Author Archives: seachranaidhe1
We’ll fight fracking law say activists
Change may rob you of right to say no to gas pipes under your land.
ANTI-FRACKING campaigners have vowed to resist any attempt to change the law in the North of Ireland to allow gas pipes to be laid under private land without the owner’s consent.
The British government plans to introduce new legislation that would enable energy companies to run shale gas pipelines underground without having to seek the landowner’s approval. The move is designed to kick-start Britain’s fracking industry and will be included in the Queens Speech in June as part of an infrastructure bill. Proposals to extract shale gas from an area that straddles the border between Co Fermanagh and Co Cavan have proved controversial. In the assembly unionists are generally supportive of the plans, whereas $hame £ein and the SDLP have urged caution. Other areas of possible extraction in the north have been identified on the north coas and in south Antrim. In the Republic economic extraction is possible in Co Clare, west Limerick and parts Co Kerry. Fracking – the name given to a process called hydraulic fracturing – involves pumping pressurised water blow ground to split rock and release the gas.
$hame £ein MLA Phil Flanagan, whose Fermanagh-South Tyrone constituency is the focus of shale gas exploration, said he would seek to establish and his pro-fracking cronies as they seek to impose this dangerous technique on areas where the environment is very sensitive,” he said. However, DUP MLA Maurice Morrow said fracking should not be ruled out. Lord Morrow said that if energy could be sourched in a “safe manner” then it should be explored.
Fracking law change will be opposed by $hame £ein
Tories want to kick-start shale gas extraction
$hame £ein has vowed to resist any change in the law which would allow gas pipes to be laid under privite land without the owner’s consent.
The energy companies will still need planning permission to drill for shale gas but they will be able to install pipes to transport the gas under private land without breaking trespass laws. The change in the law is designed to thwart landowners and anti-fracking protesters who may use existing laws to block shale gas extraction. Fracking has been linked to earthquakes in England and water pollution in the United States. However, those in favour point to the collapse on energy prices in the US where there has been a rapid expansion of the shale gas industry. David Cameron’s spokesman yesterday said the government was looking at ways of making test drilling easier and to ensure there was not “an over burden of red tape and regulation”. He added: “Fracking is something that is very new, certainly in this country, which is why we are looking to see whether there are particular obstacles to the test drilling.” However, $hame £ein MLA Phil Flanagan, whose Fermanagh-South Tryone constituency is the focus of shale gas exploration in the north, said he would seek to establish whether the new legislation would apply to the North of Ireland. He said he would fight plans for any pro-fracking legislation whether it came from Westminster or Srormont. “This move smacks of desperation by David Cameron and his pro-fracking cronies as they seek to impose this dangerous technique on areas where the environment is very sensitive,” he said. “It’s important that we resist any moves that would see similar changes in the law.” Mr Flanagan said people who had built homes or bought land had the right to protect their interests. “Fracking would devastate the rural way of life by introducing industrial scale development in country areas,” he said. “The majority of people I speak to are opposed to it and I think it is unacceptable to try and impose something on people when they clearly don’t want it.” However, DUP assembly member Lord Maurice Morrow said fracking should not be ruled out. He said if energy could be sourced in a “safe manner” then it should be explored. “It’s strange that $hame £ein are turning their nose up at any opportunity to reduce energy costs,” he said. “It shows how out of touch Flanagan is with households and businesses in his constituency – people want better energy options in the west and they want to reduce costs.”
With many thanks to: John Manly (Policical Reporter), The Irish News, for the origional story.
$hame £ein council vice-chair accused of assaulting SDLP constituency worker
THE $hame £ein vice-chairwoman of a Co TTryone council has been charged with assaulting an SDLP constituency worker.
Strabane councillor Michelle McMackin, pictured above, and her brother Malachy Finbar McCrossan are accused of assaulting SDLP representative Daniel McCrossan. The pair are also charged with disorderly behaviour in the Farmers Home bar on Railway Road in the town on July 6 last year. Mr McCrossan (25), who is no relation to the defendants, is an active SDLP member and works as a personal assistant for the party’s West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne. Neither of the defendants appeared before Strabane Magistrates Court last week. However, a defence solicitor said Ms McMackin (48), of O’Nolan Park, denies both charges. The solicitor did not enter any pleas on behalf of the councillor’s 57-year-old brother, and requested more time to look at police interview transcripts. The defendants are due to appear before the court on May 1 when a contest date will be set for Ms McMackin and pleas are expected to be entered by her brother. Michelle McMackin was elected as a councillor for Glenelly area in 2011 and last year became vice-chairwomen of Strabane District Council. She will not stand for election next month ( I wonder why lol) for the new Strabane and Derry council after announcing in October that she was standing down, citing work commitments.
With many thanks to: Brendan Hughes, The Irish News, Email address: b.hughes@irishnews.com
Will socialist revolution start in one country then spread, or start simultaneously (e.g. a #MayDay or credit crunch)
Different revolutionary socialist organisations have two distinct theories about how to achieve socialism, which is reflected by their differing strategies on all sorts of issues including defeating austerity (cuts, the public sector pay cap and other attacks on the living standards of the masses):
- Revolution happens (or starts) in one country first, which inspires the masses in other countries to rise up and overthrow their ruling classes too. This was the model pursued in Russia flowing from the October 1917 revolution, but a combination of factors meant it didn’t work – Russia being a semi-feudal country at the time, about 20 foreign armies invading to try to restore capitalism, naivety of the German Communist Party combined with the assassinations of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht preventing the revolution spreading, and the disastrous decision to abolish the Constituent Assembly (after campaigning for it when the capitalist Provisional Government that came to power in February 1917…
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IRA Dissident group vows to ‘build and organise’
McGuinness described as ‘Former Republican’
THE dissident paramilitary group known as the ‘IRA’ has described Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as a “former republican”.
In its Easter message the group said it would continue to “build and organise” in the future. It formed in July with the merger of the Real IRA, Republican Action Against Drugs and independent units based in Mid Ulster. It has previously admitted responsibility for killing prison officer David Black in November 2012 and Kevin Kearney in North Belfast in October last year. Last month it admitted responsibility for using a command wire to launch a mortar at a police Land Rover on Falls Road in West Belfast. Earlier this month it left “an anti-personnel explosive device” at Strabane Golf Club which failed to go off. In a statement to The Irish News, using a recognised codeword, the group claimed the 100th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising “is the ideal time to re-energise the republican struggle”. “The IRA has played its parent in recent years by rebuilding, rearming and re-focussing efforts to build a sustainable military campaign,” the statement said. “These endeavours are proving successful as recent operations have demonstrated. “At the same time constitutional nationalists and former republicans that abandoned the IRA oath and constitution, dine with the British Royals and implement British rule.” The group also vowed to continue its armed campaign. “The IRA remains fully committed to genuine republican objectives and where Britain denies the Irish people the right to live free from foreign and undemocratic interference, the IRA will use military force to assert these rights.” SDLP MLA John Dallat condemned the paramilitary group and its statement. “It is disturbing that after 40 years of violence there are some people who refuse to be convinced that violence only puts off the day when Ireland can enjoy true unity between its people,” he said.
With many thanks to: Connla Young, The Irish News.
Kevin Scully – Drimoleague/Cork
April 2014
‘High-risk’ pervert Scully back on streets
ONE OF Ireland’s most depraved perverts – who abused more than 20 children between the ages of just two and eight – is back on the streets, even though a detective says he is a “high risk” of re-offending.
Kevin Scully’s depraved sex acts imposed a reign of terror among local children in his native west Cork during the mid 1990s.
On one occasion two terrified girls locked themselves into the boot of a relative’s car to avoid his perverted attentions, and he once attacked five children in a single day.
Children told investigating gardaí how he used scissors to cut their pocket linings so he could touch their private parts.
He has spent most of the last 13 years in custody in Arbour Hill jail or in the Central Mental Hospital for his shocking crimes.
Although the equivalent of €330,000 was…
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Statement from GARC’s spokesman and Independant candidate Dee Fennell
JUST back from observing another unwanted sectarian parade on behalf of Greater Ardoyne Residents’ Collective (GARC), this time carried out by the Apprentice Boys.
Several determinations broken, including the display of UVF flags and insignias. It was also interesting to see $hame £ein allenged Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents’ Association’s (CARA), banner which read “Resolution is Possible”, held by people that live on the Cliftonville and Newington. Anyone who witnessed one of the other individuals that held the banner may also be surprised that $hame £ein local election candidates would be pictured with them, or maybe not. Resolution is not possible without an end to sectarian parades through this area, an analysis shared by the vast majority of Ardoyne, Mountainveiw and Dales residents. No deal between $hame £ein and the UVF ( Willy Winston Irvine) by proxy will be accepted by the residents of this area.
With many thanks to: Dee Fennell, GARC’s spokesman.
NATIONALIST RESIDENTS WARN OF ‘LONG, HOT, VOLATILE SUMMER’!!!
A NATIONALIST residents’ group has warned that an ongoing parade dispute in North Belfast could result in a “long, hot, and volatile summer.”
Greater Ardindependent nts’ Collective (GARC), confirmed on Friday night it will not hold a protest as members of the Apprentice Boys march through the district on Easter Monday. The band has been restricted to playing hymns on a section of the route at Ardoyne. Spokesman Dee Fennell said the decision was taken in order not to draw attention away from a similar parade past St Patrick’s Catholic Church on the same morning. There was controversy this week after it emerged that nationalist residents opposed to the parade were banned from standing in front of the Donegall Street church by the Parades Commission. After initially refusing to reveiw the decision, it was subsequently overturned by the commission. St Patrick’s has been a scene of strife since Shankill Road based Young Conway Volunteers Flute Band was filmed walking in circles outside it while playing the sectarian Famine Song on 12 July 2012. Tensions in Ardoyne have been high since the Orange Order was banned from marching past nationalist homes last July. Mr Fennell, who is an independant local election candidate, said loyalist parades through his district are “totally unacceptable to the vast majority of the people of this area.” “This determination by the Parades Commission, an incoming commission, does not bode well for a peaceful summer,” he said. “The consistent theme of commission determinations since its inception has been to acquiesce to the three pronged attacks on this community by loyal orders, political unionism and loyalist paramilitaries.” The GARC spokesman also condemned determinations issued by the Parades Commission in relation to St Patrick’s branding them “nothing short of disgraceful.” He revealed that his group have decided not to hold a protest on Monday in “order that the media focus remains solely” on St Patrick’s parishioners and nearby Carrick Hill but added some members will be present to “monitor and note any breaches of the Parades Commission determination”. Mr Fennell claimed the “radical approach and strategy of GARC” in recent years has “effectively brought an end to evening parades” through Ardoyne. He also warned that a more “radical approach” will now be taken towards loyal order morning parades taking place through the district. “The actions of the Parades Commission, RUC/PSNI and the loyal orders in the months ahead could lead to a long, hot, and volatile summer for all of us,” he warned. Another nationalist group alligened to $hame £ein, Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents’ Association (CARA), has been given permission to hold a small protest as the parade passes through the nationalist district on Monday. They have raised concerns about the band taking part in the parade. Meanwhile, Carrick Hill residents have met with Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Noel Treanor and administrator of St Patrick’s, Fr Micheal Sheehan. The meeting took place in a community centre in the Carrick Hill district and residents’ spokesman Frank Dempsey described it as “friendly.” “We had a frank and open conversation and the bishop’s veiw has not changed,” he said. “Respect is the key to this and it’s only through respect and dialogue that all this will be resolved.”
With many thanks to: Connla Young, The Irish News, (for the origional story).
NO RESTRICTIONS ON LOYALIST PARADE
THE Parades Commission has placed no restrictions on a controversial loyalist parade through Belfast City Centre on the busiest shopping day of the week.
LOYALIST FLAGS ERECTED AMID POWER STRUGGLE!
‘Local pople have no faith in the RUC/PSNI’s willingness to deal with loyalist mobs breaking the law and increasing tensions - Deirdre Target.
PARAMILITARY flags have been placed outside a council run leisure centre in North Belfast in what is being seen as part of a campaign dissident loyalists vying for power in the Tigers Bay area.
Flags have been placed all along York Road and Shore Road with UDA and Union Flags placed outside the Grove leisure and well-being centre that is used by both sides of the community. A flags protocol was previously in place to prevent any emblems being placed in sensitive or interface areas as part of a voluntary aggreement. However, since the union flags dispute the protocol has not been adhered to. Meanwhile, in south Belfast Shame Fein and ex-republican assembly member Alex Maskey and councillor Deirdre Hargey yesterday met with senior police officers in relation to what they claimed was a failure to tackle a loyalist gang erecting paramilitary flags on the Ormeau Road. The loyalists also removed Shame Fein election posters from lampposts in the area. Mr Maskey said residents in the mixed community had felt intimidated by the loyalists, some of whom “had clearly been drinking”, “A gang of around 20 to 30 loyalists arrived on the Ormeau Road and took down legal Shame Fein elecion posters and began erecting flags, illegally on lamp posts. “Some of this gang clearly had been drinking alcohol and local residents said they felt very intimidated by their actions. “The RUC/PSNI were on the scene despite the gang committing a criminal offence and acting aggressively the RUC/PSNI failed to take any action”, Mr Maskey said. Mrs Hargey said local people felt frustrated that police did not take action against the gang she described as “bully boys”. “Local people have no faith in the RUC/PSNI’s willingness to deal with loyalist mobs breaking the law and increasing tensions in what is a shared community,” she said. “This type of aggressive sectarianism sets community relations back 20 years.”
With many thanks to: Allison Morris, The Irish News (For the origional story)
Traders ‘ordered to close shops for UVF gun-running march’
TRADERS in Larne have been ordered to close their doors to mark the 100th anniversary of the UVF gun-running plot next week, it has been claimed.
Thousands of loyalists will take to the streets of the Co Antrim town to mark the anniversary of the arms smuggling plot, known as Operation Lion, which took place on the night of April 24 1914. Thousands of weapons were smuggled into the port town on the ship Clyde Valley before being distribued to UVF units across the North of Ireland as the Home Rule crisis deepened. Up to 80 bands and 12,000 participants are expected to take part in next Saturaday’s anniversary parade, organised by the Operation Lion 2014 Centenary Committee. While the committee is understood to be made up of people from different backgrounds, (no the UVF is not a racist organisation we love eveyone so long as you are White and not Catholic), the majority of those expected to attend the parade are thought to be supporters of the UVF’s political wing the PUP – which offers political advice to the to the modern illegal UVF. Earlier this month the RUC/PSNI accused the UDA of being on a “power trip” when 100 loyalists rioted in Larne. A spokesman for Larne Borough Council confirmed that it gave the organising committee £2,000 to found a “number of events and educational programme in relation to the history of Operation Lion”. The council is also “erecting a plaque on the monument to mark the centenary as it did on the 75th anniversary at an event which will take place on April 24″.
East Antrim Shame Fein MLA Oliver McMullan, pictured above, said traders had been told to close for the day. “One of the traders that told us he said ‘what can you do? You dare not go against it’,” Mr McMullan, said. “I hope no bother comes out of it as there is considerable tension in Larne at the minute.” Mr McMullan’s comments come just weeks after he claimed that several businesses in Larne were ordered to hand over £200 to help fund the commemorition. Larne PUP the political wing of the UVF represtative Jonathan Hodge dismissed claims that businenessess had been told to close. “The Operation Lion Cetenary event is a special occasion for Larne that will bring thousands of visitors to the town,” he said. “This is a family-oriented event with vintage vehicles and period costume, many activites and workshops for children and it will reach out to people from all community backgrounds (so long as they are not from a Catholic background). “It will be a very busy day for local businesses, providing a welcome boost in trade. The suggestion that anyone would ask them to close is rudiculous.”
With many thanks to: Connla Young, The Irish News.
