Socialsit (sic) Workers not Anti-Semetic

by Shorty Wed Feb 19, 2003 20:48

Minister for Justice, Mr Michael McDowell speaks out against racism?

The same man who refuses Amnesty International access to Irish prisons?

by Shorty Wed Feb 19, 2003 20:51

In April 2001, an Amnesty survey of the views of ethnic minorities living in Ireland revealed that 73% believed the responsibility to educate the public about the dangers of racism lay with the government. In a follow up survey (April 2002), of the views of Irish people, 75% of respondents also believed this was the government's duty and 40% were of the opinion that not enough was being done in this regard.

As part of its campaign against racism, Amnesty made eight demands of the government, one of which was to introduce a public awareness programme. After a year of pressure, eventually, the "Know Racism" campaign was launched. The budget for this public awareness campaign was used to fund nationwide advertising, training in schools and individual projects undertaken by local groups.

In November 2002, the government announced that the funding for the "Know Racism" campaign will be cut by 63%. This is disproportionate to the cutbacks suffered in other areas and shows clearly that the government is NOT committed to combating racism in Ireland, in spite of its stated comments that it is.

by Eoin O'M. Thu Feb 20, 2003 11:35 eoin at faqsresearch dot com

A few corrections there Shorty: Amnesty's survey claiming that 73% of was published in September 2001 and the data used again in April 2002, i.e. they were from the same survey. As one of the author's and researchers on the report, I wanted to clarify that. Otherwise, I support the points you are making.

by conor (wsm personal capacity) Thu Feb 20, 2003 11:43

Its obvious that this article was a pure fantasy without a shred of evidence to back it
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SWP spokesman, Mr Kieran Allen, today rejected the claims and described the article, published last Sunday, as a "gross slander". He said that, contrary to the newspaper's claim, the Department of Justice had not confirmed the Minister had ordered an investigation.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

they've offered a "clarification"

I don't think a clarification is NEARLY ENOUGH when a story has been made up from start to finish and then printed as fact and repeated by Joe Duffy on RTE as fact!

The SWP would be on extremely good legal grounds to sue

- I think they should - why not use the ridiculous defamation laws this country has ?

A lot of people have succeeded in extracting cash from this blue shirt fantasy rag - I think yeese should go for it !

Conor

by E - SWP Thu Feb 20, 2003 12:47

This issue had been part of an earlier discussion with people getting somewhat excited over the non-issue.

http://www.indymedia.ie/cgi-bin/newswire.cgi?id=29095&start=60&sid=43007

by MG Thu Feb 20, 2003 16:41

...under Irish defamation law, you cannot libel or slander a group of people. Just individuals.

by bored Fri Feb 21, 2003 18:32

You can libel a group of people if they are identifable.
"butchers are mad couldn't sue but "the butchers of Dorset St" then you could, also organisations and companies are single entities and can be defamed.

however, don't think anyone should use the libel laws -- they are a reactionary monstrosity.
The left should avoid em like the plague.