McDo-ill Gets A Visit From Cosantoiri Siochana

by Elaine Fri Feb 24, 2006 01:18

...with Michael McDowell's performance as Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform? Well right now he has an opinion poll on his website. It's a yes or no answer. Let him know! (see link)

Hearth Of Darkness - McDo-ill's Nest

Letter For Ya

You Can Run But You Can't Hide McDo-ill

Like A Cop On A Hot Tin Roof

Marching To The Garda Barracks

by Elaine Fri Feb 24, 2006 01:55

to Rathmines Garda Station, we were outnumbered by wet and weary Guards by at least 3 or 4, to 1. When we jokingly suggested they join the protest to boost the numbers, one (who shall remain nameless) told us that they would be holding their own protest soon enough. Like most of the population, they were nonplussed at McDo-ill's attempt to inflict 'yellow-pack' Guards on the nation. ( But I wonder if he gets his way and has his own 'private army' of part-timers, will he then stop slagging off Sinn Fein in the Dail? )
Once we got to Rathmines Station, a few of the group handed in a signed letter to the Superintendent, commemorating both our concern and our peaceful action. The rest of the group maintained a vigil outside the station before heading to the nearest pub to thaw out, get out of some wet clothes and into a dry martini / hot coffee / or whatever.

They're The Fashion Police Laurence - They're After Yer Hat

Outside Rathmines Garda Barracks - Nice Hat Laurence, Does It Have A Name

Station Vigil

Delivering The Letter To The Law

Well Earned Scoop Afterwards - Laurence Sulking Cos I Slagged His Hat

by Eoin Dubsky Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:53

Thanks for posting the photos -- excellent banner too! I could never tell how to say his surname properly, now I know: Mac do ill. :-)

by Margaret Fri Feb 24, 2006 18:49

Brendan Halligan, the editor of Limerick's main paper the Limerick Leader, has written many editorials in the past few years condemning the actions of peace activists at Shannon. He has a go again this week but even he says "The alleged smuggling of prisoners through Shannon needs to be more vigorously investigated by the Irish Government." He does miss the bigger picture though and attrributes rendition flights and associated torture to
"A minority of members of the multinational force have been guilty of brutality."
It is worth a read though to see how the issue is presented to the people of Limerick.

Editorial opinion

Shannon: the truth

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell is only half right when he accuses some broadcasters trying to be agenda-setters. They are not only selective in the issues they present. They distort the issues.

Take Shannon. The airport's role in the Iraq conflict is constantly highlighted. That in itself is fair enough.

Iraq is an awesome issue. But not only do the agenda-setters constantly highlight the situation. They distort it.

They never, or hardly ever, mention one simple but vital truth: namely, that the United Nations approves the process which Shannon is helping to facilitate in Iraq. It can be argued that America should never have invaded Iraq in the first place. Beyond argument, however, are these three simple facts:

The UN supports the building of democracy in Iraq under the Iraqi government. The UN opposes the terrorist insurgency in Iraq. The UN supports the multinational force in Iraq.

The organisation has not only agreed all three points but has done so repeatedly, officially and unanimously. Yet the agenda-setters repeatedly give the opposite impression. They do so by accentuating the negative and eliminating the positive.

Thus, for example, the recurring triumph of democracy over tyranny, as the vast majority of the plain people of Iraq defy suicide bombers and vote in successive elections, is virtually ignored, while the actions of murderous religious maniacs, Saddam Hussein henchmen and other evil criminals are presented as somehow representing the national will. In on-air discussions in Dublin 4 there are loaded questions and loaded panels. Frequently there is no place at all for the pro-democracy view.

Meanwhile, the "anti-war" brigade demonstrate their democratic credentials by urging the closure of Shannon by civil disobedience or, even more ominously, "by whatever other means."

Admittedly the "peace" lobby raise some matters of legitimate concern. A minority of members of the multinational force have been guilty of brutality. The alleged smuggling of prisoners through Shannon needs to be more vigorously investigated by the Irish Government.

Even grave concerns such as these, however, do not negate the morality of Ireland's logistical role in the Iraq process. Indeed, as ever, the moral choice couldn't be clearer. Either we side with constitutional politics or we side with terrorism.

Nor does our support for the building of democracy in Iraq conflict with our neutrality. Rather, it continues our long tradition of support for the United Nations. And there is no doubt where the UN stands on this issue.

Only a few days ago secretary-general Kofi Annan yet again paid tribute to "the courageous commitment of the Iraqi people to the democratic process as demonstrated by the participation of millions of voters of all communities, as well as hundreds of thousands of observers, agents and poll workers." He was "encouraged that the new Parliament will be broadly representative of Iraq's diverse communities and will include a substantial percentage of women." The UN, he said, is "pleased to have provided support to the process and remains fully committed to assisting the Iraqi people in the forthcoming electoral programme in 2006."

He will also be pleased to have received support from Ireland. The workers at Shannon deserve commendation for doing their duty in the face of black propaganda. Jaundiced journalists and others may try to set the agenda but they have lost the moral argument.

by Coilín Sat Feb 25, 2006 00:08

Nice going, fellas!

The next thing we need is a vigil at 54 O'Connell Street, Limerick. To keep the cold at bay, I suggest a brazier where people can burn copies of the Limerick Leader. ;-)

Rock on!
Coilín.

by Seán Ryan Sat Feb 25, 2006 04:55

Pick a date.

They've never once approached Shannon Warport, with either the truth or an investigation in mind.

Lapdog for the likes of Willie O Dea. And everyone knows it. Might attract quite a large crowd.

Or I spose we might take an add out with em ;o)

A two page spread calling for them to sack the editior would be nice. Could organise a big protest with it too.

How about picketing some of their advertisers?

The possibilities are endless. And they've been sitting on the truth since all this started.

Roll over em
Seán

by shannon worker Sat Feb 25, 2006 15:01

Once again may I point out the simple fact that no prisoners were ever transported thru Shannon or any other Irish airport. Although a few planespotters say it has happened, why has any evidence or proof never been shown. Questions have been asked of those involved in servicing private planes at Shannon and to date none have evere noticed anything suspicious and I'm sure statements have been made to this effect or else someone somewhere would have tested the government on these accusations.
Even the opposition in the Dail are getting tired of shouting "wolf", so maybe it's time to move on...

by Bingo Jones Tue Feb 28, 2006 13:37

- Once again may I point out the simple fact that no prisoners were ever transported thru Shannon or any other Irish airport.

And you know this because you check these CIA planes?

-Although a few planespotters say it has happened, why has any evidence or proof never been shown.

Because they never check the planes

-Questions have been asked of those involved in servicing private planes at Shannon and to date none have evere noticed anything suspicious and
I'm sure statements have been made to this effect

Why? To whom? Who do you think would have asked those questions? The cops? Plenty of actual airport workers are suspicious and ashamed that these planes come through. They don't say anything in public though.

-or else someone somewhere would have tested the government on these accusations.

Really? So if an airport worker was suspicious of it, the government would immediately listen? D'ya think?

-Even the opposition in the Dail are getting tired of shouting "wolf", so maybe it's time to move

Who's pinning hopes on anyone in the Dail?

by American Irish Sun Oct 15, 2006 11:32

We support and fund the IRA for decades and this is how you repay us!!!!!

by Buckbowski Sun Oct 15, 2006 12:27

Well done folks keep up the good work. This issue must not be let die.

As for the idea about picketing the Limerick Leader, this is a bit crazy. I am sure it is a useless rag but it would only serve to take attention and focus away from the real issue.

Would someone please tell the American Irish that the majority of good people in Ireland dont support the murderous drug dealers that are the I.R.A. Although it does beg the questions of why you are now fighting terrorists if you are so proud to have funded them.