rsfcork
12-12-2007, 07:34 PM
Irish Republican Information Service (no. 129)
Teach Dáithí Ó Conaill, 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Phone: +353-1-872 9747; FAX: +353-1-872 9757; e-mail: saoirse@iol.ie
Date: 12 Nollaig / December 2007
Internet resources maintained by SAOIRSE-Irish Freedom
http://saoirse.info
In this issue:
1. Picket for Republican prisoners in Kilkenny City
2. Crumlin plans must be opposed
3. RSF oppose introduction of tasers
4. RSF support Argos workers
5. Warning issued on increased MI5 activity
6. Provos fails to fill DPP posts
7. Orange Order refuses to explain UVF banner
8. Provo worker linked to fatal Quinn beating
9. Brit NIO tries to gag court over agent claim
10. McHugh quits Provos over party policies
11. RUC/PSNI pay out £9.5 million for misconduct
12. Cutbacks threat to Irish language schools
13. RSF Defends Dr Jeanette Findlay
14. Memorial to Miami Showband
15. Ombudsman to probe case of informer
1. PICKET FOR REPUBLICAN PRISONERS IN KILKENNY CITY
KILKENNY Republican Sinn Féin held a very successful picket in Kilkenny city on Saturday, December 8. The picket was held at the Town Hall on High St between 1pm and 2.30pm. Members of Kilkenny Republican Sinn Féin were joined by Republicans from Waterford, Wexford and Kildare.
Leaflets were handed out explaining the situation of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry, whilst copies of the Republican paper SAOIRSE were sold. Addressing the crowd Republican Sinn Féin Vice President Des Dalton, Kildare, said that the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry were locked in a struggle to vindicate the right to political status for which Bobby Sands and his comrades died on hunger strike in 1981.
“These rights, won on the back of the sacrifice of Republican prisoners since 1917 were signed away by the Provisionals in 1998 when they signed the Stormont Agreement, the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry are in a struggle against the latest attempt by Britain and native collaborators to criminalise Republican prisoners and by extension the historic struggle for Irish freedom,” Des Dalton said.
The chairperson of Kilkenny Republican Sinn Féin Ger Foran said that as long as there was British rule in Ireland it would be met by resistance: “That is the lesson of Irish history, the fact that in 2007 there are Republican prisoners in Maghaberry and Portlaoise prisons testifies to this” he said.
Emmet Gladney, a member of the executive of Kilkenny Republican Sinn Féin said that Republican prisoners are in British and 26-County jails: “Because they refuse to recognise British courts, British laws, accept British money or British rule in any shape or form. They are in jail because they are loyal to the 32-county Irish Republic.”
2. CRUMLIN PLANS MUST BE OPPOSED
ON December 11 Republican Sinn Féin expressed concern at the announcement that the RUC are to be incorporated within the community centre in Crumlin, Co. Antrim.
The RUC will seek, in the words of Dolores Kelly, to become an “integral part of the Crumlin community.”
RSF Publicity Officer, Richard Walsh, said “This is a very dangerous development which must be opposed. The British Colonial Police will place so-called 'community officers' amongst the youth of Crumlin in an attempt to present themselves as part of the community.”
“It is unsurprising that Provo councillor Annemarie Logue stated that she would 'continue to be available to provide any assistance' for what she called 'the exciting time ahead'.
“We call on the people of Crumlin to reject these plans which are intended to increase the intelligence-gathering capacity of the RUC in the area.”
3. RSF OPPOSE INTRODUCTION OF TASERS
THE revelation that Hugh Orde is to introduce Tasers in the Six Occupied Counties demonstrates that the Policing Board, which claims to hold the RUC to account, has no real powers, a spokesperson for Republican Sinn Féin said on December 9. RSF Publicity Officer, Richard Walsh, added that all of the allegedly “less-lethal” options have been shown to be deadly weapons.
He said: “These weapons, which deliver a 50,000 volt shock, have already been linked to several deaths. Hugh Orde may make reference to 'less-lethal' force, but the fact remains that the use of Tasers can result in the death of the target.
“Given that the Six County Policing Board was not prepared to endorse the use of these weapons at this time, those who claimed that they were taking their seats on the Board to hold the RUC to account should now have the honesty to admit that these structures do not allow for this.
4. RSF SUPPORT ARGOS WORKERS
IN A statement on December 11 the Vice-President of Republican Sinn Féin Des Dalton expressed Republican Sinn Féin’s support for the workers at Argos who are locked in a pay dispute with the company. He also denounced the company’s use of ‘scab labour’ in an attempt to break the strike.
In the statement Des Dalton said: “The dispute at Argos which led to a one day strike on December 1 and the use of ‘scab labour’ imported from England and Wales by the company is about the right of working people to a living wage and the right to be a member of a trade union. People should give a practical demonstration of their solidarity for the Argos workers by refusing to pass pickets.
“Argos announced profits in 2006 exceeding 8.1 billion euro whilst profits for the first half of this year are up 50%. Despite this Argos are refusing workers a 10 % pay rise, which would bring hourly rates to 9.90 euro. The cost of importing strike breakers is greater for Argos than the pay increase sought by the workers. However the prize for the company in winning this battle would be to break the power of the worker’s union in Argos, part of the employer’s wider agenda of undermining workers rights and pay.
“The dispute at Argos comes at a time when the 26-County administration is following the British government’s lead in blocking an draft EU law which would give temporary workers employed through agencies the same pay and conditions as full-time staff.”
Commenting on the economic climate in the 26-County state Des Dalton said: “Across the board the rights of working people are under attack, this is evidenced in terms of access to health care, education, housing and pay amongst other social and economic measures. The 2008 budget announced on December 5 shows the Dublin administration have no intention of addressing any of these issues but are determined to continue widening the gap between rich and poor.
“True social and economic democracy as provided for in SAOL NUA, Republican Sinn Féin’s social and economic programme is the only means by which communities ravaged by poverty, drug abuse, crime, chronic unemployment and social disconnection can be brought in from the margins of society, guaranteeing people a share of national wealth which meets their needs.”
Meanwhile the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) accused the 26-County administration of pandering to business interests in joining with Britain to block a draft EU law that would give temporary workers supplied through agencies the same pay and conditions as full-time staff.
Congress general secretary David Begg said that he had written to 26-County Labour Affairs Minister Billy Kelleher expressing “very deep resentment” at the actions of the 26-County administration in opposing efforts to reach a compromise on an EU directive governing agency workers.
At a briefing on December 6 ICTU also strongly criticised the 26-County Budget for prioritising "bricks and mortar" capital developments in the 26-County development plan ahead of social infrastructure such as training and upskilling.
David Begg said that there had been nothing in the Budget for his constituency of workers.
He said that the Budget was “a missed opportunity” to create a more positive environment for the next round of 26-County pay talks which are scheduled to take place early in the New Year.
David Begg said that in his Budget the 26-County Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, had stuck to the business side of the ‘national development plan’ in his investment priorities.
He criticised the failure to deliver any childcare assistance for working parents. He said that generally children had to be placed in crèches at six months to allow their mothers to return to work.
There was a need to move to a society where a child could get 12 months with his or her parents. He said ICTU demands in this area had been completely ignored.
He said it seemed absolutely wrong that there could be a discussion about the future of the country in terms of bricks and mortar but no consideration was given to the crucial issue of young people.
“I feel quite angry about this because there was no recognition about the problems that parents are facing. Flexibility in this place means hiring and firing. It never means flexibility of people to work in a way that is beneficial for society at large.”
David Begg criticised the 26-County Budget for confining improvements on mortgage interest relief to first-time buyers.
He said the trade union movement had understood, following a meeting with 26-County Ministers last June, that everyone would benefit from the measures to be introduced.
David Begg also indicated that a new pay deal would be very difficult to sell if a number of other issues such as pensions, the treatment of agency workers and trade union representation rights were not tackled.
On the draft EU law on agency workers, David Begg condemned the 26-County administration for "slavishly" following the British approach to social Europe.
He said Brian Cowen had recently stated that the 26-Counties could not compete internationally on the basis of low wages. By blocking the directive, the 26-County state would be doing that precisely.
5. WARNING ISSUED ON INCREASED MI5 ACTIVITY
A WARNING that the British Intelligence Service MI5 is now increasingly active in the Six Counties trying to recruit men and women to give information on political organizations was given today by a member of the Ard Comhairle of Republican Sinn Fein.
Des Long from Limerick who is also chairperson of Comhairle na Mumhan (Munster Executive of RSF) said that it has come to the attention of the organisation that a leading figure in Belfast had been approached twice in recent times to talk to British agents. This man is well known in his area for his opposition to the so called Stormont Agreement and he is a longtime supporter of true Republican principles he said. Tommy Crossan has no fear of his name being used by us in drawing attention to the activities of these British agents.
Their recruiting tactics have become increasingly sophisticated and when they approached Tommy they said they did not want him to be a tout but that he could assist them in understanding the political situation at the moment. These soft soap tactics are now part of the weaponry of MI5 and we are asking people not to fall into this recruitment trap.
Once in the clutches of these pinstrip suited agents of the British Crown, it is very difficult to withdraw and we all know that people have paid with their lives because of such links to these intelligences services. We are now issuing an alert to all true Republicans to be watchful and on guard for any approaches from British agents and to report such contacts to us without delay.
6. PROVOS FAILS TO FILL DPP POSTS
Provo councillors in Strabane have been unable to fill their positions on the area's British District Policing Partnership. The Provisionals were entitled to five places, but could only find three candidates willing to take part. The two spare posts were offered to DUP councillors hours before the deadline for nominations expired on December 4. It was reported that the inability to fill the positions followed weeks of internal wrangling within the Provos.
7. ORANGE ORDER REFUSES TO EXPLAIN UVF BANNER
ALMOST six months on, the Orange Order refuses to explain why a banner honouring UVF man Sam Rockett and north Belfast man William Hanna was allowed to be carried along the Crumlin Road during an Orange Order march.
The Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band carried the bannerette during the July 12 parade down the Crumlin Road despite an Orange Order policy that “paramilitary trappings should not be seen at any parade”.
Despite saying the query was “not particularly difficult” to deal with, Mervyn Gibson, a leading member of the Belfast County Orange Order, has said the response is not yet ready but will hopefully be in the post before Christmas.
The discussions have already taken place and the response should be with you before Christmas,” he said in response t a media query.
“It was always the understanding that we would reply when we had looked into all aspects of the issue.
“It's not that your query is particularly difficult to deal with it's just there are different ways of dealing with these things.”
Residents were outraged by loyalist bands brandishing loyalist death squad flags and banners during parades through nationalist areas this marching season.
Many families of loyalist death squad victims called for public apologies from the Orange Order.
Rockett, who was connected to the UVF, was shot dead at his north Belfast home almost seven years ago.
His death followed a week of violence between rival loyalist fractions and the re-imprisonment of the then UFF leader, Johnny Adair.
It is believed the 22-year-old was gunned down by UFF members at his Summer Street home in the loyalist Oldpark area in reprisal for the double murder of Bobby Mahood and senior UDA figure Jackie Coulter two days previous.
North Belfast man William Hanna was shot dead by the SAS in June 1978 when they opened fire on three IRA men.
8. PROVO WORKER LINKED TO FATAL QUINN BEATING
ONE of the key suspects who is believed to have delivered the fatal blows with an iron bar to the young south Armagh man, Paul Quinn, was a Provo worker at the time of the murder, it emerged on December 9.
The man, in his early 20s, was named in statements which were given to gardaí investigating the murder. A house was subsequently searched and the man, is expected to be formally questioned in the near future.
The man was part of the Provo unit which had been tracking the 21-year-old for weeks before he was lured to a disused cattle shed at Oram, Co Monaghan just over the Border from his home in Cullyhanna, Co Armagh on October 20 last.
In the immediate aftermath of the murder the Provo leadership issued a succession of statements and made TV appearances denouncing the murder as the work of "criminals" and said there was no Provisional involvement. However, Garda sources have confirmed that at least one of the prime suspects in the killing was, at the time, a Provo activist in the South Armagh area.
According to local sources it now appears that the south Armagh Provisionals had a list of up to a dozen local young men who were suspected of “anti-social” activities but that almost all were taken off a list for a punishment beating because their families had links to the Provos. Paul Quinn's family has no Provo links.
The killing has created severe divisions in the area extending even into the local GAA and there is no sign of the campaign by family supporters to have the killers brought to account subsiding.
The campaigners have challenged the Provisionals over why, despite publicly denouncing the murder, none of its local representatives -- including the local MP and Stormont minister, Conor Murphy -- attended Paul Quinn's funeral.
The Quinn Support Group said: “Over the last few weeks they have expressed strong opinions on everything from rates relief to the Warm Homes Scheme and social housing, as they should, but on the matter of brutal premeditated murder they have nothing to say.
“These councillors knocked on all our doors at election times, pledging their support for us if we would give our support to them. And we did. But when payback time came -- when a family was faced with just about the most horrific event anyone is ever likely to face -- they were nowhere to be seen.”
9. BRIT NIO TRIES TO GAG COURT OVER AGENT CLAIM
THE British government sought a gagging order banning a Belfast court from identifying a leading member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement as a top British agent on December 11.
Earlier this year Paddy Murray (44) publicly rubbished speculation that he had been taken into protective custody by British colonial police after coming under suspicion of being an agent.
In recent years he has been a prominent spokesman for the 32 County Sovereignty Movement arranging a series of band parades in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
However, the British government took the highly unusual step of seeking a Public Interest Immunity Certificate to prevent Murray from being identified as one of its top agents.
Murray first came under suspicion after the RUC/PSNI uncovered a bomb factory belonging to the so-called Real IRA in Ballymena in February 2005.
Four men and a woman were charged with possession of incendiary devices after a house on the Fisherwick estate was raided. Murray was arrested but later released without charge.
Earlier this year the British Police Ombudsman was asked to investigate a complaint that the British colonial police had protected Murray from being charged in connection with the bomb factory. It was claimed that the RUC/PSNI deliberately withheld evidence that Murray had supplied bomb timers to the so-called Real IRA gang days before a planned attack and that his DNA was found on two incendiary devices recovered during the raid.
Last month when Murray appeared in court on separate kidnapping and assault charges he was accompanied by two members of the RUC/PSNI.
Despite being freed on bail he openly walked back into British colonial police custody.
A private court hearing took place in Belfast on December 11 during which a judge was asked to grant a certificate banning any details of Murray's alleged role as a British agent being revealed in a forthcoming bomb trial.
In the past such certificates have only been granted in high-profile cases where it is claimed that Britain's national security would be put in danger if evidence is disclosed in open court. They can only be issued if a British government minister can convince a judge that British national security would be put at risk.
In the past they have been used to prevent the identification of key informers, members of the RUC and British soldiers involved in some of the most controversial killings of the conflict in the Six-Counties.
In 2000 the then British defence minister, Geoff Hoon, issued certificates to prevent British agents and their military handlers from being identified at the Bloody Sunday Tribunal.
10. McHUGH QUITS PROVOS OVER PARTY POLICIES
A Provo assembly member has left the party accusing it of “appeasement of the British government” and engaging in “undemocratic practices”.
Gerry McHugh, a Fermanagh and South Tyrone Stormont assembly member and a member of Fermanagh District Council, resigned from the Provisionals on December 7.
He said he would retain his assembly seat until the next election, when he will run as an independent.
“I have been increasingly disillusioned with the totally undemocratic nature of the party and the wholly top-down dictation within it,” Gerry McHugh said.
“I feel the direction Sinn Féin (sic) is taking is more about appeasement of the British government and administrating British rule in Ireland rather than working towards the end of British occupation.
“Assembly structures support this – at both committee and plenary level unionists have majority control. What was agreed at St Andrews cannot be delivered without unionist approval.”
McHugh said the Provos decision to endorse British policing in the Six-Counties was a “factor” in his decision.
“I have no difficulties with the idea of civil policing but I have a difficulty with the excessive amounts of MI5 and military spooks operating in the six counties,” he said.
He referred to revelations in The Irish News on December 1 from a former specialist soldier that 1,000 military intelligence officers were operating in the north in 2003.
“I think that is something that people would not think we had got to in this point of time. The fact that the PSNI is being used by MI5 for political policing here should be a major concern for everybody here,” he said.
Gerry McHugh is not the first politician to leave the Provisionals because of differences over British policing.
Provo adviser Breandáan Mac Cionnaith – who rose to prominence as a spokesman for the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition – resigned from the party in April.
Former Mid-Ulster assembly member Geraldine Dougan resigned from the Provos in January over British policing. The same month former Newry mayor Davy Hyland resigned claiming the Provisionals’ shift in British policing policy was a core reason for his deselection ahead of the Stormont assembly election.
11. RUC/PSNI PAY OUT £9.5 MILLION FOR MISCONDUCT
The RUC/PSNI received 150 claims for every 100,000 people in the Six-Counties and paid out £9.5 million in court judgments, settlements and compensation, the highest in the British state.
Overall Police forces throughout the British state have paid out more than £44 million in compensation and damages in the past five years, mostly to victims of police misconduct.
The bulk was paid out for wrongful arrests, assaults, malicious prosecutions and abuses of human rights, according to data obtained under the British Freedom of Information Act (FoI).
The figures show that between 2002 and 2007 the 55 police forces in the British state received more than 31,000 claims.
The survey also exposed defects in the way in which these forces keep their records. More than half did not keep accessible records of claims, complaints or court cases. Others kept no separate record of damages awarded to victims of police misconduct, recording only total damages – including sums paid to settle employment tribunal claims and vehicle damage.
In all, 31,829 claims were lodged over five years, resulting in 1,825 court actions. But only 467, or 24 per cent, of those claims reached court. Most were settled or paid off.
The survey was conducted by Heather Brooke, an FoI expert and author of Your Right to Know. She asked police forces how many claims had been threatened or brought, defining “claim” as any written demand for financial compensation or other relief arising from alleged unlawful acts or omissions in the course of police operations.
They included alleged misconduct, assault, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and misfeasance or private law claims under the Human Rights Act.
Top of the payout league table (omitting the City of London because of its transient population) is the Six-County British colonial police with £597,801 paid per 100,000 population. Next is Cleveland Police, which paid out £597,169 per 100,000. These figures took all compensation claims into account, not just those made by people complaining of mistreatment.
Greater Manchester paid £394,703 per 100,000 population. This figure covered only public liability payouts arising from alleged misconduct or mistakes during police operations.
Of the total, more than a quarter, nearly £12 million was awarded after a court judgment or paid out after an agreed settlement. Of those awards, the mean settlement was £6,552 and the mean compensation payout £1,386.
Heather Brooke said that the question encompassed all money paid out, whether directly in compensation or to lawyers in legal fees.
Number of compensation claims per 100,000 population:
Merseyside Police 158
RUC/PSNI 150
Cleveland Police 139
Devon & Cornwall Police 136
Metropolitan Police 121
Source: FoI survey.
The following British police forces did not respond to the FoI request: North Yorkshire; South Yorkshire; West Yorkshire; Hertfordshire; Humberside; Leicestershire; Surrey; Kent; Dorset; Nottinghamshire. City of London was excluded because of its transient population
12. CUTBACKS THREAT TO IRISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
A SERIOUS threat has emerged to the future of Gaelscoileanna which are among the most successful second level schools in the 26-Counties.
The 26-County Department of Education and Science Building Unit has proposed that no new second level Gaelscoilenna be built.
Instead it proposes that where there is demand for a Gaelscoil then an all-Irish stream or a separate unit be built as part of an existing or new post primary school.
The proposal is aimed primarily at saving money but has led to fierce resistance within the 26-County Department.
The 26-County Education Department would not make any comment other than to say that no change in policy was envisaged.
Sources said there would be political uproar if the proposal were accepted and no stand-alone Gaelscoileanna were built in the future. “Having a separate unit or aonad only works in a very large school,” said one source.
Another said that if an all-Irish stream was attached to an ordinary second level school it would have great difficulties retaining the all-Irish atmosphere. “Inevitably the pupils from the Irish stream would end up talking English in the playground with the other students,” he said.
The 26-County Education minister Mary Hannifin has already upset supporters of all-Irish education by insisting that junior infants have to be taught English at least by the start of the second term, but this has been the subject of a High Court challenge.
Although the proposal not to build any more Gaelscoileanna is virtually certain to be shot down, the fact that it was even tabled will cause alarm to Irish language activists.
There are 44 all-Irish second level schools, including four new schools in 2007, and one new school as a result of the amalgamation of two schools. They are made up as follows; l Twenty-seven come under Vocational Education Committees.
* Thirteen are categorised as secondary schools, most under religious patronage (Catholic), three under patronage by Irish language schools patron group An Foras Patrunachta.
* Four are community schools.
Gaelscoileanna feature among the most successful feeder schools for universities with both Colaiste Eoin and Colaiste Iosagain appearing in the top 10.
13. RSF DEFENDS DR JEANETTE FINDLAY
In a statement the Francis Hughes Cumann of Republican Sinn Féin in Glasgow expressed its support for the stand taken by University of Glasgow lecturer Dr Jeanette Findlay in defending the right of Celtic soccer fans to sing Irish Republican songs and ballads.
“The chorus of denunciation by the unionist media against University of Glasgow lecturer Dr Jeanette Findlay for defending the right of Celtic fans to sing songs in support of the centuries old struggle of the Irish people against English colonial rule, is as sad as it is predictable.
“Our songs of freedom carry a message not of bigotry or hate, but of survival, of a fight for freedom against tyranny and genocide and against bigoted legislators and despotic governments. This latest attack on our songs is morally wrong and is really just a cosmetic exercise to appease the bigots in Scottish society who would prefer that the Irish community in Scotland did not exist at all.
“We trust that these same detractors would not wish to suggest that it is bigoted to sing songs like Flower of Scotland, Scots Wa Hae or the many other patriotic songs that depict the heroic struggles of Wallace and Bruce against English colonial oppression. Are these not ‘rebel’ songs as well? Or are they only offensive when they are Irish?
“Dr Jeanette Findlay was making her comments in her capacity as Celtic Trust chairperson in the context of the opposition of fans to former British defence
secretary John Reid becoming Celtic chairman. It should be remembered that polls indicate the majority of Scots believe the British invasion of Iraq and the
ongoing occupation of that country to be illegal and immoral. Consequently a significant section of Celtic fans do not believe that the decision to appoint Reid
is in keeping with the ethos and traditions of the club.
“Republican Sinn Fein fully endorses the legitimate sentiments expressed by Dr Findlay and defends the right of Celtic fans and the Irish community as the largest minority ethnic group in Scotland, to express itself culturally which includes the right to sing our songs of freedom. Therefore whilst we applaud all genuine initiatives aimed at tackling the scourge of religious sectarianism in Scottish society, we reject
those forces that would seek to engage in anti Irish racism under the guise of opposing bigotry.
14. MEMORIAL TO MIAMI SHOWBAND
A MEMORIAl to the Miami Showband outside the former National Ballroom on Parnell Square North in Dublin was unveiled on December 10. The limestone bronze and granite piece by Donegal artist Redmond Herrity is in memory of Tony Geraghty, Fran O'Toole and Brian McCoy, who were murdered by a unit of the British army’s Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) at Buskhill, Newry, Co Down, on July 31, 1975.
They were shot dead as they were driving home from a dance in Banbridge Co Down following a failed attempt to plant a bomb on their bus which resulted in the bomb going off killing two of the British soldiers, British army unit opened fire on the Showband members killing three of them. Only Stephen Travers and Des McAlea survived.
Margaret Urwin of Justice for the Forgotten said: “This is very appropriate because it's at the old National Ballroom where they used to play.”
15. Ombudsman to probe case of informer
AL Hutchinson, the new British Police Ombudsman, faces his first major challenge: to question RUC/PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and ex-RUC boss Sir Ronnie Flanagan over collusion allegations.
Hutchinson will receive a demand later this week from Raymond McCord that his office interview the two over the case of convicted loyalist paramilitary Mark Haddock. McCord's son Raymond Junior was killed by the UVF unit Haddock controlled. He wants the Ombudsman to ask why Haddock was kept on as a RUC Special Branch informer almost three years after he was exposed as committing crimes while serving as a paid British agent.
Under the legislation established at the time the Ombudsman's office was set up, the RUC/PSNI overseer's inquiry team must investigate all complaints from the public about policing matters in the Six-Counties.
Earlier this year, the first British Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, revealed in her Operation Ballast report that Haddock carried out several murders, beatings and gun attacks while working for the British state.
In her report, she found Haddock had been paid £80,000 for information, even while his Mount Vernon UVF unit conducted a reign of terror in North Belfast and Mid Ulster.
McCord, whose son was beaten to death by the Mount Vernon gang on Haddock's orders 10 years ago, handed in a letter to the Ombudsman on December 12 which he wrote to Orde in 2000. Based on information from a senior RUC member, the letter revealed that Haddock was killing and ordering murders while being an agent of the British state. He wants the Ombudsman to probe why Haddock remained an agent until 2003.
“I want to ask Al Hutchinson to bring both Hugh Orde and Ronnie Flanagan into this investigation. This is much more than just my desire to get justice for young Raymond. There were other families affected by the Mount Vernon UVF; they deserve to know why the man ordering the deaths of their loved ones was a paid agent right up to 2003,” Raymond McCord said.
The human rights campaigner was accompanied to the British Police Ombudsman's office on by Paul McIlwaine, whose son David, along with Andrew Robb, was beaten and stabbed to death by the Mid Ulster UVF in 2000.
Paul McIlwaine is making a separate complaint over allegations that the head of the UVF in Tandragee, Co Armagh, was allowed to work on British Crown force bases, despite being a suspect in the double murder.
ENDS
Sinn Féin Poblachtach - Cork (http://www.rsfcork.com)
Saoirse Republican Forum (http://saoirse.21.forumer.com)
Teach Dáithí Ó Conaill, 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Phone: +353-1-872 9747; FAX: +353-1-872 9757; e-mail: saoirse@iol.ie
Date: 12 Nollaig / December 2007
Internet resources maintained by SAOIRSE-Irish Freedom
http://saoirse.info
In this issue:
1. Picket for Republican prisoners in Kilkenny City
2. Crumlin plans must be opposed
3. RSF oppose introduction of tasers
4. RSF support Argos workers
5. Warning issued on increased MI5 activity
6. Provos fails to fill DPP posts
7. Orange Order refuses to explain UVF banner
8. Provo worker linked to fatal Quinn beating
9. Brit NIO tries to gag court over agent claim
10. McHugh quits Provos over party policies
11. RUC/PSNI pay out £9.5 million for misconduct
12. Cutbacks threat to Irish language schools
13. RSF Defends Dr Jeanette Findlay
14. Memorial to Miami Showband
15. Ombudsman to probe case of informer
1. PICKET FOR REPUBLICAN PRISONERS IN KILKENNY CITY
KILKENNY Republican Sinn Féin held a very successful picket in Kilkenny city on Saturday, December 8. The picket was held at the Town Hall on High St between 1pm and 2.30pm. Members of Kilkenny Republican Sinn Féin were joined by Republicans from Waterford, Wexford and Kildare.
Leaflets were handed out explaining the situation of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry, whilst copies of the Republican paper SAOIRSE were sold. Addressing the crowd Republican Sinn Féin Vice President Des Dalton, Kildare, said that the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry were locked in a struggle to vindicate the right to political status for which Bobby Sands and his comrades died on hunger strike in 1981.
“These rights, won on the back of the sacrifice of Republican prisoners since 1917 were signed away by the Provisionals in 1998 when they signed the Stormont Agreement, the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry are in a struggle against the latest attempt by Britain and native collaborators to criminalise Republican prisoners and by extension the historic struggle for Irish freedom,” Des Dalton said.
The chairperson of Kilkenny Republican Sinn Féin Ger Foran said that as long as there was British rule in Ireland it would be met by resistance: “That is the lesson of Irish history, the fact that in 2007 there are Republican prisoners in Maghaberry and Portlaoise prisons testifies to this” he said.
Emmet Gladney, a member of the executive of Kilkenny Republican Sinn Féin said that Republican prisoners are in British and 26-County jails: “Because they refuse to recognise British courts, British laws, accept British money or British rule in any shape or form. They are in jail because they are loyal to the 32-county Irish Republic.”
2. CRUMLIN PLANS MUST BE OPPOSED
ON December 11 Republican Sinn Féin expressed concern at the announcement that the RUC are to be incorporated within the community centre in Crumlin, Co. Antrim.
The RUC will seek, in the words of Dolores Kelly, to become an “integral part of the Crumlin community.”
RSF Publicity Officer, Richard Walsh, said “This is a very dangerous development which must be opposed. The British Colonial Police will place so-called 'community officers' amongst the youth of Crumlin in an attempt to present themselves as part of the community.”
“It is unsurprising that Provo councillor Annemarie Logue stated that she would 'continue to be available to provide any assistance' for what she called 'the exciting time ahead'.
“We call on the people of Crumlin to reject these plans which are intended to increase the intelligence-gathering capacity of the RUC in the area.”
3. RSF OPPOSE INTRODUCTION OF TASERS
THE revelation that Hugh Orde is to introduce Tasers in the Six Occupied Counties demonstrates that the Policing Board, which claims to hold the RUC to account, has no real powers, a spokesperson for Republican Sinn Féin said on December 9. RSF Publicity Officer, Richard Walsh, added that all of the allegedly “less-lethal” options have been shown to be deadly weapons.
He said: “These weapons, which deliver a 50,000 volt shock, have already been linked to several deaths. Hugh Orde may make reference to 'less-lethal' force, but the fact remains that the use of Tasers can result in the death of the target.
“Given that the Six County Policing Board was not prepared to endorse the use of these weapons at this time, those who claimed that they were taking their seats on the Board to hold the RUC to account should now have the honesty to admit that these structures do not allow for this.
4. RSF SUPPORT ARGOS WORKERS
IN A statement on December 11 the Vice-President of Republican Sinn Féin Des Dalton expressed Republican Sinn Féin’s support for the workers at Argos who are locked in a pay dispute with the company. He also denounced the company’s use of ‘scab labour’ in an attempt to break the strike.
In the statement Des Dalton said: “The dispute at Argos which led to a one day strike on December 1 and the use of ‘scab labour’ imported from England and Wales by the company is about the right of working people to a living wage and the right to be a member of a trade union. People should give a practical demonstration of their solidarity for the Argos workers by refusing to pass pickets.
“Argos announced profits in 2006 exceeding 8.1 billion euro whilst profits for the first half of this year are up 50%. Despite this Argos are refusing workers a 10 % pay rise, which would bring hourly rates to 9.90 euro. The cost of importing strike breakers is greater for Argos than the pay increase sought by the workers. However the prize for the company in winning this battle would be to break the power of the worker’s union in Argos, part of the employer’s wider agenda of undermining workers rights and pay.
“The dispute at Argos comes at a time when the 26-County administration is following the British government’s lead in blocking an draft EU law which would give temporary workers employed through agencies the same pay and conditions as full-time staff.”
Commenting on the economic climate in the 26-County state Des Dalton said: “Across the board the rights of working people are under attack, this is evidenced in terms of access to health care, education, housing and pay amongst other social and economic measures. The 2008 budget announced on December 5 shows the Dublin administration have no intention of addressing any of these issues but are determined to continue widening the gap between rich and poor.
“True social and economic democracy as provided for in SAOL NUA, Republican Sinn Féin’s social and economic programme is the only means by which communities ravaged by poverty, drug abuse, crime, chronic unemployment and social disconnection can be brought in from the margins of society, guaranteeing people a share of national wealth which meets their needs.”
Meanwhile the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) accused the 26-County administration of pandering to business interests in joining with Britain to block a draft EU law that would give temporary workers supplied through agencies the same pay and conditions as full-time staff.
Congress general secretary David Begg said that he had written to 26-County Labour Affairs Minister Billy Kelleher expressing “very deep resentment” at the actions of the 26-County administration in opposing efforts to reach a compromise on an EU directive governing agency workers.
At a briefing on December 6 ICTU also strongly criticised the 26-County Budget for prioritising "bricks and mortar" capital developments in the 26-County development plan ahead of social infrastructure such as training and upskilling.
David Begg said that there had been nothing in the Budget for his constituency of workers.
He said that the Budget was “a missed opportunity” to create a more positive environment for the next round of 26-County pay talks which are scheduled to take place early in the New Year.
David Begg said that in his Budget the 26-County Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, had stuck to the business side of the ‘national development plan’ in his investment priorities.
He criticised the failure to deliver any childcare assistance for working parents. He said that generally children had to be placed in crèches at six months to allow their mothers to return to work.
There was a need to move to a society where a child could get 12 months with his or her parents. He said ICTU demands in this area had been completely ignored.
He said it seemed absolutely wrong that there could be a discussion about the future of the country in terms of bricks and mortar but no consideration was given to the crucial issue of young people.
“I feel quite angry about this because there was no recognition about the problems that parents are facing. Flexibility in this place means hiring and firing. It never means flexibility of people to work in a way that is beneficial for society at large.”
David Begg criticised the 26-County Budget for confining improvements on mortgage interest relief to first-time buyers.
He said the trade union movement had understood, following a meeting with 26-County Ministers last June, that everyone would benefit from the measures to be introduced.
David Begg also indicated that a new pay deal would be very difficult to sell if a number of other issues such as pensions, the treatment of agency workers and trade union representation rights were not tackled.
On the draft EU law on agency workers, David Begg condemned the 26-County administration for "slavishly" following the British approach to social Europe.
He said Brian Cowen had recently stated that the 26-Counties could not compete internationally on the basis of low wages. By blocking the directive, the 26-County state would be doing that precisely.
5. WARNING ISSUED ON INCREASED MI5 ACTIVITY
A WARNING that the British Intelligence Service MI5 is now increasingly active in the Six Counties trying to recruit men and women to give information on political organizations was given today by a member of the Ard Comhairle of Republican Sinn Fein.
Des Long from Limerick who is also chairperson of Comhairle na Mumhan (Munster Executive of RSF) said that it has come to the attention of the organisation that a leading figure in Belfast had been approached twice in recent times to talk to British agents. This man is well known in his area for his opposition to the so called Stormont Agreement and he is a longtime supporter of true Republican principles he said. Tommy Crossan has no fear of his name being used by us in drawing attention to the activities of these British agents.
Their recruiting tactics have become increasingly sophisticated and when they approached Tommy they said they did not want him to be a tout but that he could assist them in understanding the political situation at the moment. These soft soap tactics are now part of the weaponry of MI5 and we are asking people not to fall into this recruitment trap.
Once in the clutches of these pinstrip suited agents of the British Crown, it is very difficult to withdraw and we all know that people have paid with their lives because of such links to these intelligences services. We are now issuing an alert to all true Republicans to be watchful and on guard for any approaches from British agents and to report such contacts to us without delay.
6. PROVOS FAILS TO FILL DPP POSTS
Provo councillors in Strabane have been unable to fill their positions on the area's British District Policing Partnership. The Provisionals were entitled to five places, but could only find three candidates willing to take part. The two spare posts were offered to DUP councillors hours before the deadline for nominations expired on December 4. It was reported that the inability to fill the positions followed weeks of internal wrangling within the Provos.
7. ORANGE ORDER REFUSES TO EXPLAIN UVF BANNER
ALMOST six months on, the Orange Order refuses to explain why a banner honouring UVF man Sam Rockett and north Belfast man William Hanna was allowed to be carried along the Crumlin Road during an Orange Order march.
The Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band carried the bannerette during the July 12 parade down the Crumlin Road despite an Orange Order policy that “paramilitary trappings should not be seen at any parade”.
Despite saying the query was “not particularly difficult” to deal with, Mervyn Gibson, a leading member of the Belfast County Orange Order, has said the response is not yet ready but will hopefully be in the post before Christmas.
The discussions have already taken place and the response should be with you before Christmas,” he said in response t a media query.
“It was always the understanding that we would reply when we had looked into all aspects of the issue.
“It's not that your query is particularly difficult to deal with it's just there are different ways of dealing with these things.”
Residents were outraged by loyalist bands brandishing loyalist death squad flags and banners during parades through nationalist areas this marching season.
Many families of loyalist death squad victims called for public apologies from the Orange Order.
Rockett, who was connected to the UVF, was shot dead at his north Belfast home almost seven years ago.
His death followed a week of violence between rival loyalist fractions and the re-imprisonment of the then UFF leader, Johnny Adair.
It is believed the 22-year-old was gunned down by UFF members at his Summer Street home in the loyalist Oldpark area in reprisal for the double murder of Bobby Mahood and senior UDA figure Jackie Coulter two days previous.
North Belfast man William Hanna was shot dead by the SAS in June 1978 when they opened fire on three IRA men.
8. PROVO WORKER LINKED TO FATAL QUINN BEATING
ONE of the key suspects who is believed to have delivered the fatal blows with an iron bar to the young south Armagh man, Paul Quinn, was a Provo worker at the time of the murder, it emerged on December 9.
The man, in his early 20s, was named in statements which were given to gardaí investigating the murder. A house was subsequently searched and the man, is expected to be formally questioned in the near future.
The man was part of the Provo unit which had been tracking the 21-year-old for weeks before he was lured to a disused cattle shed at Oram, Co Monaghan just over the Border from his home in Cullyhanna, Co Armagh on October 20 last.
In the immediate aftermath of the murder the Provo leadership issued a succession of statements and made TV appearances denouncing the murder as the work of "criminals" and said there was no Provisional involvement. However, Garda sources have confirmed that at least one of the prime suspects in the killing was, at the time, a Provo activist in the South Armagh area.
According to local sources it now appears that the south Armagh Provisionals had a list of up to a dozen local young men who were suspected of “anti-social” activities but that almost all were taken off a list for a punishment beating because their families had links to the Provos. Paul Quinn's family has no Provo links.
The killing has created severe divisions in the area extending even into the local GAA and there is no sign of the campaign by family supporters to have the killers brought to account subsiding.
The campaigners have challenged the Provisionals over why, despite publicly denouncing the murder, none of its local representatives -- including the local MP and Stormont minister, Conor Murphy -- attended Paul Quinn's funeral.
The Quinn Support Group said: “Over the last few weeks they have expressed strong opinions on everything from rates relief to the Warm Homes Scheme and social housing, as they should, but on the matter of brutal premeditated murder they have nothing to say.
“These councillors knocked on all our doors at election times, pledging their support for us if we would give our support to them. And we did. But when payback time came -- when a family was faced with just about the most horrific event anyone is ever likely to face -- they were nowhere to be seen.”
9. BRIT NIO TRIES TO GAG COURT OVER AGENT CLAIM
THE British government sought a gagging order banning a Belfast court from identifying a leading member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement as a top British agent on December 11.
Earlier this year Paddy Murray (44) publicly rubbished speculation that he had been taken into protective custody by British colonial police after coming under suspicion of being an agent.
In recent years he has been a prominent spokesman for the 32 County Sovereignty Movement arranging a series of band parades in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
However, the British government took the highly unusual step of seeking a Public Interest Immunity Certificate to prevent Murray from being identified as one of its top agents.
Murray first came under suspicion after the RUC/PSNI uncovered a bomb factory belonging to the so-called Real IRA in Ballymena in February 2005.
Four men and a woman were charged with possession of incendiary devices after a house on the Fisherwick estate was raided. Murray was arrested but later released without charge.
Earlier this year the British Police Ombudsman was asked to investigate a complaint that the British colonial police had protected Murray from being charged in connection with the bomb factory. It was claimed that the RUC/PSNI deliberately withheld evidence that Murray had supplied bomb timers to the so-called Real IRA gang days before a planned attack and that his DNA was found on two incendiary devices recovered during the raid.
Last month when Murray appeared in court on separate kidnapping and assault charges he was accompanied by two members of the RUC/PSNI.
Despite being freed on bail he openly walked back into British colonial police custody.
A private court hearing took place in Belfast on December 11 during which a judge was asked to grant a certificate banning any details of Murray's alleged role as a British agent being revealed in a forthcoming bomb trial.
In the past such certificates have only been granted in high-profile cases where it is claimed that Britain's national security would be put in danger if evidence is disclosed in open court. They can only be issued if a British government minister can convince a judge that British national security would be put at risk.
In the past they have been used to prevent the identification of key informers, members of the RUC and British soldiers involved in some of the most controversial killings of the conflict in the Six-Counties.
In 2000 the then British defence minister, Geoff Hoon, issued certificates to prevent British agents and their military handlers from being identified at the Bloody Sunday Tribunal.
10. McHUGH QUITS PROVOS OVER PARTY POLICIES
A Provo assembly member has left the party accusing it of “appeasement of the British government” and engaging in “undemocratic practices”.
Gerry McHugh, a Fermanagh and South Tyrone Stormont assembly member and a member of Fermanagh District Council, resigned from the Provisionals on December 7.
He said he would retain his assembly seat until the next election, when he will run as an independent.
“I have been increasingly disillusioned with the totally undemocratic nature of the party and the wholly top-down dictation within it,” Gerry McHugh said.
“I feel the direction Sinn Féin (sic) is taking is more about appeasement of the British government and administrating British rule in Ireland rather than working towards the end of British occupation.
“Assembly structures support this – at both committee and plenary level unionists have majority control. What was agreed at St Andrews cannot be delivered without unionist approval.”
McHugh said the Provos decision to endorse British policing in the Six-Counties was a “factor” in his decision.
“I have no difficulties with the idea of civil policing but I have a difficulty with the excessive amounts of MI5 and military spooks operating in the six counties,” he said.
He referred to revelations in The Irish News on December 1 from a former specialist soldier that 1,000 military intelligence officers were operating in the north in 2003.
“I think that is something that people would not think we had got to in this point of time. The fact that the PSNI is being used by MI5 for political policing here should be a major concern for everybody here,” he said.
Gerry McHugh is not the first politician to leave the Provisionals because of differences over British policing.
Provo adviser Breandáan Mac Cionnaith – who rose to prominence as a spokesman for the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition – resigned from the party in April.
Former Mid-Ulster assembly member Geraldine Dougan resigned from the Provos in January over British policing. The same month former Newry mayor Davy Hyland resigned claiming the Provisionals’ shift in British policing policy was a core reason for his deselection ahead of the Stormont assembly election.
11. RUC/PSNI PAY OUT £9.5 MILLION FOR MISCONDUCT
The RUC/PSNI received 150 claims for every 100,000 people in the Six-Counties and paid out £9.5 million in court judgments, settlements and compensation, the highest in the British state.
Overall Police forces throughout the British state have paid out more than £44 million in compensation and damages in the past five years, mostly to victims of police misconduct.
The bulk was paid out for wrongful arrests, assaults, malicious prosecutions and abuses of human rights, according to data obtained under the British Freedom of Information Act (FoI).
The figures show that between 2002 and 2007 the 55 police forces in the British state received more than 31,000 claims.
The survey also exposed defects in the way in which these forces keep their records. More than half did not keep accessible records of claims, complaints or court cases. Others kept no separate record of damages awarded to victims of police misconduct, recording only total damages – including sums paid to settle employment tribunal claims and vehicle damage.
In all, 31,829 claims were lodged over five years, resulting in 1,825 court actions. But only 467, or 24 per cent, of those claims reached court. Most were settled or paid off.
The survey was conducted by Heather Brooke, an FoI expert and author of Your Right to Know. She asked police forces how many claims had been threatened or brought, defining “claim” as any written demand for financial compensation or other relief arising from alleged unlawful acts or omissions in the course of police operations.
They included alleged misconduct, assault, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and misfeasance or private law claims under the Human Rights Act.
Top of the payout league table (omitting the City of London because of its transient population) is the Six-County British colonial police with £597,801 paid per 100,000 population. Next is Cleveland Police, which paid out £597,169 per 100,000. These figures took all compensation claims into account, not just those made by people complaining of mistreatment.
Greater Manchester paid £394,703 per 100,000 population. This figure covered only public liability payouts arising from alleged misconduct or mistakes during police operations.
Of the total, more than a quarter, nearly £12 million was awarded after a court judgment or paid out after an agreed settlement. Of those awards, the mean settlement was £6,552 and the mean compensation payout £1,386.
Heather Brooke said that the question encompassed all money paid out, whether directly in compensation or to lawyers in legal fees.
Number of compensation claims per 100,000 population:
Merseyside Police 158
RUC/PSNI 150
Cleveland Police 139
Devon & Cornwall Police 136
Metropolitan Police 121
Source: FoI survey.
The following British police forces did not respond to the FoI request: North Yorkshire; South Yorkshire; West Yorkshire; Hertfordshire; Humberside; Leicestershire; Surrey; Kent; Dorset; Nottinghamshire. City of London was excluded because of its transient population
12. CUTBACKS THREAT TO IRISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
A SERIOUS threat has emerged to the future of Gaelscoileanna which are among the most successful second level schools in the 26-Counties.
The 26-County Department of Education and Science Building Unit has proposed that no new second level Gaelscoilenna be built.
Instead it proposes that where there is demand for a Gaelscoil then an all-Irish stream or a separate unit be built as part of an existing or new post primary school.
The proposal is aimed primarily at saving money but has led to fierce resistance within the 26-County Department.
The 26-County Education Department would not make any comment other than to say that no change in policy was envisaged.
Sources said there would be political uproar if the proposal were accepted and no stand-alone Gaelscoileanna were built in the future. “Having a separate unit or aonad only works in a very large school,” said one source.
Another said that if an all-Irish stream was attached to an ordinary second level school it would have great difficulties retaining the all-Irish atmosphere. “Inevitably the pupils from the Irish stream would end up talking English in the playground with the other students,” he said.
The 26-County Education minister Mary Hannifin has already upset supporters of all-Irish education by insisting that junior infants have to be taught English at least by the start of the second term, but this has been the subject of a High Court challenge.
Although the proposal not to build any more Gaelscoileanna is virtually certain to be shot down, the fact that it was even tabled will cause alarm to Irish language activists.
There are 44 all-Irish second level schools, including four new schools in 2007, and one new school as a result of the amalgamation of two schools. They are made up as follows; l Twenty-seven come under Vocational Education Committees.
* Thirteen are categorised as secondary schools, most under religious patronage (Catholic), three under patronage by Irish language schools patron group An Foras Patrunachta.
* Four are community schools.
Gaelscoileanna feature among the most successful feeder schools for universities with both Colaiste Eoin and Colaiste Iosagain appearing in the top 10.
13. RSF DEFENDS DR JEANETTE FINDLAY
In a statement the Francis Hughes Cumann of Republican Sinn Féin in Glasgow expressed its support for the stand taken by University of Glasgow lecturer Dr Jeanette Findlay in defending the right of Celtic soccer fans to sing Irish Republican songs and ballads.
“The chorus of denunciation by the unionist media against University of Glasgow lecturer Dr Jeanette Findlay for defending the right of Celtic fans to sing songs in support of the centuries old struggle of the Irish people against English colonial rule, is as sad as it is predictable.
“Our songs of freedom carry a message not of bigotry or hate, but of survival, of a fight for freedom against tyranny and genocide and against bigoted legislators and despotic governments. This latest attack on our songs is morally wrong and is really just a cosmetic exercise to appease the bigots in Scottish society who would prefer that the Irish community in Scotland did not exist at all.
“We trust that these same detractors would not wish to suggest that it is bigoted to sing songs like Flower of Scotland, Scots Wa Hae or the many other patriotic songs that depict the heroic struggles of Wallace and Bruce against English colonial oppression. Are these not ‘rebel’ songs as well? Or are they only offensive when they are Irish?
“Dr Jeanette Findlay was making her comments in her capacity as Celtic Trust chairperson in the context of the opposition of fans to former British defence
secretary John Reid becoming Celtic chairman. It should be remembered that polls indicate the majority of Scots believe the British invasion of Iraq and the
ongoing occupation of that country to be illegal and immoral. Consequently a significant section of Celtic fans do not believe that the decision to appoint Reid
is in keeping with the ethos and traditions of the club.
“Republican Sinn Fein fully endorses the legitimate sentiments expressed by Dr Findlay and defends the right of Celtic fans and the Irish community as the largest minority ethnic group in Scotland, to express itself culturally which includes the right to sing our songs of freedom. Therefore whilst we applaud all genuine initiatives aimed at tackling the scourge of religious sectarianism in Scottish society, we reject
those forces that would seek to engage in anti Irish racism under the guise of opposing bigotry.
14. MEMORIAL TO MIAMI SHOWBAND
A MEMORIAl to the Miami Showband outside the former National Ballroom on Parnell Square North in Dublin was unveiled on December 10. The limestone bronze and granite piece by Donegal artist Redmond Herrity is in memory of Tony Geraghty, Fran O'Toole and Brian McCoy, who were murdered by a unit of the British army’s Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) at Buskhill, Newry, Co Down, on July 31, 1975.
They were shot dead as they were driving home from a dance in Banbridge Co Down following a failed attempt to plant a bomb on their bus which resulted in the bomb going off killing two of the British soldiers, British army unit opened fire on the Showband members killing three of them. Only Stephen Travers and Des McAlea survived.
Margaret Urwin of Justice for the Forgotten said: “This is very appropriate because it's at the old National Ballroom where they used to play.”
15. Ombudsman to probe case of informer
AL Hutchinson, the new British Police Ombudsman, faces his first major challenge: to question RUC/PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and ex-RUC boss Sir Ronnie Flanagan over collusion allegations.
Hutchinson will receive a demand later this week from Raymond McCord that his office interview the two over the case of convicted loyalist paramilitary Mark Haddock. McCord's son Raymond Junior was killed by the UVF unit Haddock controlled. He wants the Ombudsman to ask why Haddock was kept on as a RUC Special Branch informer almost three years after he was exposed as committing crimes while serving as a paid British agent.
Under the legislation established at the time the Ombudsman's office was set up, the RUC/PSNI overseer's inquiry team must investigate all complaints from the public about policing matters in the Six-Counties.
Earlier this year, the first British Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, revealed in her Operation Ballast report that Haddock carried out several murders, beatings and gun attacks while working for the British state.
In her report, she found Haddock had been paid £80,000 for information, even while his Mount Vernon UVF unit conducted a reign of terror in North Belfast and Mid Ulster.
McCord, whose son was beaten to death by the Mount Vernon gang on Haddock's orders 10 years ago, handed in a letter to the Ombudsman on December 12 which he wrote to Orde in 2000. Based on information from a senior RUC member, the letter revealed that Haddock was killing and ordering murders while being an agent of the British state. He wants the Ombudsman to probe why Haddock remained an agent until 2003.
“I want to ask Al Hutchinson to bring both Hugh Orde and Ronnie Flanagan into this investigation. This is much more than just my desire to get justice for young Raymond. There were other families affected by the Mount Vernon UVF; they deserve to know why the man ordering the deaths of their loved ones was a paid agent right up to 2003,” Raymond McCord said.
The human rights campaigner was accompanied to the British Police Ombudsman's office on by Paul McIlwaine, whose son David, along with Andrew Robb, was beaten and stabbed to death by the Mid Ulster UVF in 2000.
Paul McIlwaine is making a separate complaint over allegations that the head of the UVF in Tandragee, Co Armagh, was allowed to work on British Crown force bases, despite being a suspect in the double murder.
ENDS
Sinn Féin Poblachtach - Cork (http://www.rsfcork.com)
Saoirse Republican Forum (http://saoirse.21.forumer.com)