RSF: Use of Free State Navy to Protect Shell 'Disgraceful'

national | miscellaneous | press release Thursday September 11, 2008 07:57 by Republican Sinn Féin - Republican Sinn Féin saoirse at iol dot ie Republican Sinn Féin, 223 Parnell St, Dublin 1 8729747

The use of the Free State Navy to protect the interests of a multi-national
company against those of the local population is a disgraceful, albeit
unsurprising, devlopment, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin has said.

The Director of Publicity, Richard Walsh said: “The LE Aoife and LE Orla
warships have both been spotted in the vicinity of Broadhaven Bay off the coast
of County Mayo. Their presence is clearly intended to discourage protests
against Shell.

“However the Shell to Sea campaign are to be congratulated for boarding the
‘Solitaire’ despite the oppressive presence of the 26-County military.

“The ‘Topaz’ brand recently replaced the Shell and Statoil brands
throughout the State – at a cost of €15 million – due to the negative
publicity surrounding Shell’s escapades in Ireland. As such it cannot be said
that Shell are not aware of the fact that the Irish people are deeply opposed
to the laying of the Corrib pipeline.

“We also admire the principled stand taken by Maura Harrington, who commenced
a hunger strike at 1800 hours on Tuesday. Maura has said that she will maintain
her fast until the Solitaire leaves Broadhaven Bay. Whilst everyone hopes that
Shell will not allow themselves to be responsible for her death, it must be
remembered that they ensured that nine anti-Shell campaigners, including Ken
Saro-Wiwa, were hanged in Nigeria in 1995.”