"possession of a firework with intent to supply" (2)

by arms dealer Thu Sep 15, 2005 14:03

http://unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1467817&issue_id=12994
(note to editors this goes here, as the event notice for the CAAT gig was deleted as being non-irish interest)

by observer Thu Sep 15, 2005 14:09

If you had to live in a place that is beset from mid September to early November every year by scum who use fireworks to attack and intimidate you would not be so enthusiastic about them. May one of them find its way to you.

by Non-subscriber Thu Sep 15, 2005 14:10

You have to be a subscriber to the indo to be able to read that article, so a link is no good.

by arms dealer Thu Sep 15, 2005 14:18

THREE Irish firms are among the exhibitors at the world's largest arms fair, which is taking place this week in London.

The conference has been the target of opposition from human rights campaigners, and was policed by 4,000 officers in a security operation costing €6m when it was last held two years ago.

The three Irish firms exhibiting at the biennial Defence Systems and Equipment International in London's docklands are Calmark Ireland, Silcotec Ireland and Europlex Technologies.

Britain's Ministry of Defence was so sensitive about the countries it had invited to the exhibition that it only identified them in recent days.

Controversially, cluster bombs are among the items for sale at the fair, which is being attended by more than 1,000 defence and military aerospace companies from 26 countries.

A number of members of the Irish Defence Forces are also among military representatives from all over the world who are examining weapons and other goods on sale.

Police are also on guard for activists attempting to disrupt proceedings, while a number of protests are being held on the streets of London through the week.

Opponents of the fair have criticised the presence at it of delegations from countries with poor human rights records, such as Indonesia. Defence officials from China were also expected to attend, as well as major arms manufacturers from Israel and other countries.

Of the Irish exhibitors, Calmark Ireland Ltd, made a profit of more than €1.3m last year after a turnover of more than €9m.

It is involved in the manufacture of metal fabricated products for customers including the military, according to its website.

Based in Cappoquin, Co Waterford, it employs 66 people and is a subsidiary of the US based Calmark Corporation. William K Jacobs, Robert Rosenthal and Colm Morrisey are named as directors.

Europlex Technologies, based in Clonshaugh, Dublin, is a manufacturer of high security alarms. Adrian Kelehan and Michael Brosnon are directors, according to company records.

The third Irish exhibitor, Silcotec Ireland, manufactures electrical connectors for a range of sectors including the military and is based in Carraroe, Co Galway. The company's website states that one of its best-selling products is "ideally suited to aerospace industry, missiles systems, avionics, battlefield gear, radar and other demanding military and commercial applications".

Ben Quinn
Published irish Independent 15/9/05
© Copyright Unison.ie

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I live in a country that exports fireworks to Ireland, and enjoys the use of fireworks throughout the year, where children grow up aware of their responsible use and accidents are by EU standards few. You live in a country where a group which has just broken its ceasefire uses those recipes to make pipe bombs.

by observer Thu Sep 15, 2005 14:38

My comment was directed to "eoin" who made the original posting and appeas to beleive that people making their own explosives is a good thing.

by Xetmes Thu Sep 15, 2005 14:46

The problems encountered by Observer have to do with anti-social behaviour by a small section of young people, and have nothing to do with paramilitary groups who have access to more powerful materials.

by observer Thu Sep 15, 2005 14:50

And whatever people might think of McDowell, there will be an awful lot of them sleeping easier the less fireworks are being sold.

by pacifistico Thu Sep 15, 2005 15:02

does anyone have any info on the countries/armies our homegrown military contractors supply to ? Any juicy titbits ?

by Think about it... Thu Nov 03, 2005 12:48 bejam at indigo dot ie

Unlike the Irish Times, you do not need to 'subscribe' to Independent group's publications. You need only to register, which costs nothing but a few seconds time. So, 'Non-subscriber' can read the story without paying.