ARDOYNE REPUBLICAN

Ardoyne Man Cleared of Drugs Charges

2012-01-23T15:15:00.000-08:00

I have been asked to publish the following letter by the McDonnell Family from Ardoyne. They want as many people as possible to know that their son, brother and father, Tucker was arrested, charged and criminalised because of his friendship with Republican Activists, anyone who thinks this case is a one off has to question just how civil the RUC/PSNI actually are? I recall another CFAD Activist who was photographed actually disposing of dangerous drugs by the Irish News, the paper was contacted the following day by them who wanted the story released to them so they could charge him...The same man has recently received a letter from the DHSS stating that he owes them a few hundred pound, despite the fact that he has worked legitimate for years and has never applied for nor was given a loan by the DHSS...

Political Policing is alive and well in Republican communities like Ardoyne. It could be argued that the above two cases are isolated and even rare..However, the recent Show Trial involving, GARC Activists and supporters. As well as, the Non-Jury Trial of Collie Duffy and Brian Shivers prove that Republican Activists are targeted and criminalised on a widespread basis.

"Dear Family, Friends and wider community, my name is Tucker McDonnell. I have been the victim of an injustice and I would like to make everyone aware of the background of my plight.

On June 8th last year (2011), I was contacted by a third party who believed that I, being a member of Concerned Families Against Drugs (CFAD) could dispose of a substance that he thought was cocaine. My intentions was to take this substance out of circulation, as has been done on numerous occasions by CFAD, using the Church as a conduit for such disposal.

Within an hour of recieving this substance, the PSNI rammed into my home, taking the front door of the hinges. They ransacked my house and confiscated money, that belonged to Staff in my Taxi Depot.

They discovered the package that had been handed to me for safe disposal. They put out a warrant for my arrest, because I was not at home. At the time, I was in contact with fellow members of CFAD to seek advice on how to dispose of the drugs.

My Solicitor, contacted the PSNI to inform them that he and I would attend the Police Station, the following morning. The PSNI agreed to this, but for some bizzare reason they decided to send a huge raiding party to arrest me at my Caravan and to make a scene.

On January 18 2012, I appeared in Court and the Judge ordered that all charges against me be withdrawn unconditionally. It appears according to the forensic report, that the substance was nothing but innocent teething powder, which the PSNI was aware of, just two days after my arrest. Yet, I was held for five weeks in prison and refused bail, on the instructions of the Police.

Thankfully, I had the support of my family, friends in CFAD and Fr. Gary Donnegan who was a character witness for me. It saddens and worries me to look back at the villification I and my family recieved from members of our own community. Who were quite happy to believe the PSNI’s spurious charges. It beggars belief that some even taunted my children at School.

This whole escapade clearly was designed to criminalise myself and my friends. I urge the Republican community be wary of such sting operations that these people are still engaged in.

Finally, I thank all those who believed in my innocence and stood behind myself and my family".

Thomas (Tucker) McDonnell, Ardoyne.

RNU Call For Independent Enquiry into 1981 Hunger-Strike

2012-01-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson, MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN calls for an Independent Public Enquiry into the 1981 Hunger Strike controversy.

Mr Meehan said; 'Prior to the publication of Richard O’Rawes book’s, Blanketmen and Afterlives, it was generally accepted that the prisoners were in control of their destiny and it was they who decided to continue their fast to its tragic end.

In spite of strenuous denials from Provisional Sinn Fein Leaders, our Network feel that this controversy will continue until a Public enquiry is held. Into claims to the contrary by O’Rawe, a number of former Blanketmen, the IRSP and the then H-Block INLA O/C. Indeed, it has also been confirmed by Brendan Duddy and recent documents released under the 30 year Freedom of Information Act, that an offer was made'.

Mr Meehan concluded; 'RNU do not wish to cause further hurt to an already sensitive situation but given the seriousness of this tragic period in Republican history, we feel the only way to resolve this issue once and for all is to have the deaths of ten courageous comrades fully explained by way of and independent public enquiry. All families deserve nothing less than the truth'.

http://www.republicannetwork.ie/

Release Tony Taylor Immediately

2012-01-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

Political Prisoner, Tony Taylor

Tony Taylor is a life-long Irish Republican from Derry and was arrested and in the early Nineties after an explosion in his native city which left him badly injured. He lost his spleen, a kidney and had shrapnel lodged in his body. In spite of these injuries, Tony was given a lengthy prison sentence in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.

After his release, Tony found love and was married, he and his wife were blessed with three lovely children. Sadly, one of their kids had special needs and Tony devoted most of his time to his growing family. He also continued his political involvement but eventually left Provisional Sinn Fein after it's Leadership sought support from it's members to endorse the RUC/PSNI. Like hundreds of others, Tony felt Republicans had made too many compromises and felt enough was enough.

Tony joined others and helped create; Concerned Republicans and Ex-POWs Against the RUC and MI5. That lobbied against Republican endorsement of the unchanged RUC. With a number of other Republicans across the country, the group was renamed the; Republican Network for Unity. RNU became a campaigning pressure group and Tony was influential in it's development. He was soon elected onto it's Executive or Ard Chomhairle and generated much support for it's fledgling POW Department. Last year, Tony spearheaded it's name change to Cogus, which means conscience. As he felt strongly that Political Prisoners were the conscience of RNU. He actively worked on behalf of Political Prisoners and highlighted their concerns to anyone who would listen.

Last August, Tony was again and imprisoned. Since then, he has been held in Maghaberry Gaol in County Down. Prior to his arrest, Republican Prisoners inside the Gaol had embarked on protest action to secure better living standards, refused to them by a cruel and uncaring Regime. Only a year before, the Prisoners, Prison Administation, Stormont's Justice Department and overseen by Independent Facilitators all signed an agreement that would end years of trouble and strife in the Gaol surrounding lengthy Lock-Up's, Strip-Searching and Controlled-Movement. Within weeks however, the Agreement was practically binned by the Regime and the sinister activities used against Political Prisoners continued unabated. Despite this, most Republican Prisoners attempted to support the Agreement and they did so until six months ago. When they decided to resume protest action, including a Dirty Protest.

Tony entered Maghaberry knowing the situation behind bars and what he as a Republican faced in Roe House. He immediately attempted to negotiate with his fellow prisoners and of course the Prison Administration seeking a resolution. However, every obstacle was placed in his way and he had little option but join his comrades on the protest. For the past six months, Tony and the other 35 Political Prisoners have endured a brutal existence, many spreading excrement on their cell walls. Tony's previous experiences inside have helped him cope a little better than most. However, his injuries have caused him endless suffering. He, his Doctor and his family suspect he now has septic arthritis, which could also poison his blood.

Last week Tony was taken to a Belfast hospital for treatment, although his family were not informed of the move. His Wife Lorraine told the Derry Journal; 'Tony has been taken to hospital by prison staff and on no occasion did anyone let me know. They have a duty to let me know, yet I hear nothing. They wouldn’t even tell me which hospital he is in. Tony never complains. I notice through the visits how weak he is becoming, the weight is falling off him and he can’t even nurse my youngest child on his knee during visits anymore. He always rings me around 4.30pm every day and when he doesn’t phone I know there is something up. It was another prisoner’s wife who told me that Tony had been taken into hospital. He always puts on a brave face for us, for the children, but it’s heartbreaking when I look at him because I’m thinking to myself he’s going to die in there. This has been the hardest six months ever, I cry all the time'.

As a friend and comrade of Tony Taylor, it's very hard to read his wife's heartfelt words....I'm also a former Political Prisoner and know how hard it is to be separated from your family and forced to live under a difficult prison regime. RNU and a number of other support groups on the outside have been trying the prisoners in Roe House and of their families. Predictably, the Administration, Stormont and Political Parties including Provisional Sinn Fein are hoping that the prisoners give up their protest then the Media and Republican groups will stop pestering them for a resolution. However, Republican Prisoners have always campaigned for better conditions inside prisons.

In the case of Tony Taylor, he should be released immediately so that he can get proper medical treatment and return to his family. There is nothing to be gained by continuing Tony's incarceration and the Courts could release him on bail tomorrow.

GREATER ARDOYNE RESIDENTS COLLECTIVE (GARC) LATEST

2012-01-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

Earlier tonight the following leaflet was distributed to residents in the Greater Ardoyne area from GARC...

"GARC is a non-political residents' group that is there to serve and give a voice to all the people of Ardoyne, Mountainview and the Dales in opposing unwanted, bigoted sectarian parades through our community by the Loyal Orders. GARC is committed to peaceful, radical action in order to bring an end to triumphalist parades that are open manisfestations of sectarianism and that result in massive disruption to the lives of people in this community, the militarisation and criminalisation of our community."

On July 12th 2010, GARC staged a dignified sitdown protest against the evening parade by the Orange Order through Greater Ardoyne, exercising our right to protest under the European Convention of Human Rights. The sectarian march was permitted by the discredited Parades Commission, despite the fact that the North and West Belfast Parades Forum (who represent the Loyal Orders) had refused to even discuss their position with the Commission for a significant period of time. This was despite the stated position that the Commission will look favourably on those who 'engage in dialogue.' In comparison, GARC had engaged with the Parades Commission's then Secretary, Ronnie Pedlow and other Commissioners' in Holy Cross Monastery prior to the march. We gave the Commision our and our community's position, which we represented. 'That there NO acceptable Loyal Order parade through the Greater Ardoyne community'. A fact reinforced by an independent survey, where 90% of respondents stated that this was the case.

The sitdown protest of 2010 was forcibly removed by the heavily-armed RUC/PSNI, using fists, batons and sheer force. This was to facilitate a totally unacceptable parade by sectarian Orangemen and their drunk and drugged fuelled followers, many of who had openly admitted on various Social Networks that they had not slept the night before using cocaine and methadrone, so they could taunt Ardoyne residents, before getting taxis back down to the Shankill and other Loyalist areas of the city.

Six months afterwards, almost 30 residents and supporters of GARC received summons informing them that they were to face charges brought by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) namely, 'Illegally obstructing traffic, and/or a legal procession by sitting, standing, or kneeling or other'. These summons were signed half an hour before the six months time limit on issuing such charges had ran out. Two local residents had previously been 'convicted' for their part in the July protest. The trial of the larger number began at the end of October with a 'deal' being offered by the PPS at Laganside Courts. We were told that if we pleaded guilty to, 'not notifying the Parades Commission of our intention to protest', we could go home there and then with a caution. However, as a Collective, each and every one of us rejected the offer. Our position remained that we were right to protest and that we did not have to ask anyone for 'permission' to do so, as is a fundemental human right.

Any members of the public and press who attended the trial will have been shocked at how farcical proceedings were. Time after time, the same videoes were played, with little in the way of identification evidence, except for the testimony of RUC/PSNI members, NONE of who were even present at the sitdown protest. We also had the recently retired Secretary of the Parades Commission, Ronnie Pedlow telling the Court that he did not know of GARC's existence, in spite of the fact that we met with him prior to the protest at Holy Cross. In addition to this, he was unable to say what occurred during the protest all the Parades Commissioners had been pulled out off Ardoyne for their own safety and that, he and the others watched events unfold from the RUC/PSNI Control Rooms inside Castlereagh via their cameras. So much for impartial observers.

The RUC/PSNI man in charge of 'policing' the parade, Chief Inspector, Alan Freeburn also made some astounding statements to the Court. Asked by Defence Barristers, 'how he could be sure that this was not the residents protest which the Parades Commission had 'permitted'. He stated, 'that members of CARA and other Community and Political Representatives had phoned him from a local Club, where they had been enjoying a buffet at the time and asked that the RUC/PSNI Riot-Squad remove the sitdown protesters as soon as possible so that CARA could have their roadside poster-holding protest'. He also said that, 'without the help of local Community and Political Reps, it would have been impossible to identify and bring charges against those involved in the sitdown protest'.

On December 22 2011, 26 GARC Activists and Supporters were found 'Guilty' with 9 also 'convicted' of resisting arrest. Three others were found 'not guilty' , while another was acquitted because a RUC/PSNI woman had, 'misled the Court about she had got her evidence'. Those 'convicted' of obstruction were fined £400.00 with another £200.00 added to the amount for those found guilty of resisting arrest. The vast majority have since filed for appeals of these unfair convictions on the basis that punishing them for peacefully protesting is an infringement of their civil and human rights.

However, this has to be viewed by the Greater Ardoyne community and others as part of a wider picture. This has again highlighted the fact that as Nationalists and/or Republicans, we are seen by the State, RUC/PSNI, PPS and Court Service as second-class citizens who should not be afforded the same rights to protest as Loyalists and Unionists. Since July 12 2010, Loyalists have been involved in a number of illegal protests and rallies. Most notably on the 16, 17 and 18th July 2010 at the ASDA Superstore on the Shore Road to have UVF man, Billy Hunter reinstated after making sectarian remarks to a fellow worker. They also marched illegallyy to the City Hall in support of the British Armed Forces, where they were addressed by elected Unionist Representatives. Locally on June 16 2011, known UVF men led a protest march to block the Twaddell/Woodvale Road junction angry at the Parades Commission decision to re-route the following night's 'Tour of the North' parade. Most recently, on the 1st and 5th December 2011, masked Loyalist Thugs blocked the road behind the City Hall and shouted death threats against Sinn Fein Councillors and Council Staff. Not one of the those involved in the above protests have faced any charges - Political Policing yet again.

GARC will continue to oppose Loyal Order parades through our community in a peaceful and radical way, the Greater Ardoyne area has quite clearly stated that there is NO such thing as an acceptable Loyal Order march through our area and we exist to give the majority of residents an option to resist them in a dignified and constructive manner, regardless of the efforts of the RUC/PSNI and others to criminalise our proud and resolute community.

The Five Demands

2012-01-06T14:36:00.000-08:00


The Five Demands

Hunger-Striking has a long and chequered history in Ireland and dates back to the Brehon Laws which was practised well before the English invasion. Fasting was originally called Troscádh and was listed in the Senchas Mór an ancient journal. The book stipulated how Irish laws were governed. Striking was mainly used to shame an Offender or to right an injustice.

Due to the importance of hospitality in Irish culture, Troscádh would be used against an offender with the victim starving on his or her doorstep. If the offender ignored the Striker, he or she was deemed to have inflicted the greatest of dishonour to his community. If the Striker was allowed to die outside the Offender’s home, the Offender would then be ordered by a Brehon (Judge) to pay compensation to the Striker’s family. He would also be sent from the village in which he/she lived to live forever in exile. Most fasts were undertaken to recover debts or to achieve justice for a perceived wrong.

Throughout the 20th Century, Republican Prisoners used various Hunger-Strikes to achieve Political Status. Sadly some 22 POWs’ died in Irish and British Gaols between 1917 and 1981. The first Republican to embark on a Hunger-Strike was Leading Trade Unionist, James Connolly. Who successfully fasted against his unfair imprisonment. He was released and went onto lead the 1916 Easter Rising. The death on Hunger and Thirst Strike of IRA Chief, Sean McCaughey in 1946 led to the fall of the Fianna Fail Government two years later. In 1972, a number of Republican Prisoners, led by Billy McKee held a successful Strike for Political Status. In 1976, the British Government revoked Political Status and attempted to treat Republican Prisoners as criminals. However, they resisted and refused to conform to the new system.

After five years of being held in atrocious conditions. The IRA and INLA Prisoners embarked on a mass Hunger-Strike for over 52 days. The Strike generated huge sympathy throughout Ireland and beyond. The British promised a deal which they later reneged on which led to another more intense fast, led by Bobby Sands. Three of the H-Block Hunger-Strikers including Sands, were subsequently elected to Westminster and the Dublin Parliaments in the summer of 1981. The plight of the prisoners achieved world-wide recognition and enabled an entirely new generation of Republican Activists throughout the Country.

Which is why the recent release of British Government documents relating to the 1981 Hunger-Strike in which ten Irish Political Prisoners tragically died is a must for anyone interested in our Nation’s history.

For the past thirty most people accepted that the British Government, particularly Maggie Thatcher ignored the suffering of the Hunger-Strikers and ‘allowed’ them to die agonising deaths. Their untimely deaths still cause raw emotions to surface whenever the subject is mentioned in most Irish homes. The truth behind the young mens’ deaths have caused Irish Republicans many sleepless nights and the Strikers are enshrined as heroes. While Maggie Thatcher is hated as much as Oliver Cromwell ever was.

In 2006, former H-Block Blanketman and the Hunger-Strikers PRO, Richard O’Rawe published his memoirs entitled; ‘Blanketmen’. He courted controversary by suggesting that the IRA Leadership outside vetoed a deal offered by the British Government that would have ended the 1981 Strike. He further alleged that the reason behind the veto was to further electoral advantage for Sinn Fein.

O’Rawe’s allegations were quickly rejected by a number of former IRA Prisoners including the 1981 H-Block O/C, Bik McFarlane. As a result, of his claims, Richard has been villified, smeared and slandered by Provisional Sinn Fein.

Since the rejections however, a number of once ‘secret’ documents have been put in the public domain. Which seem to confirm O’Rawe’s allegations. One such exchange took place in Derry at a public meeting that was addressed by the once secret contact between the Provisional IRA Leadership and the British Government, Brendan Duddy.

At the meeting, Duddy confirmed that the British had relayed to him the proposed deal which he then gave to the IRA Leadership. He was asked a number of questions from the floor and he reiterated the same answer. Duddy has since lodged his papers which include the ‘deal’ with Galway University.

The former O/C of INLA Prisoners in Long Kesh also backs O’Rawe’s account. As the IRSP and its prisoners were never informed by the PIRA of a possible deal from the British. Which is very surprising given that INLA Volunteeer, Patsy O’Hara had already died and another two of his comrades, Kevin Lynch and Micky Devine would also die on the Strike.

The main crux of the issue is did the British Government offer a ‘deal’ to the Strikers on the fifth of July, 1981 or not? Recent declassified documents suggest there was indeed a deal that was rejected by the IRA. In addition, senior Republican, Danny Morrison was given a visit by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) on the same day to speak with the Hunger-Strikers and the IRA O/C, Bik McFarlane.

Danny has stated that the British did not have its deal constructed properly and as such, he didn’t tell the Strikers. Although, after his visit Bik told O’Rawe that the Brits offered a good deal and that the lads should accept it. Bik rejects such an exchange took place. However, Richard claims that the deal was accepted by the Prison Leadership but was rejected by the IRA Leadership outside to gain electoral advantage for Provisional S/F.

The truth of what really occurred in 1981 is somewhere in the detail above? What is not in dispute is that ten brave Irishmen died horrible deaths in a British Prison, before Britain accepted their right to be treated as Political Prisoners.

As a former H-Block Prisoner myself, I am eternally grateful to the Blanketmen, the women in Armagh and the ten Hunger-Strikers for their courage and for achieving Political Status.

Another Ireland is Possible

2011-12-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

For over two centuries, the main principle of Irish Republicanism has been; to abolish the memory of all past dissentions and the unity of; ‘the whole people of Ireland, Protestant, Catholic, and Dissenter. The progressive alternative to British occupation and imperialism has been the Socialist-Republican political ideology. A 32 County Socialist and Democratic Irish Republic was proclaimed on Easter Monday 1916 and democratically endorsed in January, 1919 but was subverted by the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December, 1921 and the establishment of the Free State and the Partition of Ireland.

Ever since, Irish Republicans have resisted both the British and Free State. We are totally opposed to both States, their Institutions and Armed Forces. Republicans believe that there needs to be a restoration of the All-Ireland Republic to achieve the full social, economic and political freedom of the Irish people. The requirement of a forward looking and radical Irish Republic advocated by Republican Activists is not a 32 County Ireland but a Socialist Democratic Republic.

Éire Nua

One of the most radical proposals that emerged from Republicans was Éire Nua which sought a Federal Ireland based on the historic four provinces including a nine-county Ulster. Éire Nua was penned by IRA Leader, Dáithí Ó Conaill who envisaged a sovereign Socialist Democratic Irish Republic that would be created when the British withdraw from the six northeastern Counties and allow the Irish electorate as a whole to decide the future without interference from the British government.

The purpose of the federal structure was demonstrate to Unionists that they would be able to have a separate and equal Parliament within an Irish Republic. The new arrangement would also help address historic economic imbalances between the other three Provinces. Éire Nua was changed in 1979 to include the socialist dimension of the Provisional Movement. It stated that; ‘The social and economic programme envisaged entails the placing of Irish wealth in the hands of the people, to be exploited and developed by them in the interests of all the people.

In spite of Éire Nua’s rejection by reformists within Provisional Sinn Féin in 1982. It remains the main policy of Republican Sinn Féin (RSF) since 1986. RSF has made a number of additions to Éire Nua to include the Federal model as a participative democracy rather than a representative democracy. As well as, A new constitution and Rights Charter. Whereas the Party endorses sustainable development in it’s Saol Nua - A new way of life document. Based on the teachings of the late radical economist, E.F. Schumacher.

Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland

In October 2010, the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) published; ‘Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland’ and ‘Perspectives on the future of Republican Socialism in Ireland’. The IRSP is descended from the Official Republican Movement, which split from the Officials in 1974. The Party is committed to Marxism, anti-capitalism and the creation of an Irish workers' Republic. The IRSP has been attacked many times in its existence by the Officials and former colleagues which led to scores of the untimely deaths of prominent Republican Leaders such as, Seamus Costello, Ronnie Bunting and Gino Gallagher.

The Republican Socialist Movement (RSM) has distinguished itself as an integral part of the Irish freedom struggle and has played a key role in its development in the late 20th Century onwards. The Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland was published in late 2010 and prepared the Party for the 2011 Council Elections in the Six Counties. Even though the IRSP failed to have any of its Candidates elected, its manifesto helped the electorate to have a Left alternative to cast their votes for, rather than reformist and pro-imperialist Parties. The only criticisms I have was the failure of both the IRSP and Eirigi in not agreeing an electoral pact and in both Parties standing in the same Constituencies.

The Republican Socialist Programme outlines how the IRSP has the answer to the current political crisis facing the Irish people. It is a a radical, viable and progressive project which understands how the Party will tackle the political failures of the past. It also states how the working-class have been repeatedly let down by successive Governments who promised much and delivered nothing to the Irish people. It expresses how Republican-Socialism must lead the nation into a better future. Based on the teachings of Republican Socialist ideologues, James Connolly, Seamus Costello and Ta Power, the new Programme identifies political, social and economic problems and offers practical solutions which will positively impact on the electorate in future if the manifesto is adopted by the Irish people. The Republican Socialist Programme is a timely and positive contribution by the RSM.

From Socialism Alone Can the Salvation of Ireland Come

Published in 2010, the the above analysis was produced by Eirígí', a relatively new Socialist - Republican Irish political Party on the island. Eirígí' was formed in 2006, firstly as a lobby group which later became a Political Party in its own right.

From Socialism Alone Can the Salvation of Ireland Come outlines Eirigi’s arguement for an entirely new 32-County Irish Republic based not on the current socio-economic system. The Party prefers the creation of an All-Ireland Socialist - Republican Republic, an end to the imperialist British occupation and Partition.

Eirígí believes an Irish Republic based on the principles of sovereignty, democracy, community liberty, justice, equality, democracy, and international solidarity. The Party that such a model will be the only viable model for the people of Ireland to reach their full potential.

Conclusion:

Unfortunately, Irish society is run in the interests of private profit, with power in the hands of 1% of the island’s populace. Who have exploited the majority of
working-class families, people and communities.

The manifestos all have a strong emphasis for the social, economic and political empowerment of Irish citizens. The original Éire Nua document had to much Christianity involved in a political policy. However, it has been revised twice since then with the most recent presentation in 2001.

The most positive aspect of the three policies is they all give prominence for the political direction of Ireland’s future must be a Socialist Republic. A realistic and radical approach to a new Ireland has to put the basic needs of people first in terms of affordable housing, health, education and food and water provision.
In a democratic Socialist Republic, meeting the basic needs in the above areas will create full employment for all our citizens. To ensure the correct direction is followed. Irish Republicans, Socialists and Democrats need to collectively agree to respecting one another and working together to ensure a unified approach to Ireland’s future.

Another Ireland is possible, another future is necessary.

Another Ireland is Possible

2011-12-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

For over two centuries, the main principles of Irish Republicanism have been; to abolish the memory of all past dissentions and the unity of; ‘the whole people of Ireland, Protestant, Catholic, and Dissenter.

The progressive alternative to British occupation and imperialism has been the Socialist-Republican political ideology. A 32 County Socialist and Democratic Irish Republic was proclaimed on Easter Monday 1916 and democratically endorsed in January, 1919 but was subverted by the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December, 1921 and the establishment of the Free State and the Partition of Ireland.

Ever since, Irish Republicans have resisted both the British and Free State. We are totally opposed to both States, their Institutions and Armed Forces. Republicans believe that there needs to be a restoration of the All-Ireland Republic to achieve the full social, economic and political freedom of the Irish people. The requirement of a forward looking and radical Irish Republic advocated by Republican Activists is not a 32 County Ireland but a Socialist Democratic Republic.

Éire Nua:

One of the most radical proposals that emerged from Republicans was Éire Nua which sought a Federal Ireland based on the historic four provinces including a nine-county Ulster.

Éire Nua was penned by IRA Leader, Dáithí Ó Conaill who envisaged a sovereign Socialist Democratic Irish Republic that would be created when the British withdraw from the six northeastern Counties and allow the Irish electorate as a whole to decide the future without interference from the British government.

The purpose of the federal structure was demonstrate to Unionists that they would be able to have a separate and equal Parliament within an Irish Republic. The new arrangement would also help address historic economic imbalances between the other three Provinces.

Éire Nua was changed in 1979 to include the socialist dimension of the Provisional Movement. It stated that; ‘The social and economic programme envisaged entails the placing of Irish wealth in the hands of the people, to be exploited and developed by them in the interests of all the people.

In spite of Éire Nua’s rejection by reformists within Provisional Sinn Féin in 1982. It remains the main policy of Republican Sinn Féin (RSF) since 1986. RSF has made a number of additions to Éire Nua to include the Federal model as a participative democracy rather than a representative democracy. As well as, A new constitution and Rights Charter. Whereas the Party endorses sustainable development in it’s Saol Nua - A new way of life document. Based on the teachings of the late radical economist, E.F. Schumacher.

Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland:

In October 2010, the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) published; ‘Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland’ and ‘Perspectives on the future of Republican Socialism in Ireland’. The IRSP is descended from the Official Republican Movement, which split from the Officials in 1974. The Party is committed to Marxism, anti-capitalism and the creation of an Irish workers' Republic.

The IRSP has been attacked many times in its existence by the Officials and former colleagues which led to scores of the untimely deaths of prominent Republican Leaders such as, Seamus Costello, Ronnie Bunting and Gino Gallagher. The Republican Socialist Movement (RSM) has distinguished itself as an integral part of the Irish freedom struggle and has played a key role in its development in the late 20th Century onwards.

The Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland was published in late 2010 and prepared the Party for the 2011 Council Elections in the Six Counties. Even though the IRSP failed to have any of its Candidates elected, its manifesto helped the electorate to have a Left alternative to cast their votes for, rather than reformist and pro-imperialist Parties. The only criticisms I have was the failure of both the IRSP and Eirigi in not agreeing an electoral pact and in both Parties standing in the same Constituencies.

The Republican Socialist Programme outlines how the IRSP has the answer to the current political crisis facing the Irish people. It is a a radical, viable and progressive project which understands how the Party will tackle the political failures of the past. It also states how the working-class have been repeatedly let down by successive Governments who promised much and delivered nothing to the Irish people. It expresses how Republican-Socialism must lead the nation into a better future.

Based on the teachings of Republican Socialist ideologues, James Connolly, Seamus Costello and Ta Power the new Programme which identifies political, social and economic problems and offers practical solutions. That will positively impact on the electorate in future if the manifesto is adopted by the Irish people. The Republican Socialist Programme is a timely and positive contribution by the RSM.

From Socialism Alone Can the Salvation of Ireland Come:

Published in 2010, the above analysis was produced by Eirígí', a relatively new Socialist - Republican Irish political Party on the island. Eirígí' was formed in 2006, firstly as a lobby group which later became a Political Party in its own right.

From Socialism Alone Can the Salvation of Ireland Come outlines Eirigi’s argument for an entirely new 32-County Irish Republic based not on the current socio-economic system. The Party prefers the creation of an All-Ireland Socialist - Republican Republic, an end to the imperialist British occupation and Partition.

Eirígí believes an Irish Republic based on the principles of sovereignty, democracy, community liberty, justice, equality, democracy, and international solidarity. The Party that such a model will be the only viable model for the people of Ireland to reach their full potential.

Unfortunately, Irish society is run in the interests of private profit, with power in the hands of 1% of the island’s populace. Who have exploited the majority of working-class families, people and communities.

The manifestos all have a strong emphasis on the need for the social, economic and political empowerment of Irish citizens. The original Éire Nua document had to much Christianity involved in a political policy. However, it has been revised twice since then with the most recent presentation in 2001.

The most positive aspect of the three policies is that they all give prominence for the political direction of our future must be a Socialist Republic. A radical approach to a new Ireland has to put the basic needs of people first in terms of affordable housing, health, education and food and water provision.

The three proposals are all viable as a Democratic Socialist Republic, would meet everyones needs in the above areas and create full employment for all our citizens has not been attempted yet. R.S.F.,the I.R.S.P., Eirígí and other Republicans,Socialists and Democrats need to collectively agree on the exact model which would ensure a unified approach on Ireland’s future. It would require respect for each Party's proposal and maybe small compromises. However, the end result would be a comprehensive alternative to the failed system Irish citizens are forced to endure. Another Ireland is possible, another future is necessary.

Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir

2011-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish all the readers of the Ardoyne Republican Blog season's greetings for Christmas and the New Year. Thanks to your support, comradeship, comments and contributions the blog has continued in 2011 and will also be online in 2012.

Sadly the past year has not brought an end to the British Occupation of six Irish Counties, Political Policing nor the protest by Political Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol. Hopefully the coming year will herald a restoration of Irish national sovereignty, dignity and Political Status for those POWs' who are enduring terrible conditions inside.

Not much has changed in the Republican Ardoyne area of North Belfast this year either. Unemployment, emigration and poverty rates remain the same. Bigoted Orangemen still want to march through our community, in spite of the wishes of the overall majority of residents. A number of those who resisted these unwelcome parades were charged and imprisoned by the British Court system. Local families with young children still haven't got adequate play and leisure facilities in the district. There is a dearth of proper housing which will become even harder to obtain because of the rise of the population and sadly Landlords will exploit these potential tenants for more of their hard-earned cash.

The current crop of elected Politicians and their respective Parties couldn't careless about the above problems, so long as they are alright and the wages keep rolling in. It is high time that the local community is empowered, re-energised and given the tools to provide what is required to tackle these issues.Our youth need to awake and take control of their lives, become involved in the community and Political groups to educate themselves about where the blame for these failures lie!

Once again, all the very best of luck for Xmas and the coming year.

The Need For A Socialist-Republican Agenda

2011-12-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

The following is to argue for a coherent political alternative to the current capitalist and materialistic lifestyle which permeates nearly every aspect in Irish life.

At present, Irish society is run in the interests of private profit, with power in the hands of the financial and political elite. Where working-Class families, people and communities are exploited. Due to the ills in our society, there is a growing need for Socialist-Republicanism to be put firmly back on the political agenda. This would ensure true democracy being extended into every sphere of life on this island.

In the recent past, political groups like have not used the right language to connect with the daily struggle of working-class people. As such, we need to flesh out our alternative as being understandable and coherent. Political Activists need to talk about and highlight issues like housing; IE, The Household Tax in the South and the reduction in Housing Benefit in the North. We need to talk about and analysis issues we’re not very comfortable about. We need to respond to people’s everyday concerns and come up with coherent alternatives.

The recent strikes in the Six Counties and the Occupy Movements in the 26 Counties widened peoples horizons of what is possible today that seemed impossible a few months ago. Both were demonstrations of what power ordinary working people have and how the correct political direction can point the majority of Irish people in the right way. They refocused everyone’s attention on who actually caused the economic crisis. Raising people’s consciousness was brilliant but unless we build a coherent alternative, there's no threat to imperialism and neo-colonialism.

While we live in an age where revolt is possible, however Ireland does not have a unified or mass Left movement. Even though they have made headway, the recent mobilisations lack the correct political direction. Socialist-Republicans, must set out our political analysis and ensure the majority of our fellow citizens understand how best to change society for the betterment of everyone and not the few.

MAGHABERRY PROTEST

2011-12-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

At present over 30 Republican Prisoners are involved in protest tactics inside Maghaberry Gaol, including a dirty protest. The Political Prisoners are demanding the full implementation of the August 2010 Agreement between themselves, the Prison Service, Independent Facilitators and Stormont’s Department of 'Justice'.

The Agreement was supposed to bring an end to controlled movement and strip-searching. However, within weeks of the Agreement the Screws not only continued but significantly increased strip-searches and severely restricted the movement of Republican Prisoners in Roe House in Maghaberry. In spite of the intransigence of the prison Administration, the Political Prisoners and their Representative Organisations outside attempted to break the impasse by proposing the ‘Portlaoise Model’ which has been rejected by the Prison Service, Administration and Stormont. The ‘Portlaoise Model’ includes replacing strip-searching with modern Airport-Style detectors.

Maghaberry Gaol is never far from media headlines with consistent reports highlighting serious repression, neglect, overcrowding and abuse from various organisations, including the former Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers. Who stated; ‘Full body-searching is a procedure which is intrusive and invades the privacy of all prisoners...if other less intrusive and more effective electronic methods become available they should be piloted and their use considered’.

Describing controlled-movement, one Political (Remand) Prisoner in Maghaberry describes his morning; ‘The cell door opens again. “Shower!” the screw grunts. I step out onto the landing. I am searched again while my towel, boxers, socks and bar of soap (these are the only items we are allowed to bring to the showers) are thoroughly searched. I am again surrounded, marched to the showers and locked in. when finished, I have to wait to get out and I am searched again. These searches consist of arms spread out and searched, from the wrist to the shoulders, then around the neck, ribs and down to the waist, legs and ankles. Most time you are grabbed aggressively and searched. My stuff was searched again. I am surrounded and marched back to the cell and locked in’.

Cogus/RNU-Aligned Prisoners wrote about prison exercise in Maghaberry; ‘While in the yard of Roe house the prison search team in full riot gear and shields entered the yard and began to dish out severe beatings to Cogus and Cabhair POWs’. Men were placed in arm and head locks and were punched and kicked from the yard back to our cells. This happened every night for another three nights with the beatings getting worse by the day. The prisoners suffered injuries that required outside Hospital treatment’.

Readers should not forget that Veteran Republicans, Marian Price and Martin Corey are imprisoned in Maghaberry Gaol. At the behest of the British Secret Service, MI5. Marian is the only woman held in an all-Male prison and is effectively in solitary confinement. Tyrone Republican, Gerry McGeough is also held there for his alleged involvement in an IRA Operation back in 1981. In October, the UN’s torture investigator, Juan Mendez said; ‘solitary confinement can amount to torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment when used as a punishment, during pretrial detention, indefinitely or for a prolonged period, for persons with mental disabilities or juveniles.’” He continued, “‘Segregation, isolation, separation, cellular, lockdown, supermax, the hole, secure housing unit…whatever the name, solitary confinement should be banned by states as a punishment or extortion (of information) technique’.

Everyone with an interest in human rights must do more to stop the nightmare that is Maghaberry. Otherwise, the abuses will continue unchallenged and British injustice will permit another generation of Irish citizens to suffer oppression. Since Internment was re-introduced in 1971, December has traditionally been focused on Political Prisoners by Irish Republican families and communities. Therefore, I ask readers to search within their consciences how best to help those POWs’ incarcerated in Maghaberry.

An Ardoyne Legend: Paddy Murphy

2011-11-28T11:29:00.000-08:00

Paddy Murphy

An old friend & comrade of mine, Paddy Murphy passed away last week, so sorry to have not known about his untimely death but due to a recent illness of my own, I haven't been out and about much.

How to describe Paddy? Well, as the title states, he was an Ardoyne Legend and a real character at that. Throughout the late Eighties, Paddy and I lived close to one another and we had regular yarns on our way to buy the Newspapers and Belfast Baps in the mornings. I didn't know much about his personal life at this time, suffice to say that he lived alone and had no children. He was well-read and was politically astute. His home in Velsheda Park, Ardoyne was raided during the Summer of 1989 by the British Army and RUC, where they seized a Wheelie-Bin full of explosives and a number of other items. He was immediately arrested and taken to the notorious Castlereagh Interrogation Centre in East Belfast and later appeared in Court charged in connection with the find.

The Provisional IRA Unit in Ardoyne had been using his house to store explosives prior to having them transported to the City Centre for use against commercial targets. Paddy's security was compromised by a British Agent who passed on the information to the Crown Forces. The Agent was later exposed as Alexander (Sandy) Lynch, an informer who regularly fed his handlers information in return for money.

Within a few months, I too was arrested after a gun attack in the Bone area against the RUC and found myself in Crumlin Road Gaol a few days later. As the Screws walked me to my cell, I noticed the name; Murphy on the Cell card outside the door and was pleasently surprised to see Ould Paddy when they opened the door. It was handy being doubled-up with someone else from Ardoyne and as we were locked-up 23 hours each and everyday, there was plenty to talk about. I never knew Paddy was adopted from a Belfast Orphanage in the Fifties by an Ardoyne couple who couldn't have children of their own. They raised Paddy as their own and gave him a decent life compared to what he would have experienced in the home. He grew up not knowing his real Parents or if he had any brothers and sisters and seemed a lonely type of character.

After leaving school, he joined the British Army and was stationed in Germany during the Cold War for a year or so. He fled immediately after the same Army murdered fourteen innocent Irish citizens in Derry on Bloody Sunday, 1972 and returned home. He moved to Dublin and joined the Irish Army, he was part of the United Nations Task Forces in various African Countries throughout the Seventies. Paddy left and it wasn't long before he was back in his native Ardoyne. He joined Provisional Sinn Fein and helped in the Struggle as much as he could. He also did a lot of good work for Political Prisoners and for his local community, although he left S/F because he felt their socialism was too vague in practise and policy.

He continued learning his native language and became a fluent speaker and regularly visited the Donegal Gaeltacht to indulge in his passion. Paddy also found his faith restored in socialism by enrolling in the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI) and was pretty active in many of it's campaigns during the Eighties. Although, his membership was ended when he was arrested and charged in relation to the bomb find in his Ardoyne home. Paddy was eventually sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the explosives in a Non-Jury Diplock Court, however unlike many of his comrades he served the remainder of his sentence in Magilligan Gaol in County Derry and not the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.

After his release, his health deteriorated and he had a number of strokes. Despite his physical health, he still held strong opinions and core Irish Republican and Socialist principles. Like most of his friends and comrades in Ardoyne, he never accepted the huge compromises the Provisionals made, nor did he agree calling the killers of the two British Soldiers at Masserene and the RUC/PSNI member in Lurgan as Traitors to the Irish people.

I'd just like to pay tribute to Paddy and hope he now has peace where he is, Oiche Mhaith Chara!

West Belfast DPP Threats....

2011-11-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last night some 50 plus Republican Activists including myself were present in the Whiterock College to publically oppose the sitting of the District Policing Partnership otherwise known as the DPP....

As we entered the building there were four armoured RUC/PSNI Landrovers present in the carpark, whilst dozens of well-armed personnel were situated throughout the building in a bid to intimidate those of us who had a right to protest at the presence of such a charade in West Belfast. Particularly given the recent brutal mistreatment of an RNU member and his children hours after he his young Wife had tragically died. The RNU member was forcibly trailed from his car and beaten by the same Political Police Force on the Falls Road while en-route to organise his Wife's funeral.....

We took our seats in the hall being used for the meeting with a number of local RNU members situated at the front because they wanted to challenge the RUC/PSNI Area Commander about the above incident and other siminlar breaches of human rights. Initally, the DPP Chairperson and local City Councillor, Tim Attwood approached me asking we intended doing? Not wanting to discuss tactics etc, I informed him that we would be conducting a militant but PEACEFUL protest. He was quite content with my answer and returned to the main table....

Around the same time, a number of senior members of Provisional S/F members also entered the room and positioned themselves close to our seats and were pretty aggressive in doing so. We all ignored their presence, although I happened to say hello to a few former POWs' who I spent time with in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.

When the RUC/PSNI Commander entered the room, an RNU Activist from Ballymurphy stood in front of him and asked did he want to search him under 'Terrorist Legislation' as that's what his people did day and daily around the area and in front of his kids every time he was seen by the RUC/PSNI. The senior Peeler said; 'No, I don't want to search you...' Every time he tried to speak he was told to stop harassing, intimidating local Republicans and their families and to stop pointing guns into our faces etc. On one occassion, a well-known member of PSF from West Belfast with the initals; J.T. shouted to the RNU member; 'Sit-down you attention seeker'! The protesters completely ignored the comment and continued with the protest.

Tim Attwood asked for comments to be put through the Chair, which was a responsible request but was rejected because of the mistreatment of citizens by the RUC/PSNI on the streets. Cllr. Attwood then asked if the protesters wanted to make a statement instead? One former Ex-POW spoke for everyone opposed to political Policing when he read a prepared statement condemning the last ten years of the so-called changes to the RUC. At the end of his statement, he asked for all those in the hall to leave and let the Peeler; 'sit by himself as he wasn't part of the local community'. A number of Sinn Fein members including one MLA said that we (the protesters) 'weren't part of the community'.

As we were leaving the room, the Belfast Chairperson of PSF who has the initals; B.S. shouted to me; 'That's the end of it and pointed to J.T. and said, he'll be rapping your door later on and take you away'! I asked him was that a threat, to which he replied; 'No it's a promise'! B.S. had been seated all evening beside another Leading PSF man by the name of 'Duckser' who last June had called me a TOUT...However, when I confronted this person and asked for evidence, he had none nor has he since produced anything to substantiate his ridiculous claims.

Later on, last night I spoke to other RNU members and my family and we agreed that the threat and what was said should be made public...I posted the facts on Twitter, Facebook and on Ir.Net and had no response from Provisional S/F the entire night. Today, I challenged the West Belfast MP, Paul Maskey and the Belfast Mayor, Niall O'Donaille on Twitter about the circumstances of last night and what their Party was doing about it? To date, I've had no response from my former comrades in S/F?

Since leaving the Party over its many comromises of core Irish Republican principles, I and many others have been called many erroneous names and have not replied because it proves just how twisted these people are and their facist attitude to anyone who politically opposes them and their strategy. However, the threat last night in the middle of a public meeting was heard by many and forced me to respond.

I guess the only people who are allowed to engage in political activities according to Provisional S/F....Some things NEVER change!

IGNORING MAGHABERRY

2011-11-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

It is now sixteen months since Republican Prisoners and the Maghaberry Prison Administration came to an agreement which was overseen by a number of respected Independent Faciliatators. The Agreement was also endorsed by Stormont’s Justice Minister, David Ford and the prisoners families and support groups outside.

In the 16 months since, it has been clear to all those concerned about the situation inside the gaol that the Prison Administration and the ‘Justice’ Department in Stormont have not honoured their committments under the Agreement. Within weeks of the agreement the Prison Officiers Association (POA) a ‘Union’ which represents the majority of Screws in Maghaberry made a number of negative public statements alongside a few Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Elected Representatives regarding the above agreement.

Based on the above statements, the Prison Administration and Screws refused to implement the August 12th Agreement. They also began to increase the harrassment against Political Prisoners in Roe House, where Republicans are housed within the Gaol. In spite of these problems, the POWs’ continued to honour the August Agreement and attempted to ensure it was implemented.

The Agreement was meant to be implemented in stages to ensure the smooth running of the Gaol and the POWs’ agreed that the process was fine. Although, they did not forsee the continuation of Controlled-Movement and Strip-Searching because both had been addressed in the August Agreement. Therefore, it was with surprise when a number of POWs’ were brutally stripped as they were due to leave the Gaol for Hospital treatment and Court Appearances.

Despite the mistreatment of defenceless POWs’, Republicans inside maintained that the August Agreement was the best way to deal with these issues and lobbied the Prison Administration and Stormont Politicians to have it implemented. The Screws decided to target a number of Republican Prisoners to break the Prisoners Collective. With little support from these Political Parties, a section Maghaberry POWs’ decided to resume protest action last April. Given a new protest, the Agreement was still not phased in and this led to an even greater number of POWs’ protesting.

It is nearly December which is traditionally Republican Prisoner’s month and scores of POWs’ are still engaged in protest inside Maghaberry. In spite of countless Marches, White-Line Pickets, Poster and Mural Campaigns by supporters outside. In addition to being held captive within a British Prison, many of the POWs’ cells are infested with maggots and blowflies. They have been locked in their cells 24 hours per day since July of this year. Republican Prisoners are constantly intimidated, threatened and beaten by Unionist Screws.

The current situation is intolerable for the Prisoners, families and their supporters outside. As a former Political Prisoner, not enough is being done by former POWs’ who despite the abuse of Republicans in Maghaberry ignore the suffering of defenceless POWs’. We are repeatedly reminded that Provisional Sinn Fein are ‘struggling for an Ireland of Equals’?

I hope next time they are cashing their large cheques from the various Councils, Community Posts and the Stormont Parliament. That they spare a thought for those POWs’ in Maghaberry...........

Ardoyne Republicanism and Compromise

2011-11-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

Over the last 20 years, Ardoyne like many other Republican communities across the Six Counties have changed utterly from the areas' that they once were. In many ways, most of it has been in a focused and positive way and in a forward-looking manner. However, when one looks at some changes they have made people like myself curious and sad.

The end of armed attacks by the British Army, RUC, Loyalists and Republicans in and around Ardoyne were welcome to local people as since 1969, some 99 residents lost their lives as a result of the Conflict. Therefore, the cessations brought much relief and a respite for the whole area. Likewise, the ending of overt and aggressive British Army patrols around our streets were equally welcoming.

Between 1994 and 1996, most Ardoyne Republicans and their families were content to allow Sinn Fein to represent their views and hoped those opinions and hopes would be raised with the British Government during detailed negotiations. These hopes were dashed when the British political and military establishment hesitated and refused to believe how genuine Republicans were about the future....The Unionist/Loyalist Community were equally as untrustworthy when they continued to demand more rights than us and also said decomissioning of weapons, these demands caused the breakdown of the Provisional IRA Ceasefire and the trouble surrounding Drumcree in the Summer of 1996.

In spite of serious concerns within the Republican Family, the Provisional Leadership took the trust members had in them and abused it, when they dismissed a number of senior Republicans and began criminalising them throughout the Country. The Real IRA was formed and decided to continue with the Armed Struggle. Regardless of the huge amount of changes taking place both inside and outside the Movement, the Leadership continued recruiting madly in the hope that these new members could be manipulated around to their way of thinking, while stating openly that the 'War' was far from finished....

2001 took secatarianism to new heights in Ardoyne with the Holy Cross School Blockade, when Schoolgirls were physically prevented from attending their local School by Unionist and Loyalist bigots in an attempt to have the Provisional IRA Unit in Ardoyne break its Ceasefire. The three-month blockade was in addition to increased gun and bomb attacks on vunerable Nationalist areas across North Belfast. Luckily, due to the disipline and steadfastness of local Volunteers they did not retaliate and remained committed to the Peace Process.

Four years later, the same Volunteers were 'rewarded' with a stand-down and dump arms order from the Leadership in favour of a political settlement that was far off from what they expected and what they had served long prison sentences and many of their comrades had died for.... They were 'promised' a new future with plently of jobs, increased Government spending for their community and a United Ireland by 2016. None of which has been forthcoming.

Instead, we still have the British Governement in full control of six Irish Counties, over 6,000 armed British Troops stationed on Irish soil, a British political Police Force, MI5 operational in Ireland, Political Prisoners, Diplock Courts, Poverty, Partition, two seperate States in Ireland and the crumbs of the Westminster table to help our economy.

The Provisional Movement is NOT what it used to be, it compromised on almost every single core Republican principle to be given a couple of seats in Stormont, they now endorse the British system in the North of Ireland and have 'stolen' the political clothes of the SDLP. They condemn, criticise and actively work against their former comrades and accusse them of being 'backwoodsmen' amongst other things...They believe they are travelling the correct political road to a United Ireland, but the objective was always a 32 County Socialist Republic. They may well secure and garner tens of thousands of votes but what are votes when you leave working-class communities like Ardoyne behind?

As Nelson Mandela once said; 'There is no such thing as part freedom'!

GARC Protesters Betrayed by So-called Community Workers & Elected Representatives

2011-11-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

GARC Activists Outside the Court

Last week I highlighted the fact of ANOTHER TWO DOZEN Ardoyne residents appearing in a Belfast Court to 'answer' charges relating to a PEACEFUL sit-down protest held by GARC on July 12, 2010 in opposition to an UNWELCOME Orange Order March through the Greater Ardoyne Community.

For much of this week, the residents joined by a number of supporters went 'on Trial' charged with 'Obstructing Lawful Activity', which in lay man's terms is the bigoted march through Ardoyne. Anyhow, the hearing lasted until today - (Thursday) and the British Police who charged and brought these Activists to Court admitted during cross-examination that the RUC/PSNI; 'Could NOT have brought the protesters to Court WITHOUT the CONSTANT assistance of local Community and Political Representatives before, during and after' the GARC Protest.

Ardoyne Republicans and comrades further afield have known for a considerable period that there are those within our communities who regularly 'share' information with the MI5 directed RUC/PSNI to ensure those who don't accept an imperialist system which exists in the Occupied Six Counties are marginalised in the wider community and criminalised by the British State. This shameful behaviour is ongoing and needs to be exposed for what it is. GARC, their Collective and tactics are community based and they stood up for the Greater Ardoyne Community, unlike the shameful behaviour of those who 'helped' the RUC/PSNI to criminalise the same community.

A Further 28 Ardoyne Residents To Be Criminalised Over Orange Marches

2011-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

On 12/7/10 Ardoyne residents attempted 2 prevent the sectarian Orange Order from walking through their area by blocking the part of the Crumlin Road. The so-called 'Civil Police'; RUC/PSNI forcibly removed scores of Peaceful Protestors from the road to ensure the Unwelcome March proceeded without delay. One local man and a youth were subsequently arrested and charged with 'Preventing Lawful Activity'. Both were released on bail and a year later recieved fines of over, £600.00.

Policing - Ardoyne Style

In the meantime, the RUC/PSNI trawled media and their own videos of the protest and identified some 40 protesters. They were summonsed and appeared in a Belfast Court, charged with 'preventing Lawful Activity' on 12/7/10. This Monday, 31/10/11 some 28 local Ardoyne residents will appear at Belfast Magistrate's Court to face this charge and possible fines.

According to the British Prime Minister, David Cameron and US President, Barack Obama, they welcome peaceful protests in Tunisa, Egypt, Lybia and other Countries...However, when it comes to Ireland, Peaceful Protesters are arrested, bailed, charged and are forced to pay lengthy fines or face imprisonment? Where is the logic or justice in these charges? Are they because Irish Citizens are still second-class in their own Country? What are the current crop of well-paid Politicans gonna do to highlight this injustice?

On Monday morning, 31/10/11 there will be a peaceful protest outside the Courthouse to demonstrate opposition to these Political charges, please show your support!

RNU Meet the Council For Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS)

2011-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

RNU PROTEST OUTSIDE THE CCMS

Yesterday on 14th October, the Belfast Cumann of the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) held a protest outside the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) in opposition to their recent decison to invite the RUC/PSNI into classrooms across the Occupied Six Counties. During the protest, a senior CCMS Executive came outside and invited a couple of RNU Representatives inside to discuss the issue. Were we presented him our analysis that Schools should be for learning and not to groom children to join the British Political Police.

RNU POSTER

The RNU Activists were informed by the Executive that the CCMS decison was to 'teach' children about 'community safety'. Although, they pointed out a number of facts about the RUC/PSNI, that they are NOT an ordinary Police Service but are managed and directed by the British Secret Service MI5. To uphold and maintain the British occupation of Six Irish Counties. We also expressed our concerns about the continued use of young people and children as Informers. Who in return for low level intelligence on republicans and others are given a free reign to wreck, torture, rob and ruin working-class communities. We also spoke of over 100 lethal Plastic bullets being fired in the Ardoyne and Short Strand areas by the rebranded RUC.

RUC/PSNI ARMED WITH PLASTIC BULLETS

RNU also reminded the CCMS member about the scores of Catholics, Nationalists and Republicans killed directly by the RUC, including 9 year-old Patrick Rooney in his own home. As well as, the hundreds of others killed by Loyalists in collusion with the same Political Police. None of these killings have been properly addressed by the British State nor it's militia, the RUC/PSNI.

RNU PROTEST OUTSIDE THE CCMS

Before the end of our discussion the CCMS Representative asked RNU to draft a document outlining our concerns and he would ensure his board would recieve and discuss it and they would respond to us. Finally, RNU informed the CCMS know in no uncertain terms that any attempt to address Schoolchildren would be met with radical protests!

RUC/PSNI A CIVIL POLICE SERVICE?

Girdwood Housing Protest

2011-09-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

To coincide with the 43rd Anniversary of the Derry Civil Rights March that was brutally attacked by the RUC on October 5, 1968 in Duke Street.

The North Belfast Civil Rights Association (NBCRA) will be organising a three-day camp at the former British Army base in Girdwood.

The decison to hold the camp is in protest against the decison by Stormont's Housing Minister, Nelson McCausland to veto over 200 homes being built @ Girdwood.

McCausland's sectarian decison is illogical given the fact that 95% of people on the waiting list in North Belfast by 2012 will be Catholics/Nationalists.

NBCRA is asking everyone interested in Civil Rights across the political and community spectrum to show their support during our three-day Anti-Poverty Camp.

The Camp will be supported by a host of community groups, the Irish Republican Socialist Party, Irish Socialist Network, People Before Profit, Republican Network for Unity and Independant Political Activists.

The Protest begins on Wednesday 5th October @ 1pm

For Futher info:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=291405969193

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Advice Centre - Belfast

2011-09-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

In recent weeks, the Belfast Cumann/Branch of RNU have secured an office in West Belfast. The purpose of this new office is to help the community with advice on; Housing, Social Security Benefits, Political Prisoners, Anti-Social Activities and Political Policing.

The Republican Network for Unity is a Republican Socialist organisation and as such the Advice Centre is staffed by our Activists on a voluntary basis during each working day. The RNU members will assist anyone who seeks our help and signpost them to the relevant body, if we cannot.

The new Advice Centre is part of RNU's wider political and social project to help the more vunerable in the community who feel let down by existing organisations in the city.We are also in the process of opening a drop-in centre in the same building for former Political Prisoners, where they can call in, have a chat, hang out and have catch up together.

If you need help and/or advice please;

Telephone/Fon:
(02890) 312339

or call into;
1a. Brighton Street
(facing the Culturlann, Falls Road)

Prison Service and Screws Attempt to Keep Maghaberry POWs' Seperated

2011-09-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Former H-Block Political Prisoner and current Cogus/RNU POWpow Tony Taylor asked for a representative of Cogus to visit him on his second week of remand, while he was still on the committal wing, he said that it was his intention to help bridge some of the differences between the pows once he was over on the republican wing and could he get full support in doing so from Cogus which off course was given.

On the very first day that Tony was moved to Roe house he spoke to the S/O and said that he would like a meeting with the Family and Friends Group Aligned and IRPWA reps in the classroom on the wing to defuse tensions. The S/O told him that he would have to pass his request to senior management. The NIPS contacted the independent facilitators and asked them were they aware of this development, to which they replied they didn't know but would check it out. They contacted a Cogus rep in Belfast who confirmed that this was a genuine approach at unity on the wing.

The facilitators contacted the NIPS and confirmed it and Tony's credentials which they are aware off and encouraged the meeting to take place, the NIPS then granted the meeting on Tuesday, The screws on the wing were laughing at "the big peace meeting, that was due to take place" and were gloating at the hope that the meeting would fail.

The meeting went ahead with two reps from F&F pows and both sides aired some differences and agreed to attempt to heal relationship's on the wing which should/could be supported by ALL outside. The meeting ended well with a second meeting proposed between reps from F&F, IRPWA Cabhair and Cogus pows attending.

Tony Taylor then contacted the same S/O that day and asked for a second meeting asap, the S/O again passed it to NIPS management, this time however Governor Maguire has came back and refused a second meeting on the grounds of "contamination and security"!

This clearly shows that the Brits and the NIO are hoping to keep a division between pows as they know unity of republicans and pows is bad for them! Tony has asked Cogus to highlight this issue and urges all to destroy the myth that the poor NIPS are the peacekeepers in the wing!

Either way, Tony and Cogus POWs' have said that they will continue to engage with ALL POWs' and to help unify the wing again!

RNU Slam British Army Event

2011-09-17T01:27:00.000-07:00

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson, MARTIN Óg MEEHAN has slammed a forthcoming British Army Event planned for Belfast.
Mr. Meehan said; 'The City Council has organised a celebratory event in the King's Hall to 'honour' a number of British Army Regiments who returned from their imperialist and murderous activities in Afganistan.

Most Belfast citizens are totally against the imperialist wars in Afganistan, Iraq and Libya. Many Belfast families have also lost relatives at the hands of the British Military and are insulted by such a ceremony. Many more are disgusted that their hard-earned taxes are being used to fund the event'.

Mr. Meehan concluded; 'RNU calls for the ceremoney to be cancelled in the interests of all Belfast residents'

RNU Hold a Successful Commemoration For Henry-Joy McCracken & William Drennan

2011-08-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Vol. Brendan Hughes RFB Colour Party from Scotland Leads the Parade

Yesterday afternoon, the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) held a successful march from the New Lodge /Antrim Road Junction to Clifton Street Cemetery in North Belfast. Where a commemoration was held for United Irishmen; Henry-Joy McCracken & William Drennan both of who are interred in the graveyard.

A Section of the March Makes its Way Through the New Lodge Community

A couple of hundred participants attended and listened to local Historian and Author; Joe Graham and RNU Chairperson; Carl Reilly. A number of wreaths were also laid on behalf of Political Prisoners held in Maghaberry, Portlaoise and from the Ard Chomhairle.

In Clifton Street Cemetery to Pay Homage to Two United Irishmen

Martin Óg Meehan and his Daughter, Niamh

The following is from Martin Óg Meehan who chaired the proceedings;

On behalf of the Republican Network for Unity. I would like to welcome everyone to the first Henry-Joy McCracken & William Drennan Commemoration. Surprisingly never before has such a ceremony taken place here. Therefore, I’m proud to welcome you all here today.

Over 200 years ago, Henry-Joy, William Drennan and a small group of others dedicated themselves to overthrowing British rule in Ireland. Modern Politicians would probably call the United Irish Society a Micro-Group but two centuries on their message is still relevant because the same injustices remain in our Nation.

In the history the freedom struggle, RNU is a young and developing group. We announced our formation at Bodenstown at the grave of Theobald Wolfe Tone in 2007. Like the United Irishmen, we are radical, progressive and determined to help achieve the objective of a united Socialist Irish Republic.

Our Network is committed to ensuring the territorial, social and economic liberation of Ireland and her people in line with the 1916 Proclamation and 1919 Declaration of Independence which was democratically endorsed by Dáil Éireann.

RNU welcome all Irish Republicans, Socialists and Democrats into our Network forgetting the schisms which have dogged our struggle for too long. We are the only organisation in Ireland which gives centrality to this concept.

If you believe you have a part to play, we would strongly encourage you to get involved in RNU and play your part in shaping Ireland’s future.

Carl Reilly

Text of the Main Oration by RNU Chairperson, Carl Reilly

A chairde

Today RNU holds the first, of what we hope to make, an annual commemoration for Henry Joy McCracken, and William Drennan. Each year Belfast men and women join with others from across Ireland and journey to Bodenstown to honor the legacy of Wolfe Tone. It is right that we do so. However we must never overlook the proud legacy of other cherished patriots, like these two men from Belfast, who set about, to break British colonial rule by breaking the sectarian system entrenched within it, who were inspirational leaders of the Society of United Irishmen, one who dedicated years of his life, and one who gave his life, to win for us the freedom, the Rights of Man, the Republican principles and the justice which Belfast and the six counties still await.

In order to truly honor these men, it is important to consider the times in which they lived. Then as today the real power rested in London, with the British crown and Westminster, then ruling all Ireland in the service of British interests rather than Irish interests, much as the British rule six counties today.

Then British rule was directly overseen in Ireland by a colonial secretary and lord lieutenant. Today we have Owen Patterson.

Then the British permitted a subordinate local parliament, once lauded as a stepping-stone to real justice and eventual independence. Then it was a 32 county Dublin parliament, the much heralded “Grattan Parliament”, which in 1782 had loosened some of the shackles, held by Westminster over Irish powers of self-government. Ballads proclaimed “Hurrah tis done-our freedom’s won” or…”The chain is broke- the Saxon yoke- From off our neck is taken”. Surely this new dispensation, it was thought in their time, would inevitably lead Ireland to justice, economic progress and an end of all penal laws.

Those ballads and hopes, like some of the car cavalcades of more recent times, would within a decade prove empty and hollow. Tone would come to dismiss that Parliament as” no National Government” but rule”by Englishmen and the servants of Englishmen.”

Then as today, the British had designed and solidified a sectarian system to fortify their hold on Ireland. Then the most favored status and privilege was the exclusive domain of members of the Established Church. They alone could sit in parliament or hold positions of rank in the military or judiciary.

Other denominations were second class. Commerce, trade and manufacturing might be open to them but penal laws closed them off from parliament and many professions. Catholics as presumptive nationalists were held at the bottom rung by force.

The British would dramatically restructure this sectarian system in the aftermath of 1798, to deal with the challenges posed by the United Irishmen, much the same as we can see the latest redesign of the British rule and its sectarian system around us.

DR WILLIAM DRENNAN

That was the context of Belfast in their time. Dr. William Drennan was a physician, the son of a Presbyterian Minister.

Few men are so often quoted and rarely credited, whether for calling Ireland the “Emerald isle” or for his ground-breaking political writings. In his early writings and involvement in the Volunteer Movement he called for radical constitutional reform, Catholic emancipation and the rights of man, which he hoped could be gained through the Dublin Parliament or through the Whig reform party. He came to recognize that such rights and reforms were unattainable within British rule.

In his letters and correspondence, he pioneered a new strategy to end British rule by uniting the people against Britain’s sectarian system. Its aim would be an independent Ireland that could secure civil rights or “the rights of man” for all, and governance that no longer depended upon foreign military might and sectarian ascendancy.

Drennan envisioned this new strategy to be, in his own words:

“A benevolent conspiracy---a plot for the people---no Whig
club---no party title----the Brotherhood its name---the rights of man and the greatest happiness of the greatest number its end---its general end real independence to Ireland and Republicanism its particular purpose---its business every means to accomplish these ends as speedily as the prejudices and bigotry of the land we live in will permit”

His ideas fired the imagination of other patriots and came to life in the Society of United Irishmen, which Dr.Drennan co-founded, he authored its first manifesto and became a leading figure in Dublin. He wrote many of the pamphlets which were used to spread word of the United Irishmen across the country.
Deemed a threat to the crown, Drennan was charged with seditious libel and only acquitted when his solicitor proved that the crown’s main witness committed perjury.

Dr. Drennan also warned against the barrister Leonard McNally, who was trusted within the inner circle of the United Irishmen and chosen to represent many of those charged by the crown. McNally was exposed after his death as a paid informer, who not only touted the Society’s plans and activities to the crown, but also shopped the legal defenses of his clients to crown prosecutors.

Drennan wrote the “Wake of William Orr” lamenting a county Antrim farmer, hung for administering the oath of the United Irishmen. While he played no part in the Rising, Drennan continued to chronicle events in his letters and correspondence which provided crucial historical details about the fate of Wolfe Tone among other events. He strongly opposed the union steamrolled through the Dublin parliament.

William Drennan returned to Belfast, edited the radical BELFAST MONTHLY MAGAZINE, and devoted himself to attacking the sectarian system through education. At his funeral, as a final token of commitment to the ideals of the United Irishmen, William Drennan requested that he be carried to this spot by three Catholics and three Protestants. He died as the old ballad puts it, “his friends unavenged and his country unfree.”

HENRY JOY MCCRACKEN

Henry Joy McCracken was born into two prominent Presbyterian families, connected with industry and the ownership of the BELFAST NEWS-LETTER.A friend of Tone, Thomas Russell, and Samuel Neilson, McCracken dedicated himself to achieving liberty, the rights of man and social justice. A founder of the United Irishmen in Belfast, he was one of those who vowed on Cave Hill, “never to desist in our efforts until we had subverted the authority of England over our country, and asserted our independence”.
McCracken was assigned to reorganize the United Irishmen along military lines and to ally it with the Defenders. The crown proscribed the United Irishmen and issued a warrant for his arrest. McCracken would be captured and jailed in Kilmainham for more than a year. He would become ill due to conditions there. His brother was also imprisoned.

Upon his release, McCracken argued for an immediate Rising instead of waiting for a French invasion that might never come while the British under General Lake were imposing a reign of terror to weaken any potential for resistance.

When the call for the rising came, several of the leaders stood down, citing the lack of artillery and muskets as excuses. As his companion Jemmy Hope would say, “When all our leaders deserted us, Henry Joy McCracken stood alone, faithful to the last”.

He took over as commander for Ulster and planned an attack on Antrim, to be coordinated with other attacks in counties Antrim and Down. Nearly successful, they were defeated by the arrival of British reinforcements.
McCracken would be captured after a month on the run. He was offered his life by the British if he would agree to turn informer but refused. He was court-martialed and hanged the same day outside the Market House on High Street. He was so feared even in death that the crown agreed to release his body only on condition that the families bury him before nightfall without a proper burial.

BRITISH RESPONSE

The British of course responded to the challenge of these men and to the ideals of the United Irishmen by remodeling British rule and its sectarian system. They binned their Parliament in Dublin. Its members were bribed and bullied into a token vote rubber-stamping their own dissolution. Such Irish representation as the crown would allow was moved to Westminster where it could be better controlled and overwhelmed by numbers.

Sectarian privilege was broadened to take in all Protestant denominations. The newly formed Orange Order would be exploited. It would be the start of the “Orange State”, used by the crown more than a century later as its excuse for partition and as the centerpiece of their rule at Stormont for more than the half century following. So successful were the British in instilling this system that today we witness triumphal parades, which are thought incomplete without some dimension of making the croppies lie down and submit to their bottom rung status under British rule.

STORMONT

We today must deal with the latest remodel of British rule and its sectarian system. Decades ago the British concluded in response to widespread resistance, and opposition that its rule in Ireland was no longer best served by one party unionist rule. Sunningdale was but one failed attemptest served by one party unionist rule. Sunningdale was but one failed attempt at a redesign.
The aim was to cement sectarian divisions while doling out in meager measure such positions, patronage, trappings of office, the power and money deemed appropriate to keep nationalists on board. The British tried to accomplish this with the SDLP.

However Stormont has given the crown opportunities to consolidate their hold on us that, that once seemed impossible.

Now the British have added Republican faces to the front benches of British rule and deploy these front men to reassure nationalists and blunt Republican opposition to British policies. Sinn Fein and the SDLP attends constabulary board and partnership meetings, and then the crown constabulary intensifies repression, even stooping to victimize our children,and as we seen this week with Ciaran Cunningham even elderly parents aren’t immune from the grasps of this un-reformed and well mannered force.

Sinn Fein tells us they are not tokens but have real power as partners in British rule. They tell us they stand against internment by license, plastic bullets, Diplock Courts and the naked brutality deliberately meted to Republican political prisoners. Yet Marian Price and Martin Corey and Gerry McGeough remain in Maghaberry.WHY? Plastic bullets are still fired. Republican prisoners are still brutalized. The presence of Sinn Fein inside a British administration that inflicts these injustices says to us that the party is either not serious about stopping such wrongs or powerless to halt them.

Today there are some who would claim it a great victory to see a member of Sinn Fein switch chairs with Peter Robinson as first among British ministers upholding British rule. Martin McGuinness, whatever place he holds will be patted on the head as a statesman when he condemns Republicans, and slapped down when he has the termesity to criticize crown policies.

No wonder the British think they have succeeded. No wonder David Cameron whenever he speaks of Ireland at all, talks of us in 25 year plans, smugly thinking we are settled for his time as British Prime Minister and perhaps for all time.

INITIATIVE

These men that we commemorate today had the courage, vision, and honesty to recognize the reality, when the 32 county version of the Stormont of their day proved hollow. These men had doors to wealth and prominence within British rule open to them. Yet they were patriots who pledged themselves to end British rule rather than promoting their own interests within it.

Henry Joy McCracken and William Drennan started with a strategy of building unity at a time when they were confronted by sectarian and class divisions which make anything which divides Republicans today seem very small.

We have all been given a lesson in unity by Brendan Lillis or more accurately by Roisin Lynch. RNU wishes to applaud and congratulate them both! BL was quoted as saying that Roisin “could move mountains” and indeed she moved the British government which at times in Irish history seems a more difficult feat.
Her devotion, her simple eloquence and honest emotion touched and united Republicans in a way that has been missing for a long time. All Republicans cooperated and worked together behind Roisin and her committee. All of us fought to bring BL home from dying at Maghaberry, it wasn't what the DUP wished for and David Ford and the British would have preferred thankfully. Prominent independents joined. Eventually nationalist political parties came forward in an outcry that could not be ignored.

We have just commemorated the 10 Hunger Strike martyrs of 30 years ago. The levels of support for the H-Block Blanketmen and Armagh Women could not have been achieved without building unity. Not only did the divisions and mistrust between the IRA and INLA have to be surmounted but also the divisions between strong-minded independents or groups like Peoples Democracy who joined the campaign. Republicans were able to construct an agreed formula of cooperation that overcame those divisions.

Can Republicans unite or at least agree formal ground rules of cooperation behind the Republican prisoners at Maghaberry?

No unity initiative can succeed if it is seen as the property of one group. RNU believes that ALL groups affiliated with Republican prisoners at Maghaberry want to see the naked brutality of the strip-searches halted, want to unite behind these prisoners and have taken on board the example that the campaigns for Brendan Lillis and the campaigns for the Hunger Strikers set for us. We pledge to attend, join in and invite confidential meetings to see if we can agree ground rules for unity behind Republican political prisoners. We believe we together with other Republican groups can achieve this structure of unity that is crucial to beating Britain’s latest try at criminalization.

Today we commemorate the legacy of two Belfast patriots. William Drennan pledged himself to real independence for Ireland. Henry Joy McCracken vowed on Cave Hill never to stop until this real independence Dr. Drennan sought had been won. That vow was kept until he died on English gallows and he keeps it still, because the legacy of Henry Joy McCracken, like the legacy of William Drennan, lives on and inspires us today and will continue to inspire Republicans until the day we walk into this cemetery and celebrate that at long last the freedom and independence they strove to win for us has come to Belfast at last.

Joe Graham

Text of the Guest Speaker, Historian & Author, Joe Graham

Who fears to speak of ‘98 … not I .. For that is exactly why I am here today .. to speak and to proudly herald the events of 1798 and the valiant men who fought to free Ireland from England.

I have been asked particularly to speak of two noble Belfast Irish republicans, Dr. William Drennan and Henry Joy McCracken, both United Irishmen who are interred here at Clifton Street Cemetery, and I would venture to say I hope today to reclaim the truth of how passionately these patriots strove for an Ireland free of English rule, I say that because, despicable as it sounds, there are those today who would have YOU believe that these two men were merely political reformists. They would have you believe that Drennan and McCracken would have settled for a liberal form of English rule from Dublin Castle: a lie of course, as you will discover.

Those who would try and dilute what is a historical fact are what I would call Historical Reformers – they are desperately trying to ‘reform’ our history. In doing so, they are showing themselves to be nothing more than servants of British appeasement and although referring to themselves as Irish, are working to see the fulfilment of a British agenda. They would present themselves as Republicans and indeed on occasions of ceremony, they align themselves with the memory of patriots but time has shown us that they were unable to live up to the legacy of men such as Henry Joy McCracken.

As you listen to this story of the two noble patriots, allow your mind to reflect on their desire for a free Ireland; a cause so dear to them that they were prepared to give their lives rather than face the intolerable treachery of submitting to English masters. In the end, this price was paid by Henry Joy McCracken but let’s not suppose that Drennan was not prepared to make the same sacrifice. But fate had other plans for him.

I must first mention, with respect, that we could just as well be commemorating other great patriots interred here in this hallowed place, such as the heroine Mary Anne McCracken, or the Rev. William Steel Dickson, who was to be the Commander-In-Chief of the Ulster forces in 1798, and was to have led the County Down Unitedmen in the battle against the crown forces had he not been arrested beforehand, And here too lies the unbending Thomas McCabe the Belfast jeweller who once displayed a political satirical sign above his North Street shop which read
THOMAS McCABE AN IRISH SLAVE
LICENSED TO SELL GOLD AND SILVER
His home , “Vicinage” stood close to where St. Malachy’s College stands today,
However back to the men whose lives we are celebrating here today.

Henry Joy McCracken , a Presbyterian, was born in High Street, almost opposite Bridge Street, in 1767, as a boy his family moved round to Rosemary Street where Henry Joy grew to manhood, he also writes himself that in young manhood he “went to live in the Falls for a while before returning to the family home”.
He had three brothers Francis William and John and two sisters, Margaret and Mary Anne. His father William, a sea captain, founded Belfast’s first ropewalk, where Union Street is today, his family with partners also founded a cotton mill at Smithfield, his mother, Margaret was a daughter of the rich and influential Joy family who founded the Belfast Newsletter, so if he had wished the young Henry Joy was set for a comfortable life in the then flourishing Belfast industrial society.

But fired with a courageous unselfishness he could not ignore the plight of others less fortunate so the fiery young industrial engineer embraced the cause of so many of his countrymen, Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter who had committed themselves to breaking the connection with England and planned for a rising to establish an Irish Republic..

Although Henry Joy McCracken was a close friend of Samuel Neilson, Thomas Russell and Wolfe Tone from 1790, most of you will be surprised to learn that Henry Joy did not ‘take the test’ , join the United Irishmen until 1794, the same year as the Society adapted their physical force agenda, and the same year as Dr. William Drennan, decided to stand back from the society, …but we will learn that his heart was never too far away as we go on.

McCracken immediately received an officer ship from Charles Teeling of the Defenders, who had recently united with the United Irishmen, the Defenders were formerly a Catholic organisation which was formed to defend the rights of Catholics and to defend Catholic homes from orange and Peep o’ Day boy attacks, indeed McCracken helped in many such defences in Co. Armagh. The ranks of the United Irishmen were swollen by the joining of the 7,000 Catholic Defenders

On the 10th October 1796 Henry Joy was arrested and sent to Dublin under armed escort and lodged in Newgate Prison and later in Kilmainham where his brother William was also held. A month later he wrote, “ Yesterday [18th November] two men were executed in front of the jail for robbing the mail in June last. They died with the greatest fortitude. It gives me a sort of carelessness about death to see such sights."
Almost a year later he wrote, “ At present [July, 1797], there is very little
prospect of our getting out, unless some underhand work that is going on may alter the appearance.”

McCrackenDungannon, a young man being used in this manner, called to his father for assistance, who, being inflamed at the sight, struck one of the party a desperate blow with his turf spade ; but, alas ! his life paid the forfeit of his rashness, his entrails were torn out and exposed on a thorn bush."

Meanwhile, Henry Joy McCracken’s health began to fail. Many friends interested themselves in his behalf, and at last, in September, 1797, he and his brother William were admitted to bail. A Bernard Coyle went security for Henry, and his mother’s brother, Counsellor Joy for his brother William. Henry's health was now so much broken down that for a time he was unable to attend to business. But the change from confinement to liberty soon brought renewed strength.
In February 1798 Henry Joy visited Dublin to entreat with other leaders to launch the rebellion, arguing " they would much rather be in the field like men than be hunted like wild beasts, and see their friends carried off to jail, their houses ransacked, and the yeomen riding roughshod over them day by day.”

Awaiting the decision he returned to Belfast where it was only a matter of time till he would be re-arrested, on one such attempt a group of armed yeomen attempted to arrest him in Castle Street and after a short struggle he managed to make his way down Bank Lane where a butchers wife opened her back door and urged him to escape through the shop into Hercules Street it is said that that woman was a member of the Catholic Hamill family .

While awaiting the order to rally Henry Joy went on the run hiding out at the home of David Bodel and his family on the Belfast side of the Cavehill and it was here where he met the family’s daughter Mary Bodel who he would have married had he lived. After his execution and death Mary gave birth to Henry Joy’s only child, a daughter named Maria who was reared by his sister Mary Anne and brother Frank.

Dr. William Drennan, a son of a Belfast Presbyterian Clergyman was born at the manse in Rosemary Street Belfast 23rd May 1754, he was a co-founder and first Chairman then President of the Dublin Society of United Irishmen, he was perhaps the first to urge the breaking of the
connection with England, when he said, in 1791, “It is my fixed opinion that no reform in parliament, and consequently no freedom will ever be attainable to this country but by total separation from Britain”, but fell short of advocating a Republic, instead he suggested an organization modelled on the Free Masons. Drennan is probably more wider known as a celebrated poet and in one of his poems he named Ireland as “The Emerald Isle”, a name that has spread world wide. He was also a prolific writer of political pamphlets in which he championed for Catholic emancipation even before Wolfe Tone wrote his famous pamphlet “An argument for the Emancipation of Catholics”…I must say though, Wolfe Tone found Drennan’s political suggestions “rhetoric and argumentive.” while Drennan suggested that Wolfe Tone addressed himself too often to the Catholics of Ireland, but that is a bigger debate which we won’t pursue here today.

William Drennan is also accredited with having penned “The Wake Of William Orr” William Orr, a Presbyterian, was executed in Saturday 14th October 1797 at Carrickfergus on a rigged charge of recruiting men for the United Irishmen.
“They led him forth from his prison cell.
They swung him high on the gallows tree,
And the people watched as the brave man died
Died for his faith and country.”

You of course understand that Presbyterianism like Catholicism under the English Penal Laws was at one point outlawed too.

Historians sadly have clamoured to parrot that William Orr, a devout Presbyterian was the first soldier of the Irish Republic to pay the supreme sacrifice for the republican cause but without taking anything away from our heroic protestant martyrs I feel I must mention if only to put the record straight that in fact four young Catholic republicans were the first to forfeit their lives for that Irish Republic as proclaimed by the birth of the United Irishmen.

These brave young men, William McKenna, Owen McKenna , Patrick McCarron and Daniel Gillian were soldiers belonging to the Monaghan Militia who had taken the oath of the United Irishmen were charged and sentenced to death by firing party at Blaris military Camp Lisburn, which was to become the site of the Long Kesh Interment Camp in 1972. Up until the last moment all four brave men were offered a pardon if they were to inform on their comrades but all four chose death before dishonour.

The father of Owen McKenna was asked to speak to his son and persuade him to save his life by informing , he answered , “ My son should never save his life by informing but if you feel you must take the life of my son, do so, for I would shoot him myself if he turned
informer”.

And so on Tuesday, 16th day of May 1797, five months before the execution of William Orr, this brave old man standing alongside of Fr. Cassidy, curate of old St. Mary’s Chapel Belfast, watched as his son and his three United Irishmen comrades had their brains blown out.,

“Four Irish lads, with no dishonour stained,
Four gallant youths as Ireland ever saw,
Have met their doom, by treachery arraigned ,
And murdered by the blight of Barbarous law. ”

let us include those four patriots in our homage today.

William Drennan was arrested on a seditious Libel charge in 1794 charged with writing a certain essay , he was found innocent and released and went to live for a while in Scotland but continued championing the cause of Catholic emancipation through his writings.

Just a little point on Drennan’s movements, different writers place him in Dublin during this time and not Scotland, either way during the period he married and had a family .

Henry Joy McCracken issued the following proclamation on the eve of the Battle Of Antrim…
" To-morrow we march on Antrim — drive the garrison of Randalstown before you, and haste to form a junction with the commander-in-chief. — Henry Joy M'Cracken. 1st year of liberty, 6th June, 1798."

We know although desperately short of weapons against a well armed imperial army the 600 gallant United Irishmen with Young Henry Joy himself dressed in a Green and White uniform and carrying a raised sword gave an heroic account of themselves at the Battle of Antrim.
Much has been written of the historic incident, suffice to say despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered six British lay dead to every United man, so we will jump forward and Henry Joy McCracken has been captured and brought to Belfast in chains on the 16th July.

Next morning, the 17th of July, the trial took place in the Exchange, under the presidency of Colonel Montgomery. Mary Anne McCracken, ever faithful to her beloved brother, sat near the table. Two witnesses, perjurers, whose names were John Minnis and James Beck, appeared to give testimony against him. Jemmy Hope states that neither had any previous knowledge of the prisoner's appearance, but that an officer pointed him out to them while they stood at a window looking into the yard where he was walking, and told them of a distinguishing mark on
his throat.

Just before the trial began, McCracken's father was called aside by Pollock, the Crown prosecutor, and told that there was evidence enough to convict his son, but that his life would be saved if he would divulge the name of the person who had been first appointed to command the rebels in Antrim, and for whom he had acted. The old man replied that he would rather see his son die than do such a dishonourable action. The two names we now know they wanted was Thomas Russell and the Rev. Steele Dickson, both of whom were already in prison from before the rebellion.

The trial lasted a short time and on being found guilty and sentenced to death Henry Joy’s family reeled when they heard the courts decision that he be taken to the scaffold at High Street and Corn Market for execution before the day was out.

At 5pm High Street was thronged with people as Henry Joy was escorted out to the scaffold, mounted cavalry with drawn sabres kept the crowd in order, not a voice of dissent was heard , He walked steady with head held high noticing that the heads of his comrades who had recently been hanged at this spot were displayed there decaying on spikes, they were John Storey, printer at the Northern Star, James Dickey, a barrister from Crumlin, Dickey was captured on the Divis Mountain where he hid out after taking a heroic stand at the Battle of Antrim. John Byers, Hugh Graham and William McGill.

As he approached the first step of the scaffold his ever loyal sister found her way to him and clutched at his arm crying in distress, kissing her tenderly he bade her farewell, looked around the crowd for someone to lead his distressed sister away, When there was hesitance from the crowd he reportedly murmured , “So much for fair weather friends”. Then an elderly man approached and Mary Anne allowed herself to be lead away rather than risk unnerving her beloved brother.

The noose was placed around the neck of our young hero and he tried to address the gathered crowd but his attempt to speak was drowned out by the trampling of the cavalry and he resigned himself to his fate. His body was taken and given over to his friends who had planned or hoped that they might resuscitate him, a Dr James McDonnell, a close friend of Henry Joy and the foremost authority on resuscitation in Ireland had agreed to be present and to attempt to save the life of McCracken but he didn’t turn up and instead sent his brother Alexander, a Surgeon, whose attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful. You will do well to remember the name Dr. James McDonnell for we will come
across him again when we return to the Dr. William Drennan’s part of this story.

Henry Joy was buried at St. Georges old graveyard at the foot of High Street, Some years afterwards the Rev. Edward May, parson of the parish, had many of the graves levelled, and the ground sold for building purposes. It is said historian Francis Joseph Bigger later secured the remains of Henry Joy from the ruined graveyard and later had them re-interred here in the grave of his sister Mary Anne.

William Drennan returned to Belfast in 1800, the year of the act of Union, the then equivalent of the ‘Good Friday Agreement’ and as today the Union Jack flew defiantly over Belfast with many so called republicans offering no disgust, in fact if the truth be known many republicans then sought place and favour and distanced themselves with their past involvement with the rebellion, many even joined the Yeoman to show their new found loyalty.

Some time later Thomas Russell, the Man From God Knows Where, was released from prison and along with Robert Emmet they plotted another rebellion which failed in 1803 pretty quickly. Emmet was arrested and Russell went on the run.
It is here where that weasel Dr. James McDonnell comes into the picture again. The infamous Major Sirr British military Commander in Belfast had posted a reward of £500 pounds for the arrest of Thomas Russell. Dr. James McDonnell a former friend of many United Irishmen, seeing this as an opportunity to ingratiate himself with the establishment saw fit to offer the Major an extra £50 toward the reward and he even approached friends of McCracken and Russell asking for donations to increase the reward to £1000 for the arrest of Russell. Mary Anne McCracken and John Templeton were particular outspoken in their contempt for him, William Drennan was even angered to the point that he put pen to paper and aptly likened McDonnell’s treacherous behaviour to that of the infamous Brutus from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, he suggested that the following should be written on the gravestone of McDonnell …..
Here lies a man who could subscribe to hang that friend at last ;
Whom future history will describe The Brutus Of Belfast.
William Drennan went on to help found the Belfast Academical Institution in 1807, and for six years produced a literary publication and spent the rest of his life contributing much to the literary and academic
growth of Belfast.
Drennan died in February 1820 and as his cortege made it’s way into the cemetery here his coffin was carried by three protestants and three Catholics representing his long held believe in unity between Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter.

Henry Joy McCracken and Dr William Drennan both went to their graves convinced by the words of the constitution of the United Irishmen …
“We have no national government, we are ruled by Englishmen, and the servants of Englishmen, whose object is the interest of another country, whose instrument is corruption, and whose strength is the weakness of Ireland; and these men have the whole of the power and patronage of the country, as means to seduce and subdue the honesty of her representatives in the legislature.” nothing has changed the same words apply to this day no matter how much re-writing of history the slavish scribes of Britain do.
It has been a personal desire of mine to see all those who aspire to the ideals of the United Irishmen unite as one group, sharing a single, coherent voice and vision and possess that which is necessary to bring it to fruition.

Those sheep like people who have mortgaged the six counties to England will always bleat that stock party line, “What is the alternative, what have YOU got to offer” ?, I personally would answer ‘ telling the Truth would be a great starting point ’… and to conclude I would remind them … “History gives us a kind of chart and we dare not surrender even a small Rushlight in the darkness. The hasty reformist who does not remember the past will find himself condemned to repeat it.

Four Young and Proud Wreath Carriers

The Commemoration was a success and we are already planning for another better one next year. Ardoyne Republican would like to thank everyone who took part. Particularly, the Brendan Hughes Republican Flute Band from Glasgow and of course, Joe Graham Go Raibh Mhaith Agaibh.

The Grave of Henry-Joy McCracken

Inis Eoghain, Contae Dun Na nGall - Inishowen, County Donegal

2011-08-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

My wife Alice, I and our two children, Conúil and Niámh have just returned from our annual trip to County Donegal. We spent a very enjoyable week on the shores of Mulroy Bay, where we savoured the excellent scenery and hospitable locals.

Rockhill

We spent the week in an excellent and family orientated holiday park called; Rockhill www.rockhill.ie. Where the children had lots of activities to keep them occupied and content. They were able to partake in various sporting activities such as, fishing, archery, canoing and cycling all courtesy of Rockhill. We had originally planned to spend the week in one of the beautiful Log Cabins on site, however we opted for one of the comfortable and large Mobile Homes.

Rockhill

We were made very welcome by friendly Staff and fellow tourists. We travelled out most afternoons to the Blue Flag beach at Port Salon which is is breathtakingly beautiful. We also took a trip to Leitir Ceanainn or Letterkenny, where we enjoyed a nice meal, drink and game of ten-pin bowling at Area 7. On Wednesday, we went to Ráth Maoláin or Rathmullen on the Fánaid or Fanad Peninsula, Loch Súilí or Lough Swilly. Which was the scene of the Flight of the Earls in 1607. In the Eighteenth Century, the village saw the capture of Wolfe Tone, a leader of the 1798 Rising.

Malin Head

From Rathmullen we travelled across the Lough aboard a car ferry to Bun Cranncha or Buncrana and Inis Eogháin or Inishowen It is Ireland's most northerly point and a picturesque peninsula, rich in history. We stopped off at the Grianán an Aileach, a large fort constructed by the Uí Néill Clann in the sixth century.As well as, Doagh Island Famine Village, with it's representations of Irish history including, the Wake, Eviction, Great Hunger/Famine, Republican safe-house, Orange Hall; Irish Travellers, Presbyterian Meeting House, Hedge School and the Mass Rock. I was pleased to see portraits of the ten H-Block-Martyrs displayed. For anyone visiting Donegal, the Famine Village is a must! Then we travelled to Cionn Mhálanna or Malin Head, and viewed the strength of the Atlantic Ocean from the very top of Ireland. We can always say, we were in Northern Ireland lol!

Doagh Island Famine Village

The Meehan Clann returned to Ardoyne this evening and settled back into our home, rich with good memories and will sleep easy tonight. Oiche Mhaith a Chairde.

RNU To Hold Henry-Joy McCracken & William Drennan Commemoration: Sunday 28th August, 2011

2011-08-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Next Sunday the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) will hold the first Henry-Joy McCracken & William Drennan Commemoration in Belfast. Both men were senior figures in the United Irish Society whose objective was to 'break the connection with England' and are buried in Clifton Street Cemetery in North Belfast.

Henry-Joy McCracken

As an Irish Republican organisation, RNU believe that the United Irishmen were the first group of revolutionaries who articulated the correct analysis and led the way for future generations of Irish citizens to create an Irish Republic in which everyone, Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter could live together on this island, free from foreign interference and independent!

William Drennan

The Commemoration will start with a Parade at the junction of the Antrim/New Lodge Roads, through the New Lodge area, along North Queen Street up Clifton Street and into the Old Cemetery. Where Belfast Historian and Author, Joe Graham will speak about the role both Patriots played in the 1798 Uprising and the aftermath. The National Chairperson of RNU, Carl Reilly will then address those assembled about how important it is for McCracken and Drennan to be celebrated and commemorated by modern Republicans.

United Irish Society Emblem

The Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Ard Chomhairle/National Executive have written to all Irish Republican Political Groups and Parties to attend and demonstrate the common goal which we all share. The Network also welcome everyone Republican or otherwise to join them on Sunday 28th, 2011 @ 2pm.

For further information on the above event please click the following links;

http://www.republicannetwork.ie/
http://www.rushlightmagazine.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Joy_McCracken
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Drennan

PAUL O'NEILL & TAR ISTEACH

2011-08-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

TAR ISTEACH

Over the past few months, members of Provisional S/F and their supporters have been involved in painting out/over and removing political graffiti and posters which have been erected in Ardoyne and beyond. For dissenting Republicans, attempting to highlight the ongoing problems in Maghaberry Gaol, Political Internment and mistreatment by the RUC/PSNI.

Since 1969, political murals and graffiti adorned the many gable walls of working-class areas across the Six Counties. They became a rallying call where issues of serious concern could be expressed. In the early days of the so-called Peace Process tons of paint was used to call on the Provisional IRA not to accept the Unionist Veto over Irish reunification, Partition or a new Stormont Parliament. They also demanded that Unionists and the British Government stop asking the IRA to disarm. All the above were displayed with the approval and active partition of the S/F Leadership and Activists.

Alongside the acceptance and active participation in British policing and its Justice system in occupied Ireland by the same Political Party. These long-standing activities and many others are now frowned upon by Sinn Fein. Why, I hear you ask? Simply put, it is part of the Party's revision of recent Irish and Republican history, whereby claims are regularly made that the Provisional IRA Campaign was justified and everything since is led and carried out by criminal elements and/or dissidents at the behest of MI5 etc.

When I delve into that particular analysis, the only thing secured was an internal settlement within the Six County Statelet. Sadly, many Republicans were duped into believing they had secured something more than that. The Belfast Agreement of 1998 was on offer at Sunningdale in 1974 but the then Leadership of the Republican Movement rejected the deal because it did not achieve their objectives. So, why did so many people have to die between 1974 and 1998? These serious questions have never been properly answered by Provisional Leaders.

Recently former Political Prisoner, Paul O'Neill (a S/F Supporter) from the New Lodge area of North Belfast was verbally abused by a number of Anti-Agreement Republicans after he and a number of others painted over graffiti demanding the release of Marian Price. As I outlined above political graffiti and murals has been used by working-class Republicans who felt they were disenfranchised from the British-imposed State for over forty years. Therefore, Political Activists who continue to be disaffected still use the same tactics to express their views and when they are painted over it causes offence and can be frustrating. One can assume this is what occurred when some New Lodge Republicans ‘attacked’ Paul. Maybe they felt justified in tackling him and the other workers?

I've been very outspoken in the past, when dissenting Republicans have been smeared and mistreated by former comrades. It is wrong and equally so, when people like Cruncher is abused in a similar fashion. Calling an Irish Republican a traitor and a tout whether he or she is anti-Agreement or not is extremely demeaning, it conjures up images and horrible stories that have no end! If we disagree with somone's politics then so be it, everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions and should be defended. Having worked alongside Paul for a few years, I know he’s been a great worker and ambassador for the New Lodge community. He and a number of other former Political Prisoners helped create a positive Ex-Prisoners Centre called; Tar Isteach that provide Welfare Rights Advice, Counselling, Training & Youth Services in a highly-disadvantaged area. They deserve praise, not insults for their efforts. I disagree with anyone, mistreating former comrades. ALL Republicans should be entitled to pursue their work without being smeared and abused!

Finally, Ardoyne Republican suggests that a wall to be set aside so that political murals, messages and/or posters can be erected in the New Lodge.

Human Rights Being Denied to Political Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol

2011-08-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

The following statement was written by the families of H-Block-Martyrs, Bobby Sands, Martin Hurson, Joe McDonnell, Patsy O’Hara and Micky Devine. It has been endorsed by former POW and 1980 Hunger-Striker, Tommy McKearney, former MP and member of the National H-Block Committee, Bernadette McAliskey, and former Political Prisoner, Sean McGlinchey.

Despite the signifcance of this statement given that this year is the 30th Anniversary of the tragic 1981 Hunger-Strike when ten young Irish Volunteers died in the H-Blocks' of Long Kesh. It has been heavily censored in the Irish media, however it was successfully published in the Derry Journal on August 5th, 2011.

Sir,
On 20th August 1981, Michael Devine died in prison, the last of ten republican prisoners to die in the Hunger Strike.

Today, nearly thirty years later, another republican, Brendan Lillis is dying in Maghaberry Prison because of the same refusal of government authorities to govern with humanity, compassion, respect for human dignity and in compliance with International Human Rights standards and obligations. Brendan is not on hunger strike. He is being denied his human rights.

Marian Price is also in Maghaberry, in solitary confinement in a male prison despite being granted bail. Other prisoners are routinely humiliated and violated by strip searching. Once again, human rights don’t apply to ‘these’ people.

The 1998 Agreement promised a Human Rights framework and Bill of Rights to ensure people here would never again be deemed ineligible for protection of their rights because of their politics or actions.

Confronted with a humanitarian crisis in Maghaberry prison, as families of those who died in prison on the 1981 Hunger Strikes, and as members of the H-Block Campaign who supported them at that time, we call upon the conscience of the people to urgently support:-

* Roisin Lynch in her demand for the immediate release of her life partner, Brendan.

* The Price family in their demand for Marian Price to be released on bail.

We further call upon the N. I. Executive and Minister of Justice at Stormont to bring an immediate end to strip-searching in the prisons and the continued tolerance of humiliation and violation of the basic human rights of political prisoners.

Yours the Sands, Devine, Hurson, McDonnell and O’Hara families supported by Bernadette McAliskey, (formerly National H-Block Committee), Tommy McKearney (1980 Hunger Striker) & Sean McGlinchey (former political prisoner).

Ardoyne Republican urges those who want an end to the Internment of Irish citizens and support the Maghaberry POWs' to beat the censors and ensure it is seen by everyone!

Maghaberry Gaol and the Dirty Protest

2011-08-03T02:19:00.000-07:00

Ever since the 1916 Rising, tens of thousands of Irish Republicans have been incarcerated for lengthy periods in Irish, British and foreign prisons. Most if not all of these prisoners would never have seen the inside of a gaol, had it not been for the political situation which has existed in Ireland for over 800 years, the British occupation. Therefore, these are in fact Political Prisoners who deserve to be treated as such.

Immediately after the Rising, hundreds of Republicans were interned in various institutions across Britain and Ireland. Sixteen, were summarily executed by British troops by firing squad for their roles in the Uprising and labelled criminals for striking a blow for Irish freedom! While the remainder remained imprisoned for the next couple of years. After their release, many re-organised the IRA, fought the British government to the negotiating table and the rest is history.

In spite of a 'settlement' which saw the establishment of two Irish States, the IRA and a number of other Republican groups including Cumann Na mBan continued to fight for a 32 County Socialist Irish Republic as outlined in the 1919 Declaration of Independance. Like the 1916 Revolutionaries, they too were imprisoned, scores were executed by the new Free State. In the North, hundreds of their comrades were also Interned.

In every decade since, Irish Republicans have struggled to end the Partition of Ireland and the connection with Britain. Both Irish States and Britain have to varying degress attempted to criminalise these prisoners and their cause. During this time, thousands of Political Prisoners have endured unspeakable mistreatment by the Authorities. Many have suffered humiliating experiences, severe beatings and brutal strip searches as a result. The warped logic behind the mistreatment and abuse of Irish Political Prisoners has always been to criminalise their struggle.

Throughout the last Century, twenty-two courageous Volunteers have died horrible deaths on Hunger-Strike because they refused to be criminalised. Ten of those Political Prisoners died in the tragic summer of 1981. Thirty years have past, but inside Maghaberry Gaol dozens of Republican Prisoners have been forced by the Stormont Government to engage in another serious protest. Why, you ask? On August 12th 2010, the Prison Service, Prisoners and Independant Facilitators reached agreement on an end to protests, strip serching and a number of other issues. The Agreement was consistently undermined and never implemented.

For over a month, many have had everything except a mattress removed from their cells. The POWs' are prevented from leaving their cells, have been refused family and legal visits. They cannot have a telephone call home, nor get letters, have association or even exercise. The protest has escalated to the extent that they are now on a Dirty Protest where they are forced to live in their own urine and excrement!

The name Maghaberry has become synonymous with injustice and as such needs root and branch reforms to take place. The Stormont government has gone from one political crisis to another concerning this gaol. Three Prisoners, Martin Corey, Marian Price and Brendan Lillis are interned behind it's walls. At present, Brendan is close to death and despite calls to release him on humanitarian grounds. The so-called Justice Minister, David Ford refuses. The same Politican also failed to ensure that last August's Agreement was implemented.

Ardoyne Republican and the wider Republican community across Ireland and beyond demand that the 2010 Agreement is implemented without further delay. It is only then that Political Prisoners and their families can be treated with respect and dignity and urge everyone else to join my call for urgent action on this crisis before it is too late!

For further information please contact:

Republican Network for Unity/RNU;
http://www.republicannetwork.ie/
Republican Sinn Fein;
http://www.rsf.ie/

SAVE BRENDAN LILLIS NOW!

2011-07-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

I first met Brendan Lillis or BL as he was popularly known in the H-Block-4 back in 1991. Being the new kid on the block, facing the next seven years of my life in Long Kesh, BL was one of the older Political Prisoners who helped me settle in and get used to the surroundings.

A decade had passed since the tragic days of 1981 , when seven IRA and three INLA Volunteers had died agonising deaths on Hunger-Strike fighting for Political Status. Coming from that particular generation of young Republicans who eventually became actively involved in the struggle for Irish freedom. It was certainly not lost on me the lengthy terms of incarceration that scores of former Blanketmen and Lifers like BL were still Political Hostages.

Every POW including myself had a card outside their cell door which stated your name, number, prison sentence and early date of release (EDR) printed. However, comrades such as BL had no such EDR printed and their actual release date was at the whim of Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Civil Servants appointed by the British Government. Once per year, each Lifer's imprisonment was 'reviewed by the same mandarins based on secret reports from various Screws and Governors, who came from a Unionist background. Therefore, Republican Prisoners held little hope of securing freedom.

On the Block, BL was typical of those men who had been actively involved in the War outside. Their stories and craic was in abundance. There was a great sense of comradeship and solidarity amongst the prisoners and the commune we all shared helped. The socialist, left-wing ethos on the Republican Wings, centered around the Commune that effectively ensured most things were shared equally including our food and milk. It also helped those POWs' less fortunate as the Commune provide them with essential items like tobacco, cigarette papers and confectionery for family visits.

Keeping fit was also encouraged as most Political Prisoners strived to eat and remain healthy in spite of serving long sentences. My daily routine including an hour or so lifting weights, run a few laps of the exercise yard and maybe even a half hour on the exercise bike. I recall an extra fitness Rang (Class) called Cumann Na mBolg or The Belly Society organised by BL. Where Brendan taught us how to properly exercise our abdominal muscles in order to flatten our stomachs. For the first few classes, everyone was lying on the Canteen floor laughing at BL's jokes while pretending to raise and hold our legs in position!

As secret negotiations between the Provisional IRA and the British Government intensified throughout the early Nineties which culminated in the release of a number of Lifers including Brendan Lillis. Alongside the 1994 Ceasefire, a growing positivity was developing throughout working-class communities in Belfast and beyond. Despite the feel good factor, most Ex-POWs' continued to experience serious difficulties like rebuilding fractured family relationships and meaningful employment. After serving most their late Teens, Twenties and Thirties behind bars, BL and others found life outside difficult. With many claiming to have been left behind and their sacrifices inside forgotten. They had went to gaol during a violent War and released into a peaceful situation and felt isolated from most of society. The majority of former Political Prisoners felt they had not benefited from the Peace Process and few cared apart from their closest friends and families.

In October, 2009, Brendan Lillis was again arrested in connection with an attempted robbery in County Derry. Within hours of his arrest, the British Secretary of State revoked his Life Sentence licence and he was returned to gaol. The charges were later withdrawn but he remains interned in Maghaberry. He has been confined to a bed in the prison hospital for over 600 days, as he suffers from from a chronic medial condition called, Ankylosing Spondylitis which cause the spine to fuse. In recent weeks, his condition has taken a turn for the worst and his body weight has also plummeted to less than six stone.

I was contacted a number of months ago by a friend who explained to me that BL's partner had spoken to him and asked his advise about how she secure Brendan's release? Within the hour both of us were made very welcome in Roisin Lynch's home. Where we listened disgusted to her detail BL's horrible story. Before leaving, we assured her that the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) would do everything it could to help. Within a few days, our Activists contacted a number of like-minded groups and influential Republicans who also pledged their assistance.I also created a Facebook page to notify others in Ireland and beyond about Brendan and Roisin's plight (Friends.Of.Brendan.Lillis@groups.facebook.com). Which now has over 2,000 members who regularly contribute. BL's case is now on everyones' lips and most are convinced that he MUST be released to ensure he receives the proper medical attention he deserves. His continued imprisonment is wrong and Ardoyne Republicans call for his immediately release on humanitarian grounds.'

Last week, Brendan's partner Roisin, a number of his friends and supporters fasted for four days to highlight his case. Despite calls from a range of Political Parties and Groups, including Sinn Fein, the SDLP, IRSP, Eirigi, 32CSM, RNU and the 1916 Historical Societies. As well as, a number of Newspapers and Clergymen. Stormont Justice Minister, David Ford and the British Government have refused to set him free?

Henry-Joy & William Drennan Commemoration - Belfast

2011-07-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

As the above poster states, on Sunday 28th the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) will be holding a commemoration for two senior United Irishmen, Henry-Joy McCracken and William Drennan.

Proceedings will begin at the junction of the Antrim Road/New Lodge Road at 2pm. From there a march will begin down the N' Lodge Road onto North Queen Street, up Clifton Street and into the Old Cemetery.

Both United Irish Leaders are buried close to one another and it is here where a number of wreaths will be laid by modern Republicans who also pay homage to their sacrifice. One of the main speakers will be; Joe Graham an avid Historian, Author and Republican. There will also be a speech from an Ard Chomhairle member of RNU.

The Republican Network for Unity hope that everyone Republican or otherwise will join them and commemorate two courageous Republicans on August 28th, 2011.

Gach Daoine Failte/Everyone Welcome

GARC Analysis of July 12th, 2011

2011-07-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

The following letter was published tonight (21/7/11) in the North Belfast News (NBN);

A chara,

Throughout May and June, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) held a number of positive meetings to furnish other Community Leaders and Elected Representatives with our analysis of unwelcome Loyal Order parades through our area. The discussions included Fr. Gary Donegan, (Parish Priest), Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA), Social Democratic & Labour Party (SDLP) and senior Youth Leaders from Ardoyne Youth Providers Forum, Ardoyne Youth Club, Ardoyne & Marrowbone Youth Forum and Club Oige

We wrote to Sinn Fein the same day as the SDLP by email, however they didn’t respond until late on Thursday 7th July. We wrote back acknowledging his email and that we would be more than willing to meet with him. We also requested that any meeting, take place in a public building ie: Ardoyne Community Centre with independant Community Representatives. So that any matters arising, could be clarified as a true and accurate account of proceedings and asking Mr. Kelly was he willing to withdraw negative and untrue comments he made to the Media about our Collective the year before? To date, he still hasn’t responded but informed the North Belfast News (14/7/11) that he would not retract his misleading statements about GARC.

GARC also held a lengthy meeting with the Parades Commission in Holy Cross Monastery on June 9. We invited the above Youth Leaders to give the Commission their opinion on how sectarian parades negatively affect the youth of Ardoyne and the Oldpark areas obviously to no avail.

Future talks between GARC and CARA were scuppered due to a misleading media report and it is a matter of regret that we were not able to formulate a unified plan to oppose unwelcome parades. We reiterate that no one resident’s group has a monopoly on the parades issue in our community. Therefore, GARC nor CARA can propose, negotiate or compromise with the North & West Belfast Parades Forum without FIRST conducting extensive consultation and approval from the Greater Ardoyne community. Unfortunately, this has not been done to date!

On July 8, GARC held another important meeting in Ardoyne Community Centre with a number of Political Parties and Groups that included, Belfast representatives of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP), Eirigi, Republican Network for Unity (RNU), 32 County Sovereignty Movement and the James Connolly Republican Society. The objective of this meeting, as with the others was to ask the above organisations to take our lead during the protest and use their influence with their respective memberships in preventing any potential situation in our area on the Twelfth.

After the Parades Commission wrongly ruled in favour of not ONE but TWO Orange Order parades to take place through Ardoyne. GARC decided to apply for a residents march. We did so, as is our right to express our community’s right to ‘live free from fear and sectarian harassment’. On July 8, we were informed by the Commission that our march would NOT BE permitted on the Crumlin Road on July 12, 2011. We also delivered over 6,000 leaflets throughout Greater Ardoyne under the watchful eye of the partial PSNI on foot patrol, jeeps and unmarked cars for two hours. Isn't it a pity they don't pay the same attention to the well-known criminals who freely roam Ardoyne daily. The leaflet informed residents about the rationale behind our right to march and asked everyone especially the young to refrain from violent actions. We also invited everyone to participate in the march.

Much has been written about the rioting. However, what has been missing has been who actually created the riots in the first place especially in S/F's nonsensical leaflet of lies being distributed. Early on the Twelfth afternoon, GARC met with local Youth Workers and we gave them details of our march and asked for their help in removing potential trouble makers. According to many local residents who were waiting at the top of Estorial Pk for the march. Fr. Gary Donegan and Alban McGuinness MLA, made Media quotes that dozens of riot-clad PSNI members moved into Estorial much too early. They were immediately accompanined by a number of Land Rovers and Water Cannon were deployed. These actions only inflamed youths, some of who are known criminal elements and frightened residents. In response, a couple of youths threw stones at PSNI lines and were immediately beaten back by Plastic Bullets and water cannon.

Within moments, GARC march organisers were notified that a situation was unfolding in Estorial. We were forced to change direction of our march away from the planned route instead, we opted to travel down Strathroy Pk along Etna Drive and up Brompton Pk to it's junction with Balhom Dr. FACT.

At the top of Brompton, the march was met by another huge line of a well-armed and prepared riot squad, Land Rovers and another Water Cannon. It was then the GARC Spokesperson, Dee Fennell addressed marchers, thanking them for showing their continued support and deploring the Parades Commission for again permitting an unnecessary and most certainly unwelcome Orange march. At one point, Dee demanded a couple of stone-throwers STOP. They were quickly moved on by GARC Marshals and no other incidents occurred whilst the rally continued. After the speech, the vast majority of marchers dispersed peacefully. FACT. GARC came and did what they said what they would do, nothing more - nothing less!

The day before, Sinn Fein members visited residents in Estorial Pk and Balhom Dr and maliciously informed them that GARC's march would cause a riot and they should remove all their garden ornaments and patio furniture etc. They were also told that S/F would be present in numbers to prevent trouble makers. This begs the question WHY were S/F cowering in the Chapel grounds within the sterile area clearly agreed between them and the PSNI. In order for them to hold their facilitation protest under the guise of CARA.

According to some Politicians who have attempted to misrepresent GARC’s integrity by erroneously linking us to ‘dissident’ Republican groups. We state categorically, that we are a single-issue resident’s Collective. We share a strong common goal to end unwelcome Loyal Order parades which ends every year in havoc and trouble. GARC advocate an viable alternative route for these marches, where they are indeed welcomed. Regardless of smears and untruths, we will continue to represent those residents from the greater Ardoyne area who have been repeatedly denied the right to live in peace, free from fear and sectarian harassment!

Is Mise,

Martin Óg Meehan

GARC

RNU REJECTS DISHONEST CLAIMS BY GERRY KELLY

2011-07-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

Speaking in relation to the incursion into and the laying siege of the Greater Ardoyne area by the RUC/PSNI, and to the community’s response to both of the unwanted and unnecessary sectarian parades forced through the same area on July 12.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson MARTIN OG MEEHAN said; ‘Once again Greater Ardoyne was forced to endure the spectacle of two triumphalist marches through their community. The reason these unwelcome parades where permitted was to discredit and disregard the rights of Nationalist and Republican communities who have been and continue to be treated like second-class citizens in the "Orange State".

Not only had residents to witness the sectarian coat-trailing marches, but also the entire area was also laid siege by the full might of the RUC/PSNI militia, who by then had provoked the young people in Estorial Park into violent behaviour by using police brutality.

The Republican Network for Unity was invited to Ardoyne along with a number of other Republican political parties and groups to monitor the situation and demonstrate our solidarity with the local residents. We participated in the morning protest and evening march and the RNU activists remained on the ground for much of night to dissuade discontented youths from being provoked into rioting.

The Republican Network for Unity rejects the claims by “MLA Gerry Kelly” that our Network was soley in Ardoyne because we are ‘anti-Sinn Fein.’ The RNU is already on record stating that our role is to expose British imperialism and its negative effects in Ireland. However, we ask the Sinn Fein politician, Is it not the right of our political pressure group to agree or disagree with Sinn Fein’s policies? Instead of engaging in demonising RNU, we urge Mr Kelly to focus his energy on cutting the ties with Britain and achieving the restoration of our national sovereignty.'

ARDOYNE RESIDENTS ALSO HAVE RIGHTS!

2011-07-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

GARC MARCH: Berwick Road/Estorial Park Junction, 12/7/11

Predictably the annual Orange Order festival in North Belfast's Ardoyne ended with more violence from young people who opposed an unwelcome parade through their community.

In spite of countless meetings, consultations, media statements and leaflet drops around the issue of contentious marches by the Anti-Catholic, Nationalist and Republican Orange Institution. The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) filed for a residents march to take place on July 12th, 2011. A few days later, the Parades Commission issued it's negative ruling on GARC's application to hold a peaceful, calm and dignified march. As expected, the Commission under advice of the rebranded RUC refused local residents access to the Crumlin Road. Even though, the same Commissioners permitted the Orange Order, a number of Loyalist Bands and supporters to parade on the same stretch of the road twice in one day.

Around 8am that morning, GARC Activists attended a CARA organised protest planned to take place at the same time as the above marchers walked the Crumlin Road. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of CARA's protest were NOT Greater Ardoyne residents at all, but members of Provisional Sinn Fein. Some of who were very senior members of that Political Party! After opposing the unwelcome march, GARC and their supporters made their way along the footpath toward Brompton Park. However, were prevented by so doing by a large detachment of paramiltary 'Police' who physically blocked their path.

Unreformed RUC block GARC Activists path home 12/7/11

Fast forward to 6.30pm in the evening, where some 500 local residents assembled on the Berwick Road to partake in a GARC march through the area to assert the rights of local people! The residents were joined by a small number of Political Activists from various Republican Groups who came along to express their solidarity. Just prior to leaving on their planned route, scores of riot-clad RUC/PSNI men, ten armoured Land Rovers and a Water Cannon stormed into the top of Estorial Park. Where they immediately attacked number of local people waiting on the GARC demonstration. This provocation was witnessed by Fr. Gary Donegan and Alban McGuinness of the SDLP, who both later condemned the behaviour of the Political Police. The youth responded with a few stones and bottles and the top of Estorial was completely sealed off with access refused to everyone!

RUC/PSNI Moving into Estorial Park/Balhom Drive Junction 12/7/11

British Political Police Riot-Squad in Estorial Park 12/7/11

Estorial Park had been GARC's intended route however, the Collective had no option but march down Strathroy Park, along Etna Drive and up Brompton Park. When we reached the top of Brompton, we were faced by dozens of heavily-armed Cops, Land Rovers and another Water Cannon. Minutes later, Dee Fennell addressed those assembled, thanking them for remaining calm despite the aggressive manner of the RUC/PSNI. He outlined the reason GARC had applied for such a march and why we had been refused access to the Crumlin Road - 'We are still second-class citizens in our own Country'! After reading the statement, Dee appealed on behalf of GARC that local youths NOT to riot because that would only detract away from the core issue of unwelcome parades!

Those youth did not listen and within minutes of GARC and their supporters dispersing began attacking the RUC/PSNI with whatever they could throw at them! In the ensuing trouble, GARC Activists remonstrated with the rioters but to no avail. We then asked our supporters to please leave the area in a peaceful manner. Throughout the Twelfth night, some 16 members of the RUC/PSNI were injured, over 60 plastic bullets were fired and 9 arrests took place in Ardoyne including a 12 year-old boy. Everyone is well aware that GARC delivered over 6,000 leaflets to homes in the Greater Ardoyne community in the days before. The Collective also issued numerous media statements, calling upon the youth not to become involved in violence.

Responsibility for the riot and violence in Ardoyne lies fairly and squarely with the Orange Order, UVF and UDA for their insistance to parade where they are UNWELCOME. It also is at the door of the Parades Commission who permit/allow these sectarian marches take place and with the unreformed RUC who not only provoke an already tense situation but also force our community to endure bigots and their triumphalism!

GARC again challenge the North and West Belfast Cultural & Parades Forum to talks to explore the possibility of a resolution? GARC have consistently expressed that your community have legitimate rights, we ask that the rights of local residents are equally respected! Would North Belfast Republicans be allowed to march where they are NOT welcome? Would the Klu Klux Klan be allowed to parade through a Black area? Would Neo-Nazis be permitted to march through a Jewish community? The 'security operation' to facilitate these parades are very expensive and the taxpayer is always burdened to foot the bill. I wonder how many parades the Loyal Orders would insist upon. If they had to pay the bill? Would the funds used to facilitate these unwanted parades NOT be BETTER spent on better facilities for working-class communities that have been neglected by the Six County State for generations. So our children can a brighter future and more opportunities?

RNU SLAMS THE PARADES COMMISSION

2011-07-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) CATHAOIRLEACH/ CHAIRPERSON, CARL REILLY slams the Parades Commission for their inaction and recent decisions on contentious Orange Order parades.

Mr. Reilly said; ‘Everyone should have the right to live free from sectarian intimidation and harassment. Many Nationalist and Republican communities however, are forced to spend every summer in fear and apprehension of attack from bigots. Last years forced Orange march in Ardoyne cost of over £2.5 million. This money could have been used to fund community groups for example instead of policing. Permitting this, and other contentious marches in nationalist areas, is essentially stealing from the community. Resident's still feel the need to escape from their homes when there is a sectarian march forced through their areas. How can this situation be allowed to continue in 2011?

Only a few weeks ago, the Short Strand area came under sustained attacks from the UVF. Now, we can add Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Magherafelt, Ballymena and Coleraine to the list suffering from Loyalist and Unionist aggression. People's homes have been attacked, and not only is there fear of being attacked by loyalists, but the fear of being arrested for defending your own home and community. Over 40 people have been charged with various offences as a result of the 12th July riots in Ardoyne last year. But yet no loyalists who attacked homes and residents the Strand area 2 weeks ago, have been arrested or charged. The combination of the illogical decisions of the parades commission, attacks by loyalists, and political policing proves that the Republican and Nationalist community are still perceived as second class citizens in the Six Counties'.

Mr Reilly concluded: "RNU do not deny anyone their right to celebrate their history and faith, but simply ask that it's done in areas in which it is welcomed and that common sense prevail. The insistence of Loyal Orders to parade where they are clearly not welcome only serves to add fuel to the flames of sectarianism which is an integral part of British imperialism. We demand an explanation from the Parades Commission on their decision to permit contentious parades to pass through Nationalist areas and why they have ignored, yet again, the concerns and wishes of the residents."

GARC File 4 Alternative Ardoyne Twelfth Parade

2011-07-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

In a historical masterstroke by Greater Ardoyne residents, they have applied to have an alternative march for their Civil Rights on the 12th. Now lets see the British State, Stormont's Political Elite, Parades Commission and the unreformed RUC explain how they can justify an UNWELCOME Orange march through Ardoyne if they refuse the people who live here the right to do so at exactly the same time!

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) have applied for an alternative march through Ardoyne & the Crumlin Road for the 12th July between 7-9pm in the evening.

GARC have listed this to express their right and the right of the Greater Ardoyne community to live free from fear and sectarian harassment. According to the Parades Commission they will make a determination on it on the 8th July....

GARC ask everyone who attends this march to do so in a calm, dignified and peaceful manner to expose bigotry and partial British Policing!

Please Assemble at the Holy Mural on the Berwick Road, Ardoyne @ 6.30pm.

Statement from RNU/Cogus Political Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol

2011-07-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

We the Cogus POWs' in Maghaberry Prison have given the hard fought for 12th August 2010 agreement every opportunity to develop and play out!
We watched from almost the following day of the agreement the slow erosion and POA interpretation of the agreement being implemented.
The NIPS, DOJ and British Government has used the agreement to undermine the POWs' and to set them on a path against each other to damage the prison struggle and ultimately the wider republican struggle.
We warned all of the above about the consequences of playing with the agreement and republican POWs'!

The Cogus POWs' gave the agreement time, despite our reservations and our reps outside concerns. We ensured that we didn't make any knee-jerk decisions and didn't give the LPOA and NIPS any opportunity to say that republican POWs' didn't live up too their side of the bargain in the agreement.

On Tuesday 28/06/11 we passed information to our reps that we had had enough of waiting and for our reps to inform the JFG,that we believed that the 12th August agreement should have been fully implemented by the 1st July 2011, a full 11 months after the agreement! We informed the JFG and our reps outside that on the 1st July we would barricade the entrance to the canteen and set fire to the barricade. We would also will wreck our cells and commence a "dirty protest".

The republican POWs' aren't asking for any concessions, as alluded to by the DUP, we are asking for an agreement that we all signed up too be implemented in Full and for the ending of brutal degrading strip-searches. We have put forward a proposal this week that would end the need for such strip-searches to take place, we also offered possible ways to ensure a harmonious wing for ALL POWs' and for the staff working in Roe House, on Friday these options were finally rejected despite goodwill by POWs' and others outside.

The republican POWs' call on the DOJ and the NIPS to take their heads out of the sand and to stop posturing and to use imaginative ways to resolve the prison dispute and to stand up to the LPOA and to FULLY IMPLEMENT the agreement and to end strip-searching in 2011.

Finally we call on everyone to get behind the prisoners who will need all of your support to push this agreement over the line.

Signed representative ;Cogus pows Roe House, Maghaberry Prison

GARC's Analysis of Unwelcome Parades Through Greater Ardoyne -2011

2011-06-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) have been involved in intensive meetings involving the Catholic Church, CARA, the Parades Commission, the SDLP and a number of other Youth, Community and Political groups. To give our analysis of yearly unwelcome Loyal Order parades through the greater Ardoyne community and the equally unwelcome violence and destruction which they leave in their wake.

GARC accept that the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist community have a legitimate right to express their religion, culture, heritage and allegiance to Britain. We do not wish to hinder those rights, however, parades should take place were they are welcome and this is clearly not the case on this stretch of the Crumlin Road.

When such parades are permitted our entire community is besieged by the full might of the imbalanced, riot-clad PSNI to ensure passage through our area by whatever means necessary. The Parades Commission's ignorance of our community's rights can only be quantified that we are looked upon as the lesser of two evils and as such, second-class citizens in our own country. Therefore, GARC ask where indeed is our rights to live free from sectarian fear and intimidation.

GARC believe that morning parades are equally contentious as the evening parades. A proposal for a possible solution re: restrictions/banning upon all marches and equally any offense caused to the greater Ardoyne could be averted by the development of the alternative route into a Grade A thoroughfare (this project could be financed by the wasted billions of taxpayers money used in past and future Policing operations) which would greatly benefit the working-class of both communities. That link two Loyalist/Unionist areas at Harmony Bridge. Where the Loyal Orders could parade in excess of normal parading dates without any objections from the Catholic/Nationalist and Republican community.

Our Collective call upon all opponents of sectarian parades through Ardoyne to take follow our lead and register their opposition by their presence. However, we stress this MUST be in a calm, dignified and peaceful manner. These unwelcome marches NEED to seen for what they truly are and NOT distracted by acts of violence.

Sectarian Policing, Smears and the Strand

2011-06-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

Like many Belfast Republicans I and a number of RNU comrades travelled to the Short Strand area to show my support and solidarity with the small community there. After an unprovoked sectarian attack on residents homes by over 100 armed & masked Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) men. While the RUC/PSNI sat uninterested in their Land Rovers.

When we arrived hundreds of local people were already on the streets heading towards St. Matthews Catholic Church as thousands of Unionists were attacking the Chapel with pipe-bombs, petrol bombs, bottles and stones. Dozens of local youths and young men were bravely repelling the attack with the few petrol bombs of their own. We eventually made it into Strand Walk which houses a number of bungalows belonging to senior citizens. Where we witnessed these homes being hit with all sorts of missiles and petrol bombs. Hose pipes were draped over the roofs and into the gardens, while a number of injured youths were sporting plastic bullet injuries. As the British Political Police continued firing indiscriminately into the crowds. Two Loyalist rioters were also hit by live rounds fired from the Short Strand.

We also walked to the Mountpottiner Road and spoke to a number of residents whose homes and cars had been attacked by the armed mob, hours earlier. They were clearly upset and dejected by what had taken place. Although, they sang the praises of the young fellas who had pushed the Loyalists back to Castlereagh Street and possibly saved the lives of countless people.

At around 1am, the trouble began dying down and the RNU Activists returned home. The following day, as the community prepared for another Loyalist onslaught. Senior members of the Provisional Movement in agreement with some Community Workers locked the gates to the local Community Centre, Parish Hall and various security gates even in Strand Walk.Whilst the media attempted to portray t he incursion as a riot by rival sectarian gangs from the Nationalist and Unionist communities. However Belfast Mayor, Niall O’Donnaille and Journalist, Barney Rowan were clear that the UVF had attacked the small Republican community that led to serious street violence. Thankfully, their version was taken serious and reported as such.

The second night a number of RNU members again went to the Strand to observe and monitor the situation. We were also there to offer our help if it was needed, as were members of the IRSP, Eirigi, 32CSM, RSF and Independent Republicans. As the night before, we went into Strand Walk and noticed that the gate that gives access to St.Matthews had been chained and padlocked. We were quite surprised as many Defenders had used the gate to protect the Chapel from attack the night before. Not long after arriving, a masked man appeared with a set of bolt cutters and proceeded to cut the chain which barred access. As non-residents, we stood back and ‘allowed’ him to do his job. Within seconds, a middle-aged woman approached us naming me and said; ‘I’m telling the media and Police that you cut that chain’! I immediately denied involvement and asked the woman who she was? She replied; ‘I live here and nobody is allowed in there’! Someone beside me asked her; ‘How do expect this street and Chapel to be protected, if the gate is chained’? She answered negatively accusing us of being ‘outsiders’. I responded by saying; ‘Sure Billy McKee was an outsider and defended the Short Strand in 1970’! The woman incredibly said; ‘Billy McKee, who’s he, I never heard of him’? Well, we all laughed because Billy McKee was a Veteran Republican who was shot eight times during the famous ‘Battle of St. Matthews’. When the fledgling Provisional IRA successfully defended the Short Strand against a Unionist Pogrom. It was obvious to us all that given this woman’s age, she would know exactly who Billy McKee was and that her words were just an insult.

Soon afterwards two former POWs’ arrived to speak to the woman and she told them that we weren’t welcome and had cut the chain etc. I knew the two men well and had spent time in the H-Blocks with them both. They were both quite civil, even though they were Provisionals. As on similar occasions, some Provies usually attempt to bully and intimidate alternative Republicans like myself. When I pointed out to the woman that both men were also outsiders and came from North Belfast. She said; ‘Yeah, they do but they’re okay’. I later found out the woman concerned was indeed a Short Strand resident and current member of the Provisionals, Sile Darragh.

Minutes later, a senior Provo appeared on the scene and proceeded to walk up to me and stuck his face into mine. As with everyone present that evening, this particular Shinner lived outside the area, Andersonstown in fact. Having stuck his face into mine, he continued staring without uttering a word. Until I asked; ‘Is there a problem Duckser’? He responded by calling me a disgrace, I immediately recalled that during the Twelfth riots in Ardoyne, he had called me an informer to a neighbour of mine. When Duckser was asked for evidence, he simply quipped; ‘I know!’ I knew this was another sad attempt to attack my integrity and challenged this past comment he had made; ‘I’ve a bone to pick with you?’ Typically, he didn’t respond but continued with his adolescent staring. I then said; ‘Last July you called me a tout to Henry, can you produce any evidence?’ He replied; ‘I know!’ I also said; ‘Would you say that if Martin Meehan was still alive?’ He answered; ‘Yes’ with a straight face even though I’m his son. He also claimed that my late father was a friend of his. Before leaving, Duckser also tried to goad me into hitting him as he repeatedly said; Go on, a number of times pointing to his chin.

Since leaving Provisional Sinn Fein over it’s endorsement of British Policing in Ireland. I have repeatedly been smeared, slandered and strongly criticised by a number of high profile Shinners. I have been labelled an alcoholic, even though I don’t drink, a wife beater, despite enjoying a happy marriage, a thief without evidence and a British agent, in spite of over two decades of service to the Republic. Duckser’s childish behaviour was but another stage managed event to draw me into conflict. Ever since these pathetic rumours began, I have challenged these detractors to produce evidence to no avail. I again challenge Duckser and his cronies to put whatever they have into the public domain? It’s obvious however, they prefer whispering campaigns than the truth!

If Duckser believes issuing smears, strengthening Partition and supporting the Political Police who allowed the UVF to storm the Short Strand. Is the correct path to a 32 County Socialist Democratic Irish Republic. He can keep his illusion. Undeterred, I will continue the road to socialism and liberation and expose British imperialism and what is corrupt in Irish society.

SECTARIAN POLITICAL POLICING OF NATIONALIST & UNIONIST PROTESTS

2011-06-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

SECTARIAN POLITICAL POLICING

Earlier this week, Unionists including members of the Orange Order, Loyalist Paramilitaries and Twaddell/Woodvale residents blocked the Woodvale and Twaddell Avenue for two successive nights. The large crowds ensured that access to two major roads was prevented and the RUC/PSNI facilitated these protests.

The reason for holding these protests were that the Parades Commission had banned the annual 'Tour of the North' feeder parades from walking the Upper Crumlin Road through the Greater Ardoyne area. As these marches regularly cause increased community tensions and riots. After the feeder parade finished, a senior Orangeman handed the RUC/PSNI a letter of protest before the whole debacle ended in serious stone throwing and a mini riot. According to the PSNI, a number of it's members were injured during the disturbances.

Unsurprisingly for Greater Ardoyne residents, no plastic bullets at the Loyalist rioters. No water cannon was deployed against these crowds engaged in widespread rioting. To date, no one has been charged in connection with blocking the roads. Whereas last July, scores of Nationalist protesters were immediately arrested and appeared in Court charged with unlawfully blocking a major road.

Soon after these arrests, serious rioting broke out in the area by Nationalists who became inflamed by the huge military-style curfew imposed on the Greater Ardoyne area to facilitate an Orange march. Nearly 100 lethal plastic bullets were fired at local people. Some four water cannons were also used and dozens of RUC/PSNI members were injured by rioters.

The 'Policing' operation for the day cost the taxpayer over £2.2 million and the ensuing riots went down in history as a serious problem for a peaceful future. GARC had warned everyone that if the 12th Parade was permitted to proceed along the Crumlin Road, violence was inevitable. However, these warnings were ignored by the powers in Stormont who pushed ahead with their plans to force another unwelcome sectarian march through Ardoyne.

Now, we have again witnessed partial political policing which marred decades of the RUC's history. Wherby, the Nationalist community were treated as second-class citizens in a British State. Where the British Police constantly mistreated Nationalists and used peaceful resistance against Apartheid rule as subversive and to be crushed at all costs.

The recent Woodvale Riots and the kid-gloves approach to the Protestant/Unionist and Loyalist community demonstrates in clear terms that like the RUC. The PSNI refuses to deal with lawbreakers within that community. Which again proves that they are unreformable and will continue to be partial to British citizens in the Occupied Six Counties.

GARC call upon the new Parades Commission not to be intimidated by Unionist violence and when it debates this year's 12th parade through Greater Ardoyne it MUST rule in favour of local residents who want to be left in peace without enduring unwelcome marches, military-style curfews, plastic bullets and serious rioting! If there is NO PARADE, there will be NO VIOLENCE!

END THE INTERNMENT OF IRISH REPUBLICANS

2011-05-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Last month Veteran Republican, Marian Price was arrested by the RUC/PSNI and later appeared in a Lisburn Court to face a ridiculous charge of 'glorifying terrorism'. The Belfast woman's Solicitor immediately applied for bail given that she is not a threat to anyone and is 57 years-old. The Magistrate agreed and ordered she be released.

Before Marian could be freed by the Court, British Direct Ruler, Owen Patterson 'revoked' her Life Sentence ordering her back finish her sentence. She had been given the prison term for her involvement in a Provisional IRA bombing Campaign in England with her sister, Dolores and Gerry Kelly amongst others. During their time inside, they endured lengthy hunger-strikes to be recognised as Political Prisoners and to serve their time in Irish gaols. How ironic for Marian that Mr. Kelly is now one of three Provisional Sinn Fein members who represent the Party on the British Policing Board. While Marian is isolated, the only woman held in an all-male prison in Maghaberry. For more information about Marian, please click the following;

freemarianprice@gmail.com

Unsurprisingly, Marian Price is not the only Irish Republican to be returned to prison under siminlar circumstance. Like Marian, Martin Corey (19) from the County Armagh town was sentenced to Life Imprisonment in December 1973 for Provisional IRA activities. He was to spend the next 19 years inside Long Kesh and was released in June 1992.

Since returning to his hometown, he did his upmost to rebuild relationships with his family and friends. Like the majority of former POWs', Martin found it difficult to find employment although, he remained committed to the Republican objective of a free Ireland. However, without warning Martin's home was raided by the RUC/PSNI in April, 2010. He was immediately arrested by the Political Police and notified his sentence was being revoked. Martin was driven at high speed and placed into Maghaberry Gaol in County Down.

Since then, Martin has been held without any official reason given by the British and/or Stormont Governments as to why he had his sentence revoked. Like Marian Price, Martin is a principled Irish Republican and is being held as a political hostage because of their political beliefs. For further information on Martin Corey and his campaign, please log onto;

releasemartincorey@gmail.com

The Internment of West Belfast man, Brendan Lillis is a little different from that of Marian and Martin. In that, Brendan or BL as he is popularly known, was arrested in connection with an attempted robbery unconnected to Irish Republicanism in 2009. Despite the charges having absolutly nothing to do with republican activities, BL's Life Sentence was revoked and he was ordered to remain within prison.

Like many of his peers, Brendan became involved in the Provisional IRA back in 1971. He served over 16 years in Long Kesh and later in the H-Blocks, four of them on the Blanket Protest. BL was released in 1994 and returned to his native West Belfast, where he lived until his re-arrest. Earlier this year, all charges against BL were dismissed because according to a number of Doctors, he was 'not fit enough to stand trial'.

Since his re-arrest, BL has been held the prison hospital in Maghaberry Gaol because he suffers from a chronic medial condition called ankylosing spondylitis; a painful and incurable condition which cause the spine to fuse. On entering Gaol in 2009, Brendan weighed some 175 lbs, but now only weighs, wasted to 82 lbs. He is bed ridden and cannot leave his bed at all. Like Marian Price, BL is held in isolation and has no contact with others. His friends and family are concerned about his health and feel he is being denied proper medical treatment. For more nes about Brendan, log onto;

http://foco.us/baTm

The mainstream media wish to portray that all is well in the British occupied Six Counties. They refuse to broadcast or print anything that exposes the flaws inherent with the continued occupation and/or Partition. However, it is clear to anyone who reads the above facts, that the continued British presence remains as corrupt and vindictive as it has always been!

Ardoyne Republican calls on all Irish Republicans, Socialists and Democrats to highlight the Internment of Marian, Martin and Brendan as one of many issues connected with Britains continued denial of national Irish soveriegnty.

Another Deliberate Failure by the RUC

2011-05-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Paul McAuley Holding a photograph of his brother, Tommy.

The Historical Enquires Team (HET) has published it's findings of an iquiry into the sectarian killing of Ardoyne man, Tommy McAuley. The popular 32 year-old father of two young children was gunned down by the UVF in his Bon Appétite Cafe on in November, 1987.

The former Bus Driver had left Citybus to open a small resturant at the front of Brookfield Mill on
the Crumlin Road interface. Soon after opening the Ardoyne resident was approached by Loyalists who demanded money from him for UVF Prisoners. He rightly refused and was later shot by the same group a few days afterwards. A fitness fanatic, Tommy survived for a number of days in the nearby Mater Hospital before he tragically died from his brutal injuries.

In recent weeks, the HET have given the McAuley family a report into its findings of serious flaws in the RUC investigation into Tommy's killing nearly 25 years ago. The failures include, those identified by RUC intelligence sources were never questioned about Tommy's killing; no fingerprints were taken at the scene and finally eye-witnesses were never shown photos of Loyalist suspects or brought to an identity parade, in spite of them stating they would certainly recognise the gunmen involved in the shooting.

The McAuley family will this evening hold a vigil outside the former Cafe in a bid to highlight his death. They hope that even though it is a quarter of a century later, that someone may have the vital evidence they need to achieve justice. The clann also intend to make a formal complaint to the Police Ombudsman because the lack of investigation into their brother's killing. "I will not give up on this, I will keep fighting,” said Paul McAuley. "We just want the truth".

Ardoyne Republican supports the McAuley's struggle for justice. If this blog can help in anyway, please contact me......

Óglaigh. Patsy O'Hara & Ray McCreesh

2011-05-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

LET THE FIGHT GO ON!

Today marks the 30th Anniversary of the agonising deaths of two very brave and courageous young Political Prisoners on Hunger-Strike, Volunteer. Patsy O'Hara (INLA) and Volunteer. Ray McCreesh (IRA).

Both men had volunteered to go on the 1981 Hunger-Strike to obtain a restoration of Political Status which had been removed by the British Government on May 1st, 1976. The British wanted the world to believe that young Irishmen and women 'convicted' in Non-Jury Courts were criminals. However, Republican Prisoners in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh and Armagh Gaols refused to be classed as common criminals because their selfless struggle was for a 32 County Socialist Democratic Irish Republic.

Óglach. Raymond McCreesh (IRA) was born into a strong Republican family and hailed from the village of Camlough, South Armagh. He was active in Na Fianna Éireann from 1973 and later joined the Provisional IRA to aid Ireland's freedom. For the next few years, Ray and his comrades struck fear into the Crown Forces with their skillful Campaign.

Ray was captured by British troops in June, 1976 and sentenced to 14 years inside, immediately joining the Blanket Protest. At the time of his death in May, 1981, Raymond had been on Hunger-Strike for 61 days. He is fondly remembered in his native County and by Irish Republicans everywhere.

Óglach. Patsy O'Hara (INLA) was born in the Bishop Street area of Derry City. He joined Na Fianna Éireann in 1970 and later joined his local Unit of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) to free Ireland from imperialism. At the time of his capture in May, 1979, he was also a and sentenced to eight years inside and immediately joined his brother Tony on the Blanket Protest.

Patsy became Officier Commanding (O/C) of INLA Prisoners in the Blocks during the 1980 Hunger-Strike. Sadly, he died on May 21st, 1981 after 61 days on Hunger-Strike beside his comrade, Raymond. He is remembered with huge pride in his native City and by Irish Republicans and Socialists everywhere.

RNU Criticise British Attempt to Criminalise Irish Republicanism

2011-05-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) spokesperson, Martin Óg Meehan has strongly criticised the charging of three Irish citizens including Veteran Republican, Marion Price as an attempt to criminalise the voice of radical republicanism.

Mr. Meehan said; "These ridiculous charges against Ms. Price and two members of Republican Sinn Fein are a travesty of justice and designed to limit the growth of radical republicanism in British occupied Ireland. The blatant use of Political Policing, Special Legislation and Non-Jury Courts will not achieve the end of progressive political activities. On the contary, they will breed further resistance".

The RNU Ard Chomhairle member concluded; "We call on those genuinely interested in free speech against oppression and imperialism to rally behind the Irish Republican message and expose the British denial of the Irish people's right to national self-determination".

RNU Demand Answers About Brutal RUC/PSNI Actions

2011-05-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson, MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN has expressed serious concerns after today’s brutal RUC/PSNI treatment against four RNU members, including our National Chairperson just outside Banbridge, County Down.

"Earlier today (8/5/11), the four RNU Activists were returning home to Belfast after attending a successful rally organised by Dublin comrades in opposition to next week's visit to the city by Elizabeth Winsdor. When they reached Newry, our members noticed three unmarked Volkswagen estate cars were travelling in convoy just behind them.

As they neared Banbridge on the A1 Carriageway, another four unmarked cars with flashing blue lights blocked all the lanes which forced traffic to a standstill. At that point, the three unmarked cars from behind sped up and boxed their car in. DMSU personnel quickly disembarked, cops got out and started pointing guns at the occupants. Throughout, they were screaming at the passengers to put their hands in the air. They also started to bang their guns against the windows, screaming at the occupants to slowly open the car doors. As the RNU Activists attempted to do so, the adrelinin-filled DMSU members were screaming at them to do it slowly or they would fire.

When the doors opened, they dragged the four Political Activists from the vehicle. One of who, is the elderly mother of a current POW in Maghaberry Prison.They dragged the woman by the hair, screaming at her not to look at them. Before forcing her onto her knees, where she was vigorously searched by a male Peeler. While this was ongoing, a significant number of motorists were clearly horrified at what they were witnessing. The DMSU SGT realised how this looked and told his men to take the three male passengers out of sight and into a nearby field. Where they beat the three men to the ground and kicked them into a kneeling position. They ordered the three RNU members not to make sudden movements or look at them, or they would be shot. Within seconds, an English DMSU member, dressed in a boiler-suit produced a camcorder and recorded the men's faces.

At that stage, four RUC landrovers arrived along with a number of unmarked cars, a number of plain-clothes people left the cars and donned 'Police Caps'. Minutes later, they approached our National Chairperson and driver of the car stating; 'No ****ing surprise to see you two in the car'. They were notified by the third male RNU member that he had a serious knee injury and was in bandages. To which they replied; '**** up and get on the ground you fat bastard'. The unreformed RUC also demanded to know where the Activists had been and referred to a red van.The RNU members had absolutly no idea what they were talking about.

After thirty minutes, one lane of the Carriageway was reopened and traffic was cars allowed to proceed. They searched the male RNU members a second time which included grabbing the men's RNU private parts and feeling down the back of their trousers and into their boxer shorts. Afterwards, our members were informed they were free to go about their business and presented them with blue search sheets. When the National Chairperson asked; 'What was that all about'? He was told to take the issue up with his Solicitor. Where upon the re-branded RUC left the scene, travelling northbound".

Mr. Meehan concluded; “Today’s incident again illustrates just how unreformed the British Police across Ireland conduct it’s activities. RNU demand an answer from the PSNI? Why was a female Activist physically and sexually assaulted and three others beaten and threatened with being shot?
Whatever happened to the promised changes by the great and good of Nationalist Ireland? The reality for the Republican community is that Political Policing has not gone away”.

2011-05-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Voting begins tommorrow morning across the occupied Six Counties to elect Candidates to Councils, the Stormont Micro-Parliament and the Alternative Vote for British General Elections.

Thirty years ago another election took place that seen Political Prisoner, Hunger-Striker and IRA Volunteer. Bobby Sands returned as the Fermanagh-South Tyrone M.P. and secured the respect and admiration of the Nationalist and Republican across Ireland and further afield. It also witnessed a number of Socialist-Republicans elected to Belfast City Council which changed the political hegemony of Unionism within the City. Many were elected because they favoured Political Status for Republican Prisoners inside the H-Blocks and Armagh Gaol. In Ardoyne, former Internee Larry Kennedy made history by becoming a Councillor. West Belfast witnessed prominent IRSP Activists, Sean Flynn and Gerry Kelly getting elected with the help of the Peoples' Democracy. Like the Irish Republican Socialist Party, the PD's were also an integral part of the National H-Block and Armagh Committee. Kennedy, Flynn and Kelly didn't serve a full term in the Council however. As Kennedy was sadly shot and killed by Loyalists a few months later.While Flynn had to go on the run due to a British Informer and Kelly resigned his seat in a dispute with his Party.

Since 1981, the Nationalist and Republican electorate in the North has been dominated by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and Sinn Fein. Despite the electoral growth of the Provisionals on Belfast City Council little has changed for those of who worked hard to make progressive changes to the City Hall. The Republican community in North Belfast have yet to see a decent leisure facility procured that us and our children can avail, without fear and intimidation from Loyalists. There has also been a lack of Playparks in the same areas where young children can enjoy themselves in relative safety. In Ligoniel, Ardoyne, New Lodge, Newington and Cliftonville areas, there are many successful soccer and Gaelic teams who do not have proper sporting facilities to use. These dedicated players are forced to travel out of the Constituency to take part in matches and competitions. All of which are totally unacceptable in the 21st Century.

Over the past thirty years both S/F and the SDLP have promised voters that if elected they would address the discrimination against our community. There is no doubt that Unionists are to blame for their lack of vision and progressive approach towards the Republican community. However, the reality has been that both Parties have failed their electorate time and again. As such, I'm pleased that this time around a number of genuine Socialist-Republicans from the IRSP and Eirigi are standing as an alternative to the status quo and to challenge those in the SDLP and Sinn Fein. Let's hope after tommorrow Socialist-Republican Councillors will be in the Belfast City Hall with a radical programme to help create a progressive and positive future for our children.

Ardoyne Republican urges the electorate to cast their votes in favour of Socialist-Republican Candidates in North Belfast, West Belfast, Newry, Derry and Tyrone. Which will begin the fight back for the working-class to decades of inequality, discrimination, imperialism and occupation!

We've No Interest in 'Targeting' Sinn Fein - RNU

2011-04-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

RNU Ard Chomhairle, Dundalk, Easter Sunday 2011

A Chairde,

Over Easter, influential members of Sinn Fein were pretty vocal in assasinating the integrity of so-called Dissident Republican Groups. As such, I felt the need to respond.

Firstly, let me inform your readers about the origins of the The Republican Network for Unity (RNU). We were formed in 2007 as a direct result of Provisional Sinn Fein’s endorsement of British policing in Ireland. Since then, our Network has become a Socialist-Republican political pressure/lobby group. We are not a political Party and are not constituted as such. Although relatively a new group, RNU is firmly rooted in the Republican Struggle with many ex-Political Prisoners and former Combatants as valued members. We are committed to the democratic socialist Irish Republic as outlined in the 1916 Proclamation and 1919 Declaration of Independence. RNU oppose the Belfast Agreement and all other British attempts to subvert the Irish people’s right to national self-determination.

Each and every Easter, Irish Republicans march to graveyards and monuments to commemorate our Patriot dead, not to engage in the demonisation of former comrades. According to the Provisionals, RNU and other political groups are the same as the various armed groups. Something which the same people used to strongly argue against, when Unionist Politicians claimed that Sinn Fein is the IRA. Nowadays, senior S/F figures use the same type of damming language to describe alternative Republicans. I’d like to remind those engaged in felon setting, it was wrong in the past and is still wrong.

In spite of the electoral growth of Sinn Fein, the Irish working-class continue to suffer huge social and economic problems. Whilst failed Politicians, corrupt Bankers and greedy Developers still live in luxury. Imperialism and the British occupation continue to ruin communities throughout this island.The Leinster House and Stormont Parliaments have done nothing to end centuries of criminal enterprise in Ireland.

RNU has no interest in ‘targeting Sinn Fein’, we are dedicated to highlight the truth behind imperialism in Ireland. We cannot accept a bleak future for the young, limited wages for workers, inadequate housing for families, lack of funding for Students and no proper pensions for senior citizens. Our Network will continue to expose oppressive British laws to subjugate Irish people, Non-Jury Courts, Internment by Remand, Plastic Bullets, Political Policing and MI5 on Irish soil. Instead of engaging in the demonisation of Republicans, Sinn Fein would be better helping them achieve a restoration of our national sovereignty.

Is Mise,

Martin Óg Meehan

Republican Network for Unity

(RNU)

Oglach. Brendan Hughes

2011-04-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday evening 30/4/11 @ 7pm, a discussion and debate will be held in Conway Mill about the life of the late Brendan (The Dark) Hughes.

The discussion will include Paddy-Joe Rice, Terry Hughes and Anthony McIntyre.

It will be chaired by Maidstone Escapee, Tommy Gorman.

No doubt the hall will be packed and anyone coming should come along early....About time the Dark's legacy to Irish Republicanism was heard.

Ardoyne Republican asks that Brendan's memory be honoured again this Saturday.

R.N.U.'s Easter Message - 2011

2011-04-25T05:11:00.000-07:00

RNU Colour-Party in Dundalk

A Chairde,

On behalf of the Republican Network for Unity (RNU), I’d like to welcome you all here today, on the 95th Anniversary of the Easter Rising, to commemorate all those Irish Republican Patriots who died in Active Service and those who dedicated their lives to the struggle for Irish freedom. RNU is proud to hold its National Commemoration in Dundalk today and we honour all of those who lie in graveyards all over this island who have given their lives to the Republican struggle.

Dundalk

County Louth has a long and noble history. The Megalith Monument at Ballymascanlan dates back thousands of years to the Ui Meith Clann who ruled this area and even defeated the Danes in 672. The legendary Cu Chulainn was born here and it is where St. Brigid is also buried.

During the Conquest of Ireland, the English Pale was created to protect invaders and their plans to extend their control over Irish life. As part of that expansion, Dundalk was fortified by high walls, castles and moats in a bid to protect English settlers from rebel Ulster. Scottish King, Edward The Bruce was killed in battle by the English at Faughart in 1318. English mass murderer, Crownwell used Dundalk as a base to attack the town of Drogheda and Ulster where his army massacared tens of thousands of Irish citizens across the country.

For the next few centuries, the town held a strategic position and controlled the passage north. However, Ulster’s Chiefs like Eoghan Roe O’Neill and his army fought a successful guerrilla campaigns against English invaders. During the Confederate and Williamite Wars, the same tactics were also used by Irish rebels.

One hundred years later, the first Irish Republican Rising took place under the United Irish Society. Their aims were radical and new, over 100,000 rose to break the connection with England. It was a short-lived and brutal Rising. Although, it began a series of events that would change Irish history. Scores of Republicans mobilised in Dundalk in preparation for the 1916 Rising.

After the Partition of Ireland, the new Free State Army took hundreds of Volunteers prisoner until they were freed by the IRA, who also took control of the town before moving south to Dublin. During the thirties and forties, the Port of Dundalk was used extensively by Volunteers travelling to England to take part in the bombing Campaign. In the fifties, people in County Louth experienced the tragedy of Edentubber where four Volunteers and a householder lost their lives. Dundalk, Ardee and Omeath hosted hundreds of Belfast families who were forced to flee their homes after the Unionist Pogroms of August, 1969. As they did throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, whenever Volunteers had no choice but leave the Six Counties. One such Republican was my late Father, who enjoyed great support and solidarity in this county after his escape from Crumlin Road Gaol in 1971. He was captured by the Free State Army after a lengthy gun-battle in early 1972, with British Troops at Drumgooley. The only casualty that day was a prize pig from South Armagh! He and his comrades were aquitted of involvement by a Dundalk Judge who fought on the Republican side during the Civil War. I can recall visiting Dundalk every weekend with my siblings and mother for over a year and have fond memories.

Although the past plays an important part in Republicism and informs us of our roots in the struggle, we also need a firm footing for our future role in the battles that lie ahead. Every Easter, Republicans march to graveyards throughout the country to commemorate our Volunteers. This was pivotal time in history, when Irish men and women asserted their right to sovereignty in arms, for national freedom and who gallantly faced the might of the British Empire in pursuit of an Irish Republic.

For the past two centuries, Republicans have been to the forefront of progressive change on this island. We have been the people who drove the goals forward of Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet, James Stephens, Constance Markievcz, James Connolly, Bobby Sands and Mairead Farrell. In spite of executions, imprisonment, harassment and intimidation, Republicans have carried the flame of Irish freedom from one generation to the next.

Why do we commemorate the Rising? We do so to honour the sacrifice of those Volunteers because it revived the necessity to restore Irish soverignty. The brutal executions that followed the Easter Rising proved to everyone that Britain ruled Ireland with an iron fist which needed crushed. Those rebels captured went onto redesign the Republican Movement and in particular the IRA. Thousands of POWs’ were held in various prisons in Ireland, England and Wales. They and their supporters outside became the conscience which drove the Movement onward.

British Royal Visit

The visit next month by the Commander-in-Chief of the British Crown Forces to Ireland while six Irish counties are still occupied is nothing but provocative. It must be opposed by all right thinking citizens and we should join with other Republicans, Socialists and Democrats in organised protests to show our disgust.

Irish Republicans should travel to Dublin on the 17th May, where we can illustrate our opposition to the Dublin Government spending over 9 million Euros of tax payers hard-earned money on a Sectarian Head of State! While ordinary people are worried about where the money for their next mortgage payment or rent is coming from!

RNU

Although RNU is relatively young, we are rooted in history with equality as it’s very core. We are an entity in our own right. Our Network doesn’t claim to have all the answers, nor a blueprint for the future. However, we are determined to design our own contribution to Irish freedom, unity and socialism as defined by the 1916 Proclamation & 1919 Declaration of Independence. During the past year, RNU has made significant progress despite intense harassment from Free State and British Forces. Surprisingly, a few Republican organisations who should know better, have also attempted to discredit our Network through a series of slander and lies. We have proven them wrong at every turn, robustly defended our integrity and continued our project uninterrupted. Since then, we have formed Cumainn in Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Donegal. We now have a presence in America and a large branch in Scotland. All our Cumainn from Derry, Belfast, Newry, Longford, Dublin and of course Dundalk have grown in confidence and comradeship.

RNU advocate political resistance to the British occupation and imperialism in Ireland. We renounce the Stormont and Leinster House Assemblies because they attempt to give Partition the veneer of democracy. We also reject the Unionist Veto over Irish reunification. The Belfast, St. Andrews and Hillsborough Agreements have not advanced social & economic justice nor freedom in Ireland. We reiterate our commitment to the 32 County Socialist Democratic Republic outlined on Easter Monday 1916. Our Network propose a return to core Republican values and principles. The Irish people have the right to national self-determination and RNU defend that right.

Response To Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein Leaders recently said that they couldn’t find the Republican Network for Unity and accused RNU and others of hiding away. Well according to Gerry Adams’ election papers, he now lives in Dundalk and here we are in the same town holding our Easter Commemoration.

How many times did Adams and McGuinness stand beside IRA Volunteers graves and invoke the rights of Irish people to resist British rule? Praised the sacrifice and patriotism of those Republicans who made that resistance possible. Those young Republicans who stood and listened to their lead, believed and were inspired to heed their words. As the case of Gerry McGeough proves those same Republican Activists can now be arrested and sent to British Prisons for actions that took place decades ago. Now, Adams and McGuinness praise those who make the arrests and send them to gaol in the name of the English Crown and encourage others to inform on them.

POWs’ & Cogús

At present there are over 80 POWs’ behind bars, who need support as do their families. Some like Louth POW, Micheal Campbell are held in atrocious conditions in a foreign gaol, we call for his repatriation back to Ireland and demand his brother Liam not to be extradited to Lithuania. RNU also demand that Lurgan POW, Martin Corey be released immediately. Martin had already served 19 years in Long Kesh and had his licence revoked at the behest of MI5. Just because Martin had attended Volunteer. John Brady’s funeral. The recent sentencing of Tyrone Republican, Gerry McGeough to 20 years was nothing short of the British State and the Stormont Elite exacting revenge for him publicaly daring to question the so-called ‘Peace Process’. There is also the case of Belfastman, Brendan Lillis a former IRA Lifer who was arrested two years ago in connection with a robbery and the British Secretary of State immediately revoked his licence. Since then, the Courts have said he’s not fit to stand trial due to his medical condition. Despite these facts, he is still incarcerated in the British gaol. Stormont and Westminster Politicians can change the name from Internment to revoking a licence, 28 day detentions but it is still Internment!

In Portlaoise, Political Prisoners are treated with a degree of respect, where they have a limited amount of freedom to organise themselves with the common goal of dignity. We send the POWs’ in Portlaoise our solidarity and support to their hard-pressed families.

In Maghaberry, POWs’ are still treated as common criminals despite the Special Police, Special Laws and Special Courts used to imprison them. They refuse to be strip-searched or humiliated in anyway. Until the POWs’ are treated with dignity they will continue to challenge British and Stormont attempts to criminalise them. RNU share the prisoners and their families concerns and are in daily contact with them, other Political Groups, Parties and Independent Facilitators to ensure that last August’s Agreement is implemented in full!

Today, Republican Prisoners will not be allowed to wear their Easter Lillies with pride outside of their cells. The Prison Regime has ordered a crackdown on POWs’ wearing a National Irish emblem which recognises the huge sacrifice our comrades made in defence of the Republic. Any visitors wearing a Lilly will also be refused a visit to the Gaol today. A typical example of the disrespect they treat honourable POWs’ and Republican families.

Recently, our POW Department adopted the Irish title; ‘Cogus’ which means ‘conscience’. It is the intention of Cogus to highlight the injustice suffered by Irish Political Prisoners, wherever they are incarcerated.This year is the 30th Anniversary of the H-Block-Martyrs and as such we should do our upmost to honour the selfless sacrifice of the ten Hunger-Strikers and ensure that all POWs’ achieve Political Status that these brave men sacrificed their lives for. The Republican Network for Unity ask everyone to redouble their efforts in supporting these men and their families.

Justice

At the time of the Easter Rising, imperialism controlled most of the world including Ireland. Now in 2011, our economy is directed by the Brussels and Westminster Parliaments. The assumption that you can squeeze health and education do almost nothing to create employment, lock the economy into a downward spiral and there will be be no social or political consequences is a fallacy. Instead of benefiting economically from the Celtic Tiger, working-class communities still endure high unemployment, growing deprivation and forced emigration. While corrupt bankers, failed Politicians and greedy developers continue to live in luxury. The assumption that RNU’s role is to unite the social and national struggle again, to expose the superficial political changes which have taken place. Our job is shed light on what is wrong in Irish society. Republicans cannot accept making the young, workers fighting for decent wages, those without adequate housing, students who cannot afford third-level education and the senior citizens who deserve proper pensions foot the bill! Our Network won’t keep quiet about the British occupation, oppressive laws to subjugate us, non-jury Courts, internment by remand, Plastic Bullets, Political Policing and the existence of MI5 on Irish soil. The only proper monument deserving of our fallen patriots is the realisation of the dream for which they died; a Republic, free, unfettered and independent from the centre to the sea.

As Padraig Pearse once said; “If you strike us down now, we shall rise again and renew the fight. You cannot conquer Ireland, you cannot extinguish the Irish passion for freedom. If our deed has not been sufficiant to win freedom, then our children will win it with a better deed!”

Beir Bua

Eiri Amach Na Casca - 2011

2011-04-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Let us remember with honour, respect and pride all those who died in pursuit of a 32 County Socialist Democratic Irish Republic. We should also commemorate their sacrifice and that of their families, friends, comrades and communities.

'The Fools, the fools they have left us our Fenian graves'.......

GARC To Hold White-Line Picket in Opposition To Unwelcome Loyal Order March

2011-04-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) will be holding a White-Line Picket this Saturday 23rd April @ 12 O'Clock (Noon) on the Crumlin Road to demonstrate our opposition to Easter Monday's unwanted Loyal Order Parade through Ardoyne. We ask those opposed to this parade to join us in support.

We refer to our 2009 residents survey which was endorsed by over 11,000 greater Ardoyne residents who stated clearly that Loyal Order marches were not welcome!

Contary to the perception of GARC's objectives within the Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist community. Our Collective wish to make it clear that we do not want to infringe upon their culture and heritage. However, these parades through our community only cause tensions, trouble and violence and as such are not wanted.

The right of any Irishman or woman to armed revolution....

2011-04-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, senior Provisional Sinn Fein members have repeatedly encouraged asked members of the Nationalist and Republican community in the Six Counties to support and significantly inform them on the activities of so-called Dissidents.

Throughout the history of the recent Conflict the same Political Party condenmed and actually justified the killings of anyone alleged to have passed evidence onto the RUC and British Armed Forces. Many were executed, badly wounded and exiled from not only their homes but their Country.

So it's pretty strange for a person like me, born just before the 'Troubles' broke out and who was taught by family, friends, peers and those I respected and looked up to. To now hear their words asking for the rebranded
RUC to be given information which will undoubtably find it's way to the MI5 building in Holywood, is sewing serious confusion to not only myself but know to the entire Nationalist and Republican community. Anyone who thinks otherwise is totally deluded as this type of information will not only lead to Republicans finding themselves in a British Court, tried without a Jury and then into a British Gaol.

As I've said many times, British rule in still enforced in this part of Ireland by a significant presence of well-armed British troops garrisioned in the North East. The RUC/PSNI are also heavily-armed and have a host of special laws which allow them to continue Political Policing the community which I belong to. If one disagrees, they can read the number of times so-called anti-terrorist legislagtion has been used in working-class compared to middle-class areas.

Rather than listening to career Politicans about the economic benefits of the Peace Process, most working-class communities across the Six Counties can count on one hand what their particular district recieved as part of that process. Imperialism is still the dominant position throughout Ireland, with ordinary citizens paying the price of capitalism and greed. How many Politicans lost their jobs and incomes, very few?

Partition is still here, two Nations within a very small island to suit who...a million or so Unionists. Every single IRA Campaign since 1922 was fought to rid us all of this ever present reminder of our second-class citizenship and ecomonic slavery to Britain.

So next time one listens to Matt Baggot, Martin McGuinness, David Ford and Peter Robinson speak of how well 'we' are doing. Let us remember the other side of that coin, the one which hides the real truth behind the failed Northern State. The one which was born with the blood of Nationalists and Republican, under the threat of a huge War by Winston Churchill. When he forced an Irish delegation to sign an unjust Treaty which enabled serious violence to continue for decades.

In the not to distant past, it was okay to kill alleged Informers and bury them secretly for decades but
nowadays 'responsible' Shinners encourage everyone else to inform on Republicans who still believe in armed actions. Gerry Adams stresses that the IRA have gone, which is true of the Provisionals. However, who gives the Louth Deputy the right to monopolise the IRA title? Was equality not a core value of Irish Republicanism? Not elitist whereby, an elected Politican declares that the IRA that was aligned to S/F was the 'right' IRA. Surely he understands that there are other IRA's out there who also claim that they too are the inheriters of the title? I'm not advocating a return to armed struggle, only that strong condemnation and disrespect will not win any hearts within those Republicans who have becaome disaffected with the Sinn Fein strategy. There have been calls for talks from S/F Leaders, but could any objective person forsee such a meeting taking place with those who continually condemn them!

Reargdless of how much the media is manipulated by British and Unionist Politicans and their Partners in Government. The decades-long crime of the Unionist Veto over Irish National Self-Determination continues unabeted. Until the veto is properly addressed by the Irish people as a whole, resistance to it will also continue. Like many Irish Socialist-Republicans I would like to see that resistance be strictly political but as a realist I also recognise that armed groups do exist.

I believe and stand by the God-given right of the Irish nation to sovereign independence, and the right of any Irishman or woman to assert this right in armed revolution.....Vol. Bobby Sands M.P.

Crocodile Tears

2011-04-04T16:04:00.000-07:00

Throughout August 1969, the RUC were directly responsible for the killing of a number of Nationalist residents in Catholic areas of Belfast. Including, Ardoyne and West Belfast, one of who was nine year-old, Patrick Rooney. In the aftermath of these killings and the burning of hundreds of Catholic homes across the city. There were many reports from local residents and senior Nationalist Politicans that the RUC had been instrumental in orchastrating the above violence.

As a result, the British and Stormont Government’s agreed to appoint a Scottish Peer, Lord Scarman to investigate the claims and make specific recommendations to ensure the same type of trouble did not occur again. Even though, he officially exonerated the RUC, he privately asked Whitehall to investigate the sectarian force further. The then British Prime Minister, soon asked another English Peer, Lord Hunt to look into the RUC and in particularly the B-Specials. After an exhaustive inquiry, he concluded that the B-Specials should be disbanded, proposing that a local Regiment of the British Army could be created. As well the enforcement of an unarmed RUC as all British Police were at that time.

Under pressure from London, the Stormont Government ordered that the RUC would be an unarmed force from then on and the Ulster Defence Regiment or UDR would also be created. The disbandment of the B-Specials, creation of the UDR and unarming of the RUC was supposed to ease real fears amongst the Nationalist populace in the Six Counties concerning a repetition of the August Pogroms. To some degree, it allayed the fears of the more middle-class within that section of the community. However, many working-class Nationalists continued to feel they were still at the mercy of the exclusively Unionist RUC.

Around the same time, there were many Republicans particularly in Belfast who felt that no matter how much tinkering was done to the RUC. The British and Stormont Regimes had little interest in the security of ordinary Nationalists and began rebuilding the IRA, which was in absolute disarray. Added to those tensions was the rising anger within the Unionist/Loyalist community about Nationalists gaining reforms within the Orange State. They too began to rebuild military structures and continued a low-intensity conflict against the Nationalist community. There were regular riots throughout Belfast and beyond which had Ardoyne residents constantly living in fear.

On February 28th 1971, a large group of Loyalists attacked the lower end of Ardoyne area at the junction of Alliance Avenue and Etna Drive. As ever, young Nationalists engaged the Loyalists and a riot ensued between the two groups. It was a particularly violent riot and a number of local Republicans were witnessed carrying weapons. According to a number of Provisonal IRA Volunteers on stand-by that day, two men one of who was a well-known Special Branch man, Cecil Patterson. Had been giving instructions to the Loyalist mob intent on invading Ardoyne. When their activities were reported to the Provisional Commander, ordered his Volunteers to continue monitoring the two men. After a short period, the Loyalist crowd seemed to be getting the upper-hand in the riot. Volunteers were ordered to open fire into the air, with one sniper ordered to shot Patterson and his sidekick. After a few minutes, Patterson and his friend lay on the ground injured and the crowd ran back into Glenbryn.

Later the same day, the RUC announced that D/Inspector, Cecil Patterson (45) and D/Constable. Robert Buckley (31) had been killed in action while trying to quell a riot in North Belfast. What they failed to add was that both men had been involved in directing a violent mob of Loyalists to attacking Ardoyne. The Provisional IRA claimed responsibility for the killings and with their claim came the tag that the new IRA had been defending the Ardoyne community.

There was shock by most people in the North, as many believed the Government’s lies that the RUC was now reformed and unarmed etc. No-one outside of Ardoyne believed the PIRA claim that both RUC men had been involved in the riot. The deaths of two RUC men, violent and tragic as they were it had no major impact upon working-class Nationalists who had borne the brunt of the previous two years of violence at the hands of the British Police. Despite serious reservations about deep-rooted sectarianism within the RUC, the British government ordered the force to be rearmed.

The Provisional and Official sections of the IRA at that time, had little public support and despite these facts. The Provisional’s decided to militarily engage the RUC and the British Army who had been deployed across the North 18 months beforehand. Within a couple of weeks of killing Patterson and Buckley, the PIRA shot dead three British soldiers on the outskirts of Ligoniel. The three men, two of who brothers had been lured to the area and killed. As in the case of the two RUC men, John (17), Joseph (18) McCaig and Dougald McCaughey (23) of the Royal Highland Fusilers had been unarmed when they were shot. Their deaths were equally condemned and the Six County Government declared; “We are at War with the IRA”!

The points above are not intended to recover old ground nor are they to attempt to justify last Saturday’s killing of Ronan Kerr. However, they are intended to jog a few memories because over the past few days. I’ve heard much condemnation from the usual Politicans and various quotes of Churchmen. All of which they are quite entitled to express, apart from those who support the above killings by claiming the PIRA enjoyed large community support! The Provisional IRA’s Campaign never enjoyed widespread support and claiming otherwise is but an attempt to rewrite history.

My opinion about Saturday’s death is that those who ordered and carried it out were following the same rules of engagement which the Provies followed. They abide by the same Army Constitution as all those Volunteers did in the past, they carry-out similar operations which the Provisional’s did before them and their goal is the same. There was no ‘Good Old IRA’, they all existed for the same reason all the other IRAs’ did in the past. To end British rule in Ireland and they did and do use every means at their disposal.

Every single death in this conflict is regrettable and tragic, whether that be of a British, Irish Combatant and indeed Civilians. However, crocodile tears from leading members of Sinn Fein about the killing of Ronan Kerr is nothing less than sheer hypocraisy. If the RUC/PSNI Constable’s death was wrong, how come the above five deaths were justified and in what context were they right? I’d much prefer that armed Volunteers would engage politically rather than militarily, but that is their choice and who am I to tell them how best to achieve a 32 County Democratic Socialist Irish Republic.

What is required to end generations of Irish Republicans from targeting and killing RIC, RUC and PSNI members. Is that the British Government give the Irish people as a whole the right to national self-determination and leave us in peace to decide our own future. Without such a declaration or date, killings such as those above will continue in the future.

The Summer of '69

2011-03-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Nationalist Families Forced Out of the Woodvale/Shankhill Areas

We often here about Nationalist Families being forced from their Bombay and Cuper Street homes and have viewed footage of the burning houses and turmoil that existed in West Belfast during August 14/15th, 1969. However, much of what took place in and around Ardoyne and the Oldpark areas is missing because of the lack of footage from North Belfast.

Throughout the early Summer months of 1969, the Nationalist community across Belfast had been on the march for reform and civil rights. Sadly, the Unionist population and in particularly, the Orange Order viewed this progressive march forward as an IRA conspiracy. Nothing could be further from the truth, as Oglaigh Na hEireann back then had mostly stalled and was engaged in a Southern-based Civil Disobediance Campaign to undermine the Free State Government, rather than, the Unionist Government at Stormont. Although, that did not stop the UVF and number of other Unionist gangs planting

After their annual July 12th parade there was serious rioting in Belfast, Derry and Dungiven. One Uniuonist MP demanded that the Unity Flats Complex should be used for local businesses and that those Nationalists who lived there should leave. As they marched past the Carrickhill district, thousands of Orangemen laid seige to the small Nationalist community. They attacked the flats but were repelled by the youth of the area, while the RUC stood idly by. The attack was repeated on August 2nd, when the inhabitants came under seriousattacks. Thankfully, people from the New Lodge, Oldpark and Ardoyne rushed to the area and helped the community.

Just over a week later another Unionist Organisation, The Apprentice Boys held its annual parade in Derry City. What followed was its members attacking the Nationalist Bogside area on August 12th. Which led to serious rioting between the Boys and Bogside residents, when the RUC charged into the small area, The Battle of the Bogside ensued and lasted for the next three days and nights. The following day, the Civil Rights Association appealed for solidarity demonstrations across the Six Counties in an effort to draw off RUC resources from the conflict there. When other Nationalist areas including, Ardoyne began such demonstrations, severe violence erupted between local people and the RUC.

Brookfield Street, Ardoyne After the Unionist Pogrom

In and around, Hooker Street, Brookfield Street and Herbert Street. Which faced the Loyalist Woodvale area, residents built small barricades to prevent the RUC from entering the district. Since before Partition, the Crumlin Road has been at the centre of large scale trouble between the Nationalist and Unionist communities. In the months prior to August 1969, a new Loyalist Paramilitary group called the Woodvale Defence Association or WDA had been ordering local Nationalist families to leave the area. The intimidation was led by WDA Leader, John McKeague and Major. Ronald Bunting substantiantly increased throughout the summer with large crowds attacking Catholic-owned properties. These attacks forced the Catholic population on the Woodvale side of the Crumlin Road to seek refuge in Ardoyne. Whilst some Protestant families who had lived in Ardoyne for generations became freightened for their safety and returned to the houses vacated by Catholics in the Woodvale.

On August 5, Leading Republican, Mary McGuigan held a Press Conference about the evictions, ‘We’re looking after twenty-one families who were forced out of their homes’. She added, ‘We think it is ridiculous that Protestants and Catholics cannot live together. We have no quarrel with the Protestant people. Our only quarrel is with the RUC, there would be no trouble in this district, if they stayed out’.

On August 14, hundreds of Unionists assembled on the Crumlin Road facing Brookfield and Hooker Streets. In response, residents erected hastily-made barriers. When an RUC armoured vehicle smashed down the Hooker Street barricade. Loyalists charged into the district, wrecking homes and setting-fire to Catholic-owned shops and pubs. When local people attempted to defend their properties, the heavily-armed RUC stormed into the area firing indiscriminately into peoples' homes.

At that point father of two, Sammy McLarnon had been pulling his blinds down. When he was shot through the window. His wife had been standing right beside him and thought her husband had only dived for cover. Seconds later, she realised he'd been hit and rushed outside shouting for help. Within minutes of Mr. McLarnon's murder another local resident, Micheal Lynch was also shot dead by the RUC, as he walked home from the Cinema.

One can only imagine the panic and fear that ordinary people suffered that night. It was so bad that Holy Cross Priest, Fr. Fernando gave everyone a general absolution. After the two killings, the handful of local IRA Volunteers obtained a shotgun and proceeded to run from street to street firing a number of shots. To give the impression that the area was well-armed, the ruse worked and it kept the mob and the RUC at bay for the rest of the night. Had it not been for the ingenuity of John McGuigan, Dessie Carmichael, Joe Stewart, Raymond Wilkinson and Martin Meehan. Ardoyne would most certainly have been destroyed that night.

Ardoyne Homes in Flames

In the immediate aftermath of the Pogrom, the then IRA Leadership paid a heavy price for the reckless decision to take weapons out of Ardoyne, four days before. The seeds for the historic split which gave birth to the Provisional’s were sown in places like Ardoyne. Within months, a new and re-invigourated Republican Army took to the streets to defend the community against bigotry and inequality.

In spite of the two killings and dozens of injuries Scottish Peer, Lord Scarman exonerated the RUC. His report was nothing but a huge whitewash. Afterwards, an RUC District Inspector rejected allegations that his men had killed two Ardoyne men. 'Those killed and injured were shot by the IRA, the police would never do such a thing’. To date, the RUC have never admitted what they did that August.

So let us remember those who lost their lives, homes and property. As well as, those IRA Volunteers who protected Ardoyne from a vicious secterian pogrom in August, 1969. Even though, Hooker Street no longer exists, it does in our memories!

POLITICAL PRISONERS IN MAGHABERRY GAOL

2011-03-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

NEW RNU MURAL; WEST BELFAST

Maghaberry's Political Prisoners, families and their representative political groups outside were quite content with the agreed resolution, which seen the ending of the months-long collectively protest last August. At the time, it seemed that the British government, Stormont Executive and the Six County Prison Service wanted to resolve the prison issue. The resolution was negotiated and overseen by a number of respected independant facilitators.

Since then however, the Prison Administration and Screws have consistently refused to implement the August
Agreement. Which exploited loopholes within the Agreement, whereby a number of POWs' have been mistreated. Most of these actions have taken place during 'searches' of defenceless prisoners when leaving or entering the Reception area of the gaol. In which, a dozen or so riot-clad Screws forcibly strip search defenceless prisoners under the guise of 'security'.

As a former Political Prisoner myself, I know only too well that such actions only brutalise and humiliate POWs' and increase tensions both inside and outside the prison. It also gives families, political groups and the wider Republican communityserious concerns for the health and well-being of prisoners. Only last week, a majority of Republican Prisoners in Roe House made a collective decison formally refuse to comply with strip-searches entering and leaving the prison, they also demanded the installment of a "boss-chair" which offers a humane and dignified search without compromising prison security in the reception area immediately. Their statement was immediately followed by Republican Sinn Fein (RSF), the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) and the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) who called upon the above facilitators to use their considerable influence to stop these brutal searches.

Serious concerns rose considerably about the dispute yesterday's after a senior spokesperson for Óglaigh na hÉireann (ONH) gave an interview to the Belfast Telegraph. In which he/she said that; 'sections of the Northern Ireland Prison Service” are against the August Agreement reached last year and 'are determined to wreck it'. ONH also claimed that if their; 'prisoners are harmed I'm led to believe
there are a number of prison officers whose details are known to ONH, up to and including governor level'. During the recent Conflict, dozens of Prison Staff were targeted and killed by the various militant groups whenever Political Prisoners were mistreated.

The only way to resolve this entire issue is for the August Agreement to implemnted in full, so that Maghaberry's Political Prisoners and their families can be treated with respect. Otherwise, the situation both inside and outside will deteriorate further......

British Royalty and it's Anti-Irish History

2011-03-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

A British Newspaper cartoon dicpicting Britain using the sword of law to 'protect' her Irish colony 'anarchists' and their demands for land reform.

There has been much media hype about the forthcoming state visit by Elizabeth Windsor to Ireland. Many of those in favour of this visit are pretty vocal about how it will attract tourism and end centuries of ill-feeling between the two nations.

What they fail to say is that, the English Queen is also the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces who committed genocide against Irish citizens for centuries and continue to occupy six Irish Counties. She also oversee's her Country's legislative powers that refuse to accept Irish national self-determination for the Irish people.Her government insists upon the Unionist Veto over Irish reunification, as well as the partition of Ireland.

Many members of the British Royal family regularly visit the Six Counties.People there are not informed of these visits because of 'security arrangements' and there is not enough time to organise protests. Otherwise, Republican groups would organise demonstrations against these colonional visits.

The'Irish Frankenstein' illustrated Irish people as savage, inhuman monsters.

Over the centuries, successive English Leaders ordered the massacre of tens of thousands Irish citizens, seized our lands, evicted us from our homes, outlawed our ancient laws, language, religion, education and political opposition. Elizabeth Windsor's Grandmother Victoria, is still remembered in Ireland as, 'The Famine Queen'. When she and her Government ignored the emigration and deaths of millions of Irish citizens during 'The Great Hunger' or 'An Gorta Mhor'.

Another Racist Cartoon depicting an Englishman as superior and the Irishman and African as inferior.

They have forced generations of Irish people to endure military economic,social,racist,secterian interference. To date, we as a people have yet to recieve any kind of apology from the British Head of State. Therefore, why should our elected representatives invite her to Ireland?   

I accept that a sizeable section of the Irish populace are indeed British citizens. I also accept that they would gladly welcome a visit by Mrs. Windsor. However, as an Irish Republican I feel it is my duty to outline my opposition to such a visit. Unless of course, the visit would herald a declaration from Britain that she would finally end her protracted occupation of Ireland. Only when a 32 County Socialist Democratic Irish Republic is accepted as a soverign State could we as a people offer the hand of friendship to an English Monarch.

In the meantime, I urge all Irish citizens to unite and plan a large peaceful and disiplined Republican 'welcome' for Elizabeth Windsor when she visits our capitol city. Beir Bua!

Slander, Lies and Smear Tactics

2011-03-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

Last Monday morning I'd to attend Belfast Magistrate's Court to answer charges of 'assaulting' three members of the RUC/PSNI and 'resisting arrest' a few weeks ago. Regardless of the above 'charges', I was to travel to the building anyhow, to support my younger sister, Mary because a person who claims to be a member of my extended family was also due to appear in the same Court charged with allegedly brutalising and sexually abusing my younger sister Mary back in 1980.

As such, my sister Mary and I went along to the Courthouse. When we reached the proper floor, Mary met the RUC/PSNI man in charge of her case. As they walked and chatted towards the Courtroom, I walked slowly behind them. As Mary and I scanned the lists posted on the wall outside Court number 10, we heard shouts and verbal abuse was directed at my sister by the Defendant and her relatives. She was also allegedly assaulted by the same person. I immediately sheilded Mary and ushered her on into the Courtroom as Security Staff and a few Peelers blocked the doors.

During the next couple of hours, I appeared and pleaded 'Not Guilty' to the above charges. Afterwards, Mary was advised to stay inside the Court because of alleged threats to her life by one the Defendant's relatives. I agreed with this particular advice as I felt we both should behave with dignity in the face of such alleged intimidation. At around 1.30pm, the Defendant appeared inside the Courtroom alongside her Daughter and two friends. Thankfully, the person who apparantly hit her and issued threats was not present! The Defendant's legal team applied to the Magistrate for a Media ban on reporting the charges preferred against her. Later that afternoon, Fiona Bagnall ruled against the ban and Journalists who had been present, were permitted to report on proceedings.

Around the same time as the Magistrate's ruling, one of the Defendant's relative who had behaved in such an atrocious manner was allegedly seen spraying sinister graffiti on a wall at the bottom of the New Lodge Road, more at the corner of Oldpark Avenue and the Oldpark Road. As well as, another spray job in Ardoyne Avenue, referring to me as an MI5 spy. I had already witnessed this particular individual in a highly-agitated state in the Court that morning, so I wasn't at all surprised when a friend told me it had been him who actually wrote the graffiti accusing me of working for the British Secret Service.

During the recent Conflict, a number of Irish citizens were killed because they were suspected of helping British intelligence Agencies. Therefore, to accuse a Republican of treachery is tantamount to signing their death warrant and as such it is a very serious matter. To the best of my knowledge this person, is not remotely Republican and like many of his generation has no respect nor regard for people like myself. They couldn't care less about the sacrifices made by so many Republicans and their families to end British rule in Ireland.

In the past, it is those who allege that others are 'touts' usually turn out to be the Informers. What I will say is, if this Amadan has any evidence of being involved in 'sinister activities'. I suggest he brings it to whatever armed and/or political Irish Republican group he wishes to because my conscience is clear!

In the meantime I'll continue supporting my sister, Mary who was allegedly brutalised by someone claiming to be a Meehan.... Slander, Lies and Smear tactics won't work......

REBRANDED RUC BRUTALLY ATTACK REPUBLICANS IN ARDOYNE - RNU

2011-03-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

RUC/PSNI Anti-Community Activities

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Spokesperson; MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN has expressed serious concerns about the increase of RUC/PSNI brutality and harassment of recent days in North Belfast.

Mr. Meehan said; 'The Republican community of Ardoyne buried local Ex-POW, Peter (Skeet) Hamilton with great dignity on Thursday March 3, 2011. It was a great display of unity to witness thousands of Republicans paying their respects to Skeet and his family.

Within hours of his funeral however, RUC/PSNI stormtroopers were waiting outside Peter's wake where they verbally abused a number of Republicans before brutally attacking and arresting them as they attempted to make their way home. The four Republicans were taken to Lisburn Barracks and held overnight before being charged with allegedly assaulting the officers that initially attacked them without reason.

In a statement to the media, the British Police told blatant lies saying that they had 'intervened in a fight between rival groups in Ardoyne' and arrested four men. The Republican Network for Unity refute the RUC/PSNI version of events as the beatings and arrests are an integral part of Britain's continued role in policing in the occupied Six Counties.

RNU utterly condemn the tactics deployed by the RUC/PSNI by deviously waiting for people who are mourning the loss of a comrade. People should be allowed to say goodbye to a comrade without political policing. Their skulking presence at Skeets wake yet again shows that even in death, the RUC/PSNI will interfere.

Mr Meehan, a friend of Skeet concluded, "despite bully-boy tactics, RNU will continue to expose the true nature of political policing which is designed to intimidate, silence and criminalise Republican Activists and communities'".

ARDOYNE REPUBLICAN

Ardoyne Man Cleared of Drugs Charges

RNU Call For Independent Enquiry into 1981 Hunger-Strike

Release Tony Taylor Immediately

GREATER ARDOYNE RESIDENTS COLLECTIVE (GARC) LATEST

The Five Demands

Another Ireland is Possible

Another Ireland is Possible

Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir

The Need For A Socialist-Republican Agenda

MAGHABERRY PROTEST

An Ardoyne Legend: Paddy Murphy

West Belfast DPP Threats....

IGNORING MAGHABERRY

Ardoyne Republicanism and Compromise

GARC Protesters Betrayed by So-called Community Workers & Elected Representatives

A Further 28 Ardoyne Residents To Be Criminalised Over Orange Marches

On Monday morning, 31/10/11 there will be a peaceful protest outside the Courthouse to demonstrate opposition to these Political charges, please show your support!

RNU Meet the Council For Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS)

Girdwood Housing Protest

The Camp will be supported by a host of community groups, the Irish Republican Socialist Party, Irish Socialist Network, People Before Profit, Republican Network for Unity and Independant Political Activists.

The Protest begins on Wednesday 5th October @ 1pm

For Futher info:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=291405969193

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Advice Centre - Belfast

Prison Service and Screws Attempt to Keep Maghaberry POWs' Seperated

Either way, Tony and Cogus POWs' have said that they will continue to engage with ALL POWs' and to help unify the wing again!

RNU Slam British Army Event

RNU Hold a Successful Commemoration For Henry-Joy McCracken & William Drennan

Inis Eoghain, Contae Dun Na nGall - Inishowen, County Donegal

RNU To Hold Henry-Joy McCracken & William Drennan Commemoration: Sunday 28th August, 2011

PAUL O'NEILL & TAR ISTEACH

Human Rights Being Denied to Political Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol

Maghaberry Gaol and the Dirty Protest

SAVE BRENDAN LILLIS NOW!

Henry-Joy & William Drennan Commemoration - Belfast

GARC Analysis of July 12th, 2011

The following letter was published tonight (21/7/11) in the North Belfast News (NBN); A chara,

RNU REJECTS DISHONEST CLAIMS BY GERRY KELLY

ARDOYNE RESIDENTS ALSO HAVE RIGHTS!

RNU SLAMS THE PARADES COMMISSION

GARC File 4 Alternative Ardoyne Twelfth Parade

Statement from RNU/Cogus Political Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol

GARC's Analysis of Unwelcome Parades Through Greater Ardoyne -2011

Sectarian Policing, Smears and the Strand

SECTARIAN POLITICAL POLICING OF NATIONALIST & UNIONIST PROTESTS

END THE INTERNMENT OF IRISH REPUBLICANS

Another Deliberate Failure by the RUC

Óglaigh. Patsy O'Hara & Ray McCreesh

RNU Criticise British Attempt to Criminalise Irish Republicanism

RNU Demand Answers About Brutal RUC/PSNI Actions

We've No Interest in 'Targeting' Sinn Fein - RNU

Oglach. Brendan Hughes

R.N.U.'s Easter Message - 2011

Eiri Amach Na Casca - 2011

GARC To Hold White-Line Picket in Opposition To Unwelcome Loyal Order March

The right of any Irishman or woman to armed revolution....

Crocodile Tears

The Summer of '69

POLITICAL PRISONERS IN MAGHABERRY GAOL

British Royalty and it's Anti-Irish History

Slander, Lies and Smear Tactics

REBRANDED RUC BRUTALLY ATTACK REPUBLICANS IN ARDOYNE - RNU

The following letter was published tonight (21/7/11) in the North Belfast News (NBN);

A chara,