funding allocation in the Six Counties "must be on the sole basis of objective need."
Ms de Brún made her comments before the British Government was set to announce funding of £3.3 million aimed at 'building confidence' in working class Protestant areas of the north.
Speaking today Ms de Brún said:
"Sinn Féin is not opposed to sustainable development and funding for unionist areas in the Six Counties. However, this is the latest in a long line of crude attempts by the British Government to portray unionist areas as somehow more disadvantaged than nationalist ones. There is disadvantage in both unionist and nationalist working class districts.
"Only last week the British Government announced £100,000 in funding for the Orange Order - an inherently sectarian and discriminatory organisation which seeks to parade through areas where they seek to cause gross offence to local residents. The British Government sent out the message that not only does it endorse the activities of the Orange Order but that it wants to see these activities expanded and promoted.
"This latest tranche of funding is about favouring one section of the community over another. It is discriminatory and it is the wrong way to go about dealing with disadvantage. Sinn Féin has consistently argued that the allocation of funding, whether from the British Government or the EU must be on the basis of objective need alone, and not determined by political bias.
"Sinn Féin supports the distribution of funding in the Six Counties on the basis of equality whilst the British Government is prepared to feed and perpetuate the unionist myth that unionist communities are more deserving of support than others."
Laird Criticism Of World Rally Bid - Petty And Narrow Minded
Published: 7 July, 2006
Sinn Féin Féin Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Thomas O’Reilly has described the attack on the bid to bring a round of the World Rally Championship to Ireland by UUP peer John Laird as ‘petty, narrow minded and out of step’.
Mr O’Reilly said:
“Not for the first time John Laird finds himself isolated and completely out of step not just with public opinion but out of step with the thinking within his own party and community in Fermanagh who have given this bid tremendous support.
“It seems that John Laird’s opposition has little to do with finance and all to do with the fact that this is a successful cross border bid brought about by communities, business leaders and politicians working together and all pulling in the one direction.
“The people involved in the successful bid to bring the World Rally Championship to Ireland deserve nothing but congratulations. Over 150,000 people will descend on the border area next November. Another 800 million people world wide will watch this event on television. Only someone with a petty, narrow minded view of the world could possibly see this as a retrograde step.”
Hain Assembly Charade Continues Today
Published: 7 July, 2006
Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today said that the other parties were guilty of taking part in little more than a political charade directed by the DUP with their meaningless Hain Assembly debate this morning.
Mr Murphy said:
“At the outset of the Hain Assembly approach Sinn Féin stated that we would only take part in business to elect a fully functioning Executive with real power. The DUP have an agenda to deliver a shadow or corporate Assembly with no decision making power. Both the SDLP and the UUP in a naive bid to give the pretence of work and protect Assembly salaries and allowances have allowed themselves to get involved in this political charade.
“That fact remains that the only way in which progress towards fully functioning political institutions will be secured is when the DUP indicate that they have finally accepted the basic principle of sharing power on the basis of equality. This has not yet happened. We witness their stalling tactics and rejectionist approach on the Preparation for Government Committee where the DUP continue to fail to step up to the mark.
“Sinn Féin remain committed to seeing the Good Friday Agreement implemented, including the all-Ireland and power sharing institutions. However the DUP need to indicate and indicate soon that they are going to do the business otherwise the two governments will have to move to end the political theatrics that the SDLP, UUP, DUP and Alliance are involved in today in the Assembly.”
Sinn Féin TD writes to Taoiseach and British Prime Minister over Policing Board land grab
Published: 7 July, 2006
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Arthur Morgan has written to the Taosieach Bertie Ahern and the British Prime Minister Tony Blair to demand an end to the PSNI and Policing Board plan to steal land from the residents of Crossmaglen currently occupied by the British Crown Forces.
Deputy Morgan said:
"Last week I visited the families and businesses affected by this PSNI and Policing Board attempt to grab land . It is a shabby underhand conspiracy which in principle undermines British government commitments on demilitarisation and devalues efforts currently underway to remove the British war apparatus from the South Armagh countryside.
"This land was stolen by the British Army over 30 years ago. With the retreat of the British military from South Armagh this land has to be returned to its rightful owners. Efforts by the PSNI through the Policing Board to vest this land will be resisted by the local community with the support of Sinn Féin. Already the SDLP have tried to talk out of both sides of their mouth on this issue. You cannot on one hand oppose the land theft while on the other hand you are a member of the Policing Board who are doing the stealing.
"I have written to both the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the British Prime Minister Tony Blair on this issue. I have also raised the matter in the Dáil. Sinn Féin are determined that any land occupied by British Crown Forces in the course of the last 30 years will be returned to its rightful owners."
Republicans to mark 25th anniversary of IRA Volunteer Joe McDonnell
Published: 7 July, 2006
Saturday 8th July marks the 25th Anniversary of the death on Hunger Strike of IRA Volunteer Joe McDonnell. Republicans across Ireland will be marking the Anniversary with a series of commemorative events.
Former Long Kesh Hunger Striker and Foyle Assembly member Raymond McCartney today encouraged Republicans to take part in the events.
Mr McCartney said:
"This weekend Republicans will gather across Ireland to remember with pride Belfast IRA Volunteer Joe McDonnell who died on July 8th 1981 after 61 days on Hunger Strike. Joe was the fifth man to die and was followed shortly after by Tyrone IRA Volunteer Martin Hurson. I would encourage people to attend the events and take part in the debates and discussions.
"Joe was married man with two young children and we remember also his family this weekend as we gather to mark his death. We will also recall the murder by the RUC of Nora McCabe by a plastic bullet and killing of a 16 year old Fian John Dempsey by the British Army, both killed in the hours after Joe‚s death was announced on the streets of West Belfast.
"Joe stood as a candidate in the 26 county elections in Sligo/Leitrim and his anniversary will be marked in those counties this weekend also. At his graveside the former Sinn Féin TD for that constituency John Joe McGirl declared that the memorial we had to build for Joe McDonnell was the freedom and unity of the Irish people. That remains our goal as we seek to learn the lessons of 1981 and advance our struggle in the times ahead."
PSNI assault young man in North Belfast
Published: 30 May, 2006
Sinn Féin North Belfast Councillor Caral Ní Chuilín has this morning slammed the behaviour of the PSNI in North Belfast yesterday evening (29.05.06) after they assaulted a young man with CS Spray.
Ms Ní Chuilín, who witnessed most of the assault, has today said that she plans to contact the Police Ombudsman’s Office regarding the attack.
Speaking today Ms Ní Chuilín said:
“Yesterday evening at approximately 8.30pm the PSNI approached an eighteen year old man at the corner of the New Lodge Road in North Belfast. The young man was walking a dog through the area when he was challenged by the PSNI regarding the dog. The local man sent for a relative to produce papers verifying the legality of the dog.
“During this period, the PSNI became agitated and aggressive and produced CS Spray which they sprayed on his face. They held him over the bonnet of a car and when I arrived on the scene I attempted to ascertain his name and was repeatedly verbally assaulted by PSNI officers. This young man was in obvious discomfort and kept saying that he could not breathe.
“The PSNI bundled him into the back of one of their vehicles and when I enquired as to where they were taking him they refused to tell me. As they withdrew from the area, the PSNI threatened to attack local people with batons. I telephoned the NIO’s ‘Civil Representative’ but got no answer from her phone.
“The conduct of the PSNI was highly aggressive and they have once again shown complete contempt for the people of the New Lodge area. I will be contacting the Police Ombudsman’s Office to complain about the assault and their ensuing hostility to the local community.”
Camlough Mountain
Published: 30 May, 2006
Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh and the Party’s spokesperson on Demilitarisation Davy Hyland has today welcomed the news that the British Army has vacated its troops and military equipment from Camlough Mountain, a major British military installation in South Armagh.
Speaking today Mr Hyland said:
“The news that the British Army has left Camlough Mountain and taken their weapons of war with them will no doubt be welcomed by the local community in Camlough and the wider South Armagh area.
“The withdrawal of the British military presence from Camlough and from Faughil Mountain last month is long overdue and will be welcomed by the local community who have done sterling work in mustering support for the closure of British Army bases throughout the community.
"British Army bases in South Armagh were a blight on the landscape and a long standing symbol of British oppression in the area.”
Nationalists Angry At Ballymena PSNI Chief Comments
Published: 16 May, 2006
Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Philip McGuigan today said that nationalists in Ballymena have no confidence in the ability of the PSNI Chief in the town Terry Shevlin to tackle anti-Catholic attacks in the area. He accused the PSNI Chief of providing justification for the murder of Michael McIlveen and of being more interested in boosting his media profile than anything else.
Mr McGuigan said:
"Both myself and my colleague Councillor Monica Digney have been inundated with calls from angry residents in Ballymena concerning the conduct of the PSNI Chief Terry Shevlin in the wake of the murder of Michael McIlveen.
"Shevlin has sought to portray the situation in Ballymena as tit for tat violence. It is nothing of the sort. Catholics in Ballymena have been treated as second class citizens for years. Catholics are frightened to go into their own town centre. Catholic school children are frightened coming home in evening. A 15 year old is beaten to death because he is a Catholic. Shevlin is supposed to be the head of the PSNI in the town. His job is supposed to be to protect the public, instead he has sought to provide excuses for those who brutally murdered Michael McIlveen last week. He is a disgrace.
"Nationalists in Ballymena are rightly angry at Shevlin’s behaviour over the past seven days. He is more interested in chasing headlines and boosting his media profile than standing against sectarianism and anti-Catholic hatred in the town. As a representative of the largest nationalist party in North Antrim I can categorically state that nationalists have no confidence in the ability of Terry Shevlin to provide protection and face down the sectarian bigots waging this campaign of violence."
Statement: INA Chairman calls for IMC to be scrapped.
Published: 2 May, 2006
In a statement, Irish Northern Aid Chairman, Paul Doris has called for the immediate disbandment of the International Monitoring Committee, the body set up by the British and Irish Government to report on paramilitary activity in the north of Ireland.
Responding to the release of the 10th report of the IMC, which British PM, Tony Blair claimed was the most positive so far, Doris said, “even though the IMC has for the first time given a favorable report on Republicans, we give the IMC no credence whatsoever. The IMC is not part of the GFA, which the parties agreed to and the electorate overwhelmingly voted for, is not answerable to anyone, and receives its information from those opposed to democracy and the equality agenda.
“The IMC report is littered with its now customary ‘hear say’ allegations fed it by Securocrats within British intelligence services whose war with Irish Republicans has still not been declared over.
“It contradicts the assessment on total IRA decommissioning by the only committee sanctioned under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, the IICD led by General John de Chastelain, and is at variance with the conclusions arrived at by senior officers in the Garda Siochána who said “what they regard as reliable sources in relation to the IRA and its weaponry, have produced no intelligence suggesting any arms have been retained.
“The IMC are the alibi for those determined to resist political change in Ireland. The continuing existence of this unelected quasi-intelligence body undermines the democratic process and the campaign to restore the assembly and political institutions established by the GFA. They should be dismantled immediately,“ Doris said.
House Resolution 740 calls for 'full, independent, public inquiry" into Finucane murder
Published: 14 April, 2006
Political Action Alert
House Resolution 740
H.R. 740 calls for full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of civil rights’ lawyer Pat Finucane. It has been referred to House Committee on International Relations. The first step is to get it through the committee and then on to the full House for a favorable vote.
Importance of the resolution: Pat Finucane was one of hundreds killed by the British Intelligence/RUC Special Branch in collusion with Loyalist murder squads. What makes this case critical [and the reason the British government recently passed a law to reduce the effect of such inquiries] is the decade and a half of British sanctioned investigations into the murder already completed. They know exactly where the trail starts and ends: from British government policy to the importation of foreign weaponry to the gun that killed him to the order to those that pulled the trigger. Judge Cory’s recommendations are one thing, but the Three Stevens Reports, the revelations of which are all essentially secret, contain it all.
If the Finucane case unravels – IT ALL UNRAVELS. That’s why it matters so much.
Political Action: following the solution itself is a list of the current House Committee on International Relations. In consideration of the work of the committee, you do not need to be in these Members' districts to call. Ask your Member of Congress to vote for H.R. 740
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House Resolution 740
Title: Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Pat Finucane, as recommended by international Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park agreement and a way forward for the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] (introduced 3/28/2006) Cosponsors (13)
Related Bills: H.RES.734
Latest Major Action: 3/28/2006 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
109th CONGRESS, 2d Session
H. RES. 740 [can be found at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgibin/query/D?c109:1:./temp/~c109ukCVaL]
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 28, 2006
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for himself, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. CROWLEY, Mrs. MCCARTHY, Mrs. MALONEY, Mr. SWEENEY, Mr. WALSH, Mr. MCNULTY, and Mr. ENGEL) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations
RESOLUTION
Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Pat Finucane , as recommended by international Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park agreement and a way forward for the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
Whereas human rights defense attorney and solicitor Patrick Finucane was brutally murdered in front of his wife and children at his home in Belfast on February 12, 1989;
Whereas numerous international bodies and non governmental human rights organizations have made note of serious allegations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and British security forces in the murder of Mr. Finucane ;
Whereas in July, 2001, the Irish and British Governments made new commitments in the Weston Park Agreement to hold public inquiries into high profile murders if so recommended by the Honorable Judge Peter Cory, with it being clearly understood that such an inquiry would be held under the United Kingdom Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921;
Whereas Judge Cory found sufficient evidence of collusion to warrant a public inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane and recommended that such an inquiry take place without delay;
Whereas in his conclusions, Judge Cory set out the necessity and importance of a public inquiry into the Finucane case and that the failure to hold a public inquiry as quickly as reasonably possible could be seen as a denial of the agreement at Weston Park;
Whereas on May 6, 2004, Judge Cory testified in Congress before the United States Helsinki Commission and presented his report which is replete with evidence of possible collusion relating to activities of the army intelligence unit and the RUC in the Finucane case;
Whereas the United Kingdom adopted new legislation after the public release of the Cory Report, the United Kingdom Inquiries Act 2005, which severely limits the procedures of an independent inquiry and which has been rejected as inadequate by Judge Cory, the Finucane family, the Irish Government and human rights groups;
Whereas on March 15, 2005, Judge Cory submitted written testimony to the House International Relations committee stating that the new legislation is `unfortunate to say the least' and `would make a meaningful inquiry impossible';
Whereas Judge Cory's written statement also stated that his recommendation for a public inquiry into the Finucane case `contemplated a true public inquiry constituted and acting pursuant to the provisions of the 1921 Act ' and not the new 2005 Inquiries Act; and
Whereas the House of Representatives and Congress have passed legislation supporting the establishment of an independent, judicial inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane and deeply regrets the British Government's failure to honor its commitment to implement Judge Cory's recommendation in full: Now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends the Finucane family--wife Geraldine and son Michael who have testified before Congress--for their courageous campaign to seek the truth in this case of collusion;
(2) welcomes the passage of a resolution by the Dail Eireann on March 8, 2006, calling for the establishment of a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane as the Irish Government's most recent _expression of support for the Finucane family;
(3) acknowledges the United States Helsinki Commission and the House of Representatives' International Relations' subcommittees charged with human rights monitoring for their work in highlighting this case through hearings and legislation;
(4) supports the efforts of The Honorable Mitchell Reiss, President Bush's special envoy for the Northern Ireland Peace Process, in pushing for the full implementation of the Weston Park Agreement and the establishment of an independent, judicial inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane ; and
(5) calls on the Government of the United Kingdom to--
(A) reconsider its position on the Finucane case to take full account of the family's objections, Judge Cory's objections, objections raised by officials of the United States Government, other governments, and international bodies, and amend the UK Inquiries Act of 2005; and
(B) establish immediately a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane , as recommended by Judge Cory, which would enjoy the full cooperation of the family and the wider community throughout Ireland and abroad.
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House International Relations Committee – 109th Congress
Address: 2170 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5021 Fax: (202) 225-2035
All members of Congress can be reached through the Congressional Switchboard: [202] 225-3121
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.house.gov/international_relations
Committee Chair: Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-IL-6th)
Ranking Member: Rep.Tom Lantos (D-CA-12th)
Rep. Jim Leach (R-IA-2nd)
Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ-4th)
Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN-5th)
Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA-24th)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18th)
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA-46th)
IRA remains committed to ideals of Proclamation
Published: 14 April, 2006
"This Easter marks the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, a turning point in the history of Ireland.
Irish republicans remember with pride those who gave their lives that extraordinary Easter and the leaders executed in the weeks that followed.
The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann extends solidarity to the families of all of our patriot dead from every generation and in particular those from this phase of struggle.
We send solidarity greetings to our imprisoned comrades and their families.
This year we also commemorate the valiant prison Hunger Strike of 1981. Ten brave men - freedom fighters and patriots - died. Their legacy and that of Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan, lives on and their fortitude and courage continues to inspire.
Following our statement of July 28 last year, IRA Volunteers have adhered, in the spirit and the letter, to the decisions and instructions outlined by the leadership.
We commend the discipline of our Volunteers and salute their commitment.
The IRA has no responsibility for the tiny number of former republicans who have embraced criminal activity. They do so for self-gain. We repudiate this activity and denounce those involved.
The IRA remains committed to the peace process. Our decisions and actions of last July and September are proof of that.
The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann believes that it is possible to achieve the republican goal of a united Ireland through the alternative route of purely peaceful and democratic means.
We know that many republicans are frustrated and angry at the positions taken up by the two governments over the last year. However, in our view, the will of the people is to see advances in the political process.
The onus is on the two governments and the political parties to ensure that this happens. The Irish Government in particular has a duty to see beyond the current phase of the process. Its responsibility is to promote an end to partition and to create the conditions for the unity and independence of Ireland.
The IRA is fully committed to the ideals and principles of the Proclamation of Easter 1916.
We urge maximum unity in the time ahead.
Beirigí bua."
"I mbliana céiliúraímid comóradh 90 blian d'Éirí Amach na Cásca, am cinniúna i stair na hÉireann.
Cuimhníonn poblachtánaigh Éireannach le bród agus l'ómós, iad siúd a thug a mbeatha tráth na Cásca cinniúna sin ach go spéisialta na cinnirí a chuireadh chun báis ag Gall i gcaitheamh na seachtainí beaga tar éis Seachtain na Cásca. Faireann ceannaireachht Óglaigh na hÉireann dlúthpháirteachas do theaghlaigh na tírgráthóirí calma uilig a thug a mbeatha ar son saoirse na hÉireann in achán glún ach go háiríthe ár gcomradaíthe a fuair bás sa tréimhse coimhlinte is déanaí.
Scolaimid beannachtaí agus guímid gach ráth ar ár gcuid phearsanra atá faoi ghlás ag Gall agus ar a gclainne siúd freisin. I mbliana fosta cuimhnímis agus comóraimís Stailc Ocrais 1981. Fuair deichniúr cróga, trodairí saoirse agus tírgráthóirí bás. Maireann oidhreacht s'acú agus oidhreacht Frank Stagg agus Michael Gaughan beo agus tugann a gcuid díongháilteacht agus crógacht ionspioráid dúinn ar fad.
Ó éisíodh ráiteas Óglaigh na hÉireann ar an 28ú Iúil na bliana seo cáite chloí Óglaigh s'againne go dlúth le spioráid agus le briathra an ráitis sin agus cloí said leis na cionníolacha agus na treoir uilig a tugadh dóibh. Séanann ceannaireacht Óglaigh na hÉireann na bréaga agus na líomhainti gan bhúnus a táthar a gcraobhscaoileadh ag ár naimhde. Molaimid ár gcuid Óglach as a rialbheas agus seasmhacht.
Níl Óglaigh na hÉireann freaghach ar bhealach ar bith as an fhíormhionlach d'iár phoblachtánaigh a d'imigh le coirpeachas. Rinne siad amhlaidh da thoradh féinsuime séanaimid iad agus a gcuid gníomhaíochta agus cáinimid iad.
Tá Óglaigh na hÉireann dlúite don phróiseas síochána ar fad. Fíoraíonn ár gcuid gníomhnaíochta agus ár gcuid cinní sin. Creideann ceannaireacht Óglaigh na hÉireann gur féidir an sprioc poblachtach: Éireann athaontaíthe a bhaint amach le gniomhnaíochta síochánta agus daonláthacha amháin. Tuigimid go bhfuil frustrachás agus fearg nach beag ar go leor poblachtánaigh mar gheall ar an seasamh atá glachta ag an dá rialteas le bliain anuas. Bíodh sin amhlaidh sé ár mbarúil gurb é mian an phobail dul chun tosaigh a fheiceaíl sa phroiseas síochána. Tá an fhreagracht ar an dá rialtas agus na páirtíthe polaitiúla cinntiú go dtarlaíonn an dul chun cinn sin.
Tá freagracht uathúil ar rialtas Átha Cliath féachaint chun tosaigh agus noís fáide anon na an tréimhse reatha sa phroiseas. 'Sé freaghacht agus dualgas s'acú coinníollacha a cothú agus a cruthú a cuireann deireadh leis an críochdheighilt agus a cuireann aontas agus neamhspleachas na tíre i gcrích.
Ta ceannaireacht Óglaigh na hÉireann tíománta go h-iomlán do bhunfhealsúnacht Forógra 1916.
'Sé an rud is tabhachtaí san am atá le teacht ná go leanfar leis an aontas a tháispeán poblachtánaigh chuige seo.
Beirigí bua."
P.O'Neill
Tyrone man beaten and gassed by PSNI in continuing CS gas campaign against nationalists.
Published: 14 April, 2006
Political Action Alert
Tyrone man beaten and gassed by PSNI in continuing CS gas campaign against nationalists
I. The Details:
Dominic Darcy, a West Tyrone GAA activist, was beaten by six PSNI men at a checkpoint outside his home early Sunday morning, 9 April. His eye sockets were broken and his nose broken in three places. His face was severely burned with CS gas. Witnesses say the gas was applied while Mr. Darcy was on the ground, in violation of PSNI guidelines.
Dominic Darcy is 62 years old.
The Police Ombudsman’s office were refused access to him while he was supposedly being questioned. Sinn Fein sources and friends say he was kept bleeding in the rain outside the station for 90 minutes. The Ombudsman’s office is now investigating allegations of PSNI abuse.
In 1992, Dominic Darcy took on the RUC in a much publicized court case involving illegally authorized search warrants. Mr Darcy won the case, which was later lost on appeal.
In incidents throughout West Tyrone over last weekend, the PSNI used CS gas to quell arguments or pub disturbances. At least 12 innocent bystanders are recovering from the side effects of the gassings, which can include streaming eyes, burning, blurred vision, blistering, swelling and skin inflammation.
Barry McElduff, West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA, highlighted both incidents with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Secretary of State Peter Hain. Mr McElduff said that is was almost as if the PSNI were using the nationalist areas of Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Castlederg as a testing ground for the use of the potentially dangerous spray.
Charlie McHugh, a Sinn Féin councillor in Castlederg, said that CS spray has become the PSNI's “favourite weapon of oppression against West Tyrone nationalists.”
CS Gas Spray canisters have been in use by the PSNI since 2004. Reported police incidents of oppressive behavior between July –December 2004 increased by seven per cent from the same period the previous year. The records are well over a year behind because the Police Ombudsman’s office released its report on the first six months of use only. Who knows what the current situation is? It’s a safe idea, however, to wear a gas mask if traveling West of the Bann.
II. Contact Dr Mitchell Reiss and US State Department
Mr. Reiss insists the PSNI is becoming the best police service in Western Europe and insists Gerry Adams’s US fundraising visa will not be issued until he and his party endorse it.
Some of the things you may wish to ask are:
Why did it take 6 PSNI officers and a serious [and possibly illegal] spraying of dangerous CS gas to subdue a 62 year old man? Self defense?
If the charges are assorted resisting arrest offenses, what was the offense that caused the PSNI to single out Mr. Darcy at a check point outside his home?
Why was the Police Ombudsman’s office denied access to Mr. Darcy on Sunday morning while he was in custody and why was he left bleeding in the rain for over an hour?
What is going on in the nationalist areas West of the Bann?
Mitchell Reiss is no longer Policy Planning chief in the Department of State, although he still serves as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. He’s not easy to find; however, his office phone number at the State Dep’t is 202-647- 2972. The Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, can be reached at 202-647-5291.
An email to both can be accomplished by going to the “contact us” section of the Department of State web site [www.state.gov] or go directly to:
http://contact-us/state.gov/egi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/home.php.
Tyrone man set up by US agents to spy for British Intelligence at Newark Airport
Published: 7 April, 2006
INA Political Action Alert
A Tyrone man, set up by a US Federal Officer, is pressed to spy for British Intelligence in Newark International Airport
The facts:
Tyrone man Shane Coleman was visiting Philadelphia for several weeks with his partner and young son. He played a tin whistle at Philadelphia City Hall as a proclamation honoring the 1981 Hunger Strike was enacted.
On 22 March, he was told by a US Federal Agent who called at the house where he was staying, to arrive at the airport hours early to clear up problems with his visa.
While at the airport, he was approached by MI5 agents to act as a spy for money and favors. He refused.
The implications:
Our own government is acting in cooperation with British MI5 to set up Irish citizens on US soil to become spies. What they do elsewhere is their own business, although a dirty and very dangerous business. What they do in the US is our business.
Please read the “Daily Ireland” article below for details.
Action:
Write, email, or call your Member of Congress and Senators. All members of congress/senators may be reached at their D.C. offices through the Congressional switchboard: [202] 225-3121. Ask them to contact the appropriate federal agencies and the Departments of State and Justice to demand information on the Shane Coleman incident and US policy regarding Irish people visiting our country being set up by federal agents in cooperation with MI5.
Then follow up. We need action and answers; the best way for us to get them is through our elected representatives. If you receive any information, please contact Irish Northern Aid c/o Political Education Department @ [212] 736-1916.
________________
MI5 recruiting spies in U.S.
06/04/2006, Daily Ireland
A Tyrone man has spoken of his personal ordeal after claiming that British intelligence services tried to recruit him as an agent while on a family holiday last month in the United States.
Shane Coleman from Ardboe, near Cookstown, said that, as he travelled through Newark International Airport on March 22, two men who identified themselves as MI5 members had asked him to infiltrate the Real IRA.
The 29-year-old said he had been detained for more than two hours by two US officials who identified themselves as federal customs agents as he prepared to fly to Ireland after a two-week St Patrick's break with his partner and small son.
Mr Coleman spoke out just hours after it emerged that the former British agent Denis Donaldson was gunned down in Co Donegal.
The Tyrone man said his ordeal had begun on the day he was to fly home. A woman identifying herself as a US federal agent phoned the house where he was staying and told him to arrive early at Newark International Airport because he was required for a meeting, according to Mr Coleman. The two officials took him into a room after he had presented himself at the airport, he said.
"The woman told me that she was concerned about my visa and that I had ticked 'no' when asked if I had been convicted of a terrorist offence.
"She told me that I had been convicted of assaulting a police officer. I told her that wasn't a terrorist conviction, and the incident arose as a result of me being harassed.
"Then she told me she had information that I was involved in the Real IRA. Then she said there was a couple of people who wanted to speak to me and brought two men into the room.
"One spoke with an English accent, and I asked him was he from Scotland Yard and he said he was MI5. The other man spoke with a Northern accent.
"They knew everything about me - that I had been working as a courier, that I had quit my job recently, that I had a few financial difficulties. They said I had a few associates they were interested in and they asked me to infiltrate the Real IRA. I am not and never have been a member of any political or paramilitary organisation and this concerns me," said Mr Coleman.
The Tyrone man said he had made clear that he was not interested in working for the men.
"They said money wasn't an issue, that the pot was overflowing. They asked me if I wanted to come back to New York to talk about it or maybe we could go to Hawaii for a few days.
"They said it was in my interests and their interests to work together. They also said that they couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't end up in jail.
"They tried to give me a number and told me to ring them when I had time to think about it. I told them I didn't need time to think about it. They said they might be able to help me, keep me out of trouble if I got into a tight spot, if I kept their number. I took it as a threat because the only way I'll end up in jail is if they set me up.
"They told me to look at it as life insurance. I asked him: 'What about Gareth O'Connor's life insurance? How did that work out?' He just went on as if I had said nothing.
"I would rather die in the street as a beggar than take their money. I told them their money was dirty. Look at Denis Donaldson. Look at how it worked out for him. If you work for them, they use you and discard you, and you end up dead," said Mr Coleman.
PRESS RELEASE - Adams detention is sinister development
Published: 21 March, 2006
New York, NY. Irish-American leaders say the detention of Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams at Reagan Airport that prevented him from attending a speaking engagement in Buffalo, NY is a “sinister development” in the Administration’s handling of the Irish peace process.
Just a few hours after attending a St Patrick’s Day function at The White House, Adams and another member of his party were detained by the Transportation Security Administration for questioning and their luggage seized at Reagan National Airport while being processed for an evening flight to Buffalo. Authorities claim Mr. Adams’ name showed up on a terror watch list.
“This petty harassment of the Sinn Fein President is vindictive and a serious error of judgment,” said Paul Doris, chairman of Irish Northern Aid. “Gerry Adams is the leader of the largest nationalist and pro- Good Friday Agreement party in Ireland. He has been instrumental in encouraging those engaged in conflict to pursue a political path. The decision to impede his message getting across only plays into the hands of those who say politics don’t work,” Doris said.
Mr. Adams detention was also condemned by Buffalo Democrat, Rep. Brian Higgins who termed Adams' detention "unconscionable." "Gerry Adams should not have been on a terror watch list," Higgins told a waiting crowd at Buffalo Irish Center.
Mr. Adams has been critical of the Administration’s handling of the peace process; in particular, the fundraising restrictions attached to his US visit. Adams criticized President Bush’s envoy to the North of Ireland for his role, "I don't have any high regard for Mitchell Reiss's input in this process. If it is he who is advising the president, then it's very, very bad advice," Adams said.
Congressman Higgins voiced his concerns in a telephone call to Mitchell Reiss about Adams’ detainment. Speaking later, Higgins said that Adams' outspoken remarks about Mr. Reiss and his subsequent detention were "more than a coincidence".
Irish leaders say the incident won’t deflect Mr. Adams from his efforts to raise Irish American support for the peace process. “At best, this is a sign of political immaturity from the Administration. At worst, this is a sinister development and a clear signal that the Administration needs to return to its role as an unbiased participant in this process,” said Doris.
“After facing down all that the British security apparatus flung at him for 35 years, Mr. Adams isn’t likely to be impeded by a contrived inconvenience,” Doris said.
PRESS RELEASE -Visa restrictions are attack on democracy
Published: 15 March, 2006
New York, NY. Irish-American leaders in the US say they are bewildered by the decision of the Administration to place visa restrictions on Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams when he visits the US this week.
Mr. Adams, along with other Irish political leaders has been invited to the White House as part of the annual Shamrock Ceremony on St Patrick’s Day. Mr. Adams has taken up the invitation but visa restrictions will not allow him to attend a Sinn Fein fund-raising breakfast in Washington on Thursday.
“Whoever made this decision has no concept of what is happening in Ireland and the tremendous work that Gerry Adams has done in driving the peace process forward,” said Paul Doris, chairman of Irish Northern Aid. “Adams is allowed to fund-raise in every country in the world including Britain and this decision makes no sense whatsoever.”
In November, Adams refused a trip to New York after being told he could not attend a fund-raising event. He ended up speaking to the Sinn Fein fund-raising dinner by satellite link-up, and later called on President Bush to rein in "anti-Sinn Fein elements" in the US Administration.
Last month, the British Government restored Westminster allowances worth about $900,000 to Sinn Fein's five MPs, with Prime Minister Blair citing the IRA’s “strategic decision to end the armed campaign and pursue the political course which it has publicly articulated,” as reason for the reinstatement of financial assistance.
Central to the US visa restriction is Sinn Fein’s refusal to endorse the Police Service of Northern Ireland until there is a transfer of powers on policing and justice away from London to democratically elected representatives in a restored local Assembly and all-Ireland institutions. At a recent party conference, Sinn Fein policing spokesperson, Gerry Kelly said, “Republicans will not be badgered or forced into accepting less than the new beginning to policing as promised in the Good Friday Agreement.”
Irish-American leaders claim the Administration’s stance against Sinn Fein is counterproductive and undermines the search for peace in Ireland. “Here you have a political party willing to engage in dialogue being punished for holding a political position while Unionist politicians who refuse to engage in direct talks about the island’s future are allowed to obstruct political progress without any sanctions at all,” Doris said. “That is entirely the wrong message to send out to those who support democracy in Ireland.
Irish American Organizations Send Angry Letter to Bush re. Pending Adams' Visa Denial
Published: 24 February, 2006
ACTION ALERT
Below is the letter by the major Irish American organizations sent to President Bush with regards the pending denial of Gerry Adams' fundraising visa. This is an outrage at this point in the Irish peace process that Sinn Fein has carried on its back for the past ten years.
Please contact the Dr. Condoleeza Rice [Secretary of State] and Dr. Mitchell Reiss [Special Envoy] at US State Department to protest this abuse of power and insult to Irish America.
General Switchboard: 202-647-4000;
Email a question or statement: www.contact.us.state.gov/
____________
Unity in Action Committee
of Irish American Organizations
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush,
We understand that you are considering to once again bar Gerry Adams from attending a fundraising event for his own party, unless Sinn Fein endorses the PSNI.
This move by the US Administration is galling and mystifying to Irish Americans, as policing reform is currently the subject of delicate negotiations between Sinn Fein and the British government.
The Patten recommendations on policing, a compromise position to begin with, have only been 75% implemented by the British government's own analysis. However, new legislation that establishes control and accountability under shared, democratic power sharing, could go a long way to changing the ethos of abuse, political opportunism, and pro-unionist power. Policing has always represented unionist political power over the nationalist community.
The U.S. has, in the past taken a positive role in the Irish peace process. Today, it is becoming a souring and petty influence. We find the current U.S. position counter-productive, one sided, and focused upon hearsay and innuendo, while at the same time ignoring real unionist violence.
The U.S. government should be a force for democratic progress, not exclusion.
A visa denial to Gerry Adams would be a repudiation of efforts by Irish republicans who persuaded the IRA to totally decommission and adopt exclusively political means to progress its goals. It would also constitute an open affront, not only to Irish Americans who supported the political path, but also shows a complete lack of understanding of the nature of the nationalist community and their patience with the whole political process. Sinn Fein is the largest nationalist political party in Northern Ireland. Doesn't their mandate and efforts to move the peace process forward count for anything in the United States, a nation established upon democratic principles?
This issue is of vital interest to the members of our various organizations and we would appreciate a prompt clarification.
Sincerely, signed by the presidents/chairs of:
* Americans For a New Irish Agenda
* Ancient Order of Hibernians
* Brehon Law Society
* Irish American Labor Coalition
* Irish American Unity Conference
* Irish Deportees of America Committee
* Irish Northern Aid
* Irish Parades Emergency Committee
Cc: Dr. Condoleeza Rice
Secretary of State
Dr. Mitchell Reiss
Special Envoy
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
Adams' fundraising visa about to be denied again. Irish America must stand up.
Published: 17 February, 2006
Action Alert
Adams’ Fundraising Visa About To Be Denied Again by US State Department
The US Special Envoy, Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, has barred Gerry Adams once again from attending a fundraising event unless the party endorses the PSNI. This time it is a Friends of Sinn Féin breakfast at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. on the morning of March 16th.
The move by the US Administration is all the more galling and mystifying at this time as policing reform remains the subject of delicate negotiations with the British government, expected to introduce legislation devolving policing and justice to elected officials in the north of Ireland. Something SF has been lobbying for.
Sinn Fein has pledged that if the British legislation is as promised, it would call a Special Ard Fheis to consider movement on its policing policy.
Oddly, the IRA moves over the past months in standing down as a military force and totally decommissioning its arms seems to have stimulated the US Administration to punish Sinn Fein. The first case of banning Mr. Adams came just after these events in November of last year. Without doubt, Sinn Fein is the number one mover of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process.
At the time of the first ban, Mr. Adams said, "Our position on policing is very clear. The British government has agreed to honour certain commitments. I am committed if and when they do that to go to the Sinn Fein ard chomhairle [executive] to deal with the issue of policing. These positions are matters of public record.
"The visa position, as I understand it, is absurd.”
There also seems no end of the British [and Irish?] government propagandizing in Washington and elsewhere in the U.S. over the recent IMC [Independent Monitoring Commission] report which contended, without any evidence or judicial backing, minor evidence of IRA “criminality” and a few guns apparently floating about republican circles. This despite the one hundred thousand weapons legally held in predominantly unionist hands.
The IMC, which is neither independent nor monitors anything – it is told what to report by the PSNI, just happens to be visiting the U.S. What a coincidence.
Meanwhile, the DUP is opening a US office. There are no plans to ban Ian Paisley from fundraising. The DUP will be rewarded for its tireless efforts to wreck the GFA and return to the unacceptable, bloody past.
Irish America must stand up.
We must send a powerful message to Amb. Mitchell Reiss, the National Security Council, and whoever is responsible in the U.S. Administration by supporting the Washington D.C. fundraiser [details soon] and communicating our anger to the Bush Administration [see contact info below].
Contact the White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20500
White House Phone Numbers
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
E-Mail
Send your comments to [email protected].
Secretary of State, Dr. Condolezza Rice
220 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520
[202] 647-4000
Special Envoy, Dr. Mitchell Reiss
[202] 647-2972 ext 7312
Contact both by email: http://contact-us.state.org
Mostly favorable IMC report stalls peace process; unionists bluster.
Published: 1 February, 2006
Political ACTION ALERT
IMC Report Causes Peace Process Stall
[See action details below]
I Background
Yesterday, the Independent Monitoring Commission -- a political entity created by the British and Irish governments well after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement but with the effective power to block the peace process -- produced a report of foggy briefings and rumor that had already, in essence, been given to selected journalists [!] and delivered to the Policing Board last month by the PSNI, which is the real source of the report.
On 31 January 2006, the IMC passed it on as official gospel: without independent research, without documentation, without verification.
This essentially favorable report is now being used my unionist politicians to stall the peace process until the next IMC report in April, when it is likely to again nit pick away the people’s right to self determination.
The media is full of exaggeration, including the US media. The NY Times used it as an opportunity to harp on about the McCartney murder once again and produce a headline that emphasized “Crime” and “Terrorism.” This despite stating that the report confirmed “that the IRA was sincere in July, when it said its members would cease all paramilitary activity and engage in ‘purely political and democratic programs through exclusively peaceful means.’” British Direct Ruler of the north, Peter Hain, stated, “There is enough progress in this report to make the process of talking meaningful.”
In the IMC report, there is no evidence to support its assessment of IRA activity, although it is described as minimal and inconsequential. It contends that some hand guns may remain with individuals for protection [note: over 100,000 firearms are legally in the hands of unionists.] Allegations of minor criminal activity was reported as well. While the report states that over the past three months the UDA was responsible for most of the drug trafficking in the Six Counties, 22 shootings and 8 serious assaults, little notice was given to real paramilitarism and criminality, because the governments conveniently choose not to connect it to any unionist political party. The UUP and DUP float serenely above the violence.
In contrast, the Good Friday Argeement endorsed assessment by Canadian General de Chastelain’s International Independent Commission on Decommissioning rejected the IMC’s determination. It stated, in an authoritative two page statement, that the IRA had decommissioned its arms and its ceasefire was unbroken.
But it was enough to give Unionists politicians room to delay having to share power, probably for another three months until the next report.
II. Bill in Irish Dail to repeal IMC
On 2 February 2006, Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh moved a Bill in the Dáil to repeal the Irish legislation for the Independent Monitoring Commission. Deputy Ó Snodaigh described yesterday’s report from the IMC as “farcical” and said it was “nothing more than a permit for prevarication” that the two Governments “foolishly” handed to the rejectionist unionists. He pointed out that more than €1.5 million per year had been spent by the Irish Government on the IMC since its establishment in 2003.
III. History
In November 2003, in a vain attempt to keep Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble in power, the British government’s direct ruler at the time, Secretary of State N. Ireland Paul Murphy, announced the establishment of the International Monitoring Commission, a body established unilaterally by the British and Irish governments totally outside of the Good Friday Agreement. IMC members are paid £600 per day, have no investigative powers and presents the political opinion of the PSNI and British MI5 as fact.
Courts of law, corrupt and biased as they are in the north of Ireland, have no input into any of the IMC’s accusations. None of the allegations in any IMC report have been decided by any court of law nor was any proof ever provide.
Gerry Adams said after the IMC’s first report: “The role of the IMC was to facilitate the exclusion of our party, to soft peddle on unionist violence and to entirely ignore the behavior of the British government - the party most in breach of the Good Friday Agreement.”
IV. The Kangaroo Court Members
Who are the people put in charge of deciding who gets democracy in the north of Ireland and who doesn’t? The four IMC members are a northern unionist politician, a former head of Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorism unit, a former American CIA chief spy, and an Irish police and justice department senior official.
LORD ALDERDICE: leader of the unionist Alliance Party between 1987 and 1998 [although in fairness Alliance is a inclusive party with a few nationalist supporters], an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, elevated to the House of Lords in 1996 -- appointed by the British Government.
JOHN GRIEVE: former head of Scotland Yard's anti-terrorist unit, introduced Asset Seizure Investigation in the United Kingdom -- appointed by the British Government.
RICHARD KERR: a member of America's Central Intelligence Agency for more than 30 years, eventually becoming America's chief spy in the early 1990s, was the CIA's Deputy Director from 1989 until 1992, served briefly as the acting CIA Director -- appointed by the US government.
JOE BROSNAN: held senior posts in the Irish Department of Justice's Garda and Security divisions, became Secretary General of the Department in February 1991 -- appointed by the Irish Government.
V. Political Action Details
In the US, communicate your concern and outrage to your local media and
* The Irish government: The Irish Ambassador to the US is Noel Fahey. Contact him at Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Mass Ave NW, Washington DC 20008; phone 202-462-3939; fax 202-232-5993. E-mail: http://www.irelandemb.org/feedback.html.
* The British government: The British Embassy in DC can be reached by phone [202] 588 7800; fax: (212) 745 0359 or e-mailed at [email protected]. The address is The British Embassy, 3100 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008
* US Administration: Dr. Mitchell Reiss, Director of Policy Planning, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520; Main Switchboard @ Policy Planning [202] 647-5225; E-mail direct to Dr Reiss: [email protected]. Send a message using the State Dept web site to Ambassador Rice: http://contact-us.state.gov. Click on “Foreign Policy Opinions,” “Send a Message to the Secretary of State”; “Suggestions and Complaints.”
* Outside the US, please contact your local administration, appropriate embassies and consulates, and media contacts.