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News about the Irish & Irish American culture, music, news, sports. This is hosted by the Irish Aires radio show on KPFT-FM 90.1 in Houston, Texas (a Pacifica community radio station)
November 04, 2004
News 11/03/04 - Adams Wants Bush to Deliver
News about Ireland & the Irish
IE 11/03/04 Adams Wants U.S. Prez To 'Deliver'
UT 11/03/04 NI Politicians React To Bush Win
IE 11/03/04 Irish Americans Ponder Outcome
SM 11/03/04 George Bush Owes It To The Other America
IE 11/03/04 Ferry Awaits Court Decision
EX 11/03/04 Three Elected SF Members 'IRA Chiefs'
SM 11/03/04 Sinn Fein Scorn For Second Report On Paramilitaries
IT 11/04/04 Trimble Led Unionism 'From Front'
IE 11/03/04 Briefs: A Thousand Expected For Adams' NYC Event
SM 11/03/04 In 1994 Doorman Shot Dead Foiling Bomb Bid
BB 11/03/04 BBC Series: Life On The Thin Blue Line
PT 11/03/04 Bush Returns To White House As Kerry Concedes -VO
NW 11/03/04 Suicide Rates Among Young People On The Increase -VO
NW 11/03/04 Lyric FM Launches Singing Competition –VO
NW 11/03/04 Antiques Feature -VO
----
Bush Returns To White House As Kerry Concedes Defeat - 40 Minutes
Suicide Rates Among Young People On The Increase - Jennie
O'Sullivan reports on a new initiative to tackle the situation in
Cork
Lyric FM Launches Singing Competition - Roisin Ní Edhara goes along
to the first round of Diva/Divo auditions in Dublin
Antiques Feature - Maggie Williams accompanies a couple to auction
who are looking for antiques for their modern home
******************************************
Adams Wants U.S. Prez To 'Deliver'
By Paul Colgan
Irish unity can be achieved before 2016, the 100th anniversary of
the Easter Rising, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has said, but
Irish Americans need to put the "ending of the union" onto the U.S.
political agenda.
In an interview Monday, Adams said that Irish America has a crucial
role to play in pushing forward an all-Ireland agenda.
He also called on whoever is elected U.S. president to "deliver" on
their commitments to support the Irish political process. He also
urged the White House to ensure that the British government lives
up to its responsibilities under the terms of the Good Friday
agreement.
Adams flew into New York Tuesday to embark on a week- long tour of
the U.S., taking in functions in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago,
San Francisco and Washington. He will be meeting with senior
politicians and business people.
"Obviously, 2016 is an emotive date for republicans and
nationalists, but I've never been taken up that much with it -- a
United Ireland could happen before then," Adams told this
newspaper. "But we have two big challenges. One is to persuade the
British government that its duty lies in leaving Ireland. Secondly,
we have to reach out to unionists.
"If it doesn't happen by 2016, people shouldn't come complaining on
Easter Monday because they'll only have themselves to blame.
"The majority of people in Ireland believe that partition and the
British presence is the problem. It's up to us to work with these
people and harness their support. I believe that unionists working
with nationalists and republicans on a whole range of issues
through the all-Ireland bodies will come to see that they have a
lot in common with us."
Adams would not be drawn on the details of the current political
logjam in the North but predicted that were the DUP not to "play
ball" the Irish government would have to take a "deeper" role in
the affairs of the Northern Ireland.
He said that the DUP should not be allowed a veto on the future of
the North and that the "process of change" needed to continue.
"The best solution would be a deal that includes the DUP," Adams
said. "But if it chooses not to play ball, there has to be movement
ahead by both governments. The de facto situation is that Dublin is
involved in the North as a right. All the parties, including the
DUP, recognize that. You now have Ian Paisley and the DUP meeting
the Irish government on matters of common interest.
"The president of Ireland, the taoiseach and government ministers
conduct meetings in the North on a daily basis and there's not a
murmur. But this involvement would have to deepen.
"Unionism, and in particular DUP unionism, will only be moved if it
believes that the process of change will continue. We would look
for the U.S. to encourage the British government to fulfill its
responsibilities.
"Both Kerry and Bush signed advance positions on the North, which
in itself is an indication of the importance of Irish America. We
would call on whoever is elected to deliver on their commitments."
Adams welcomed Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's deadline for talks on Nov.
25. "We can't have continuous talks," he said. "Sinn Fein wants to
do a deal now and we welcome anything that helps that to happen."
He would not comment on the detail of the deal offered by the
republican movement at the recent crunch talks at Leeds Castle,
Kent, but said that it was "obvious" where the fault for the
current impasse lies. Some reports had claimed that the IRA was to
be stood down as soon as Christmas as part of a deal with the DUP.
"Its very clear that the two governments are satisfied that
republicans are prepared to make a significant contribution as part
of a comprehensive package," Adams said.
Adams also poured some cold water on recent speculation of a
coalition between Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail, saying it was
"premature." He said that Fianna Fail would need to take a
"different ideological direction" in terms of social and economic
policy before Sinn Fein could lend it its support. He also said
that Sinn Fein would only sit in a government that had a
"strategic, programmatic approach" to securing Irish independence.
This story appeared in the issue of November 3-9, 2004
******************************************
NI Politicians React To Bush Win
US President George W Bush was tonight urged by Northern Ireland's
politicians to continue to support their efforts to revive power
sharing when he embarks on a second term in office.
By:Press Association
With Democratic Senator John Kerry poised to concede the
Presidential election to Mr Bush, Northern Ireland`s politicians
welcomed the Republican candidate`s victory.
Democratic Unionist leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley said President
Bush`s victory sent out a strong signal about terrorism and family
values around the world.
The North Antrim MP said: "I welcome the news of President George W
Bush`s re-election and offer my congratulations to him and his many
colleagues who have secured election to the House and the Senate.
"President Bush`s re-election sends a strong signal to those who
continue to engage in terror and their supporters that the war on
terror will continue.
"The President`s strong policy and determined action against
international terrorism has left it with no place to hide and I
welcome his consistent views on this issue.
"Mr Bush has exercised a balanced judgement in his attitude to
Northern Ireland.
"Relationships built between Northern Ireland and the White
House over the last four years can be further developed and we look
forward to the continuation of impartiality in the US
contribution."
During his term in office, President Bush has issued several
statements urging Northern Ireland`s politicians to inspire other
nations around the world by moving
permanently from conflict to stable democratic government.
In April 2003, President Bush visited Northern Ireland for a summit
at Hillsborough Castle on the Iraq war with Prime Minister Tony
Blair.
During the visit he met Northern Ireland`s unionist, nationalist
and cross community political leaders and encouraged them to go the
extra mile for the peace process.
The President has also regularly played host to Northern Ireland`s
politicians at the annual St Patrick`s Day celebrations in the
White House.
However his Presidency has also been in marked contrast to that of
his predecessor, Bill Clinton who played a more hands-on role in
the peace process.
During the Democratic Party`s primaries earlier this year, Senator
Kerry castigated the President for the way he had handled the
situation in Northern Ireland.
The Massachusetts Senator promised a return to the kind of
involvement shown by Bill Clinton.
The Reverend Paisley noted President Bush had also been a staunch
defender of the family and other moral issues.
He added: "I am greatly encouraged that he has stood firm on the
religious convictions that are held by many across America and
indeed the world."
The deputy leader of the cross community Alliance Party Eileen Bell
also urged Mr Bush to continue to work positively in Northern
Ireland.
The North Down Assembly member said: "The Bush administration has
always played a constructive role in the Northern Ireland peace
process, and its policy has been put into action by two very
capable individuals, (Ambassadors) Richard Haass and Mitchell Reiss
special envoys to Northern Ireland).
"Alliance would particularly highlight their support for a shared
society and their championing of integrated education.
"We look forward to the continuation of the steady US policy here
and our good working relationship with the US Consulate."
Ambassador Reiss is due to meet Gerry Adams in the US this week for
a review of negotiations to restore devolution.
Mr Adams is currently in the US fundraising and meeting key Irish
American and political figures.
The West Belfast MP arrived in New York and is to visit
Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC during his
week there.
******************************************
Irish Americans Ponder Outcome
President Bush seemed on his way to an apparent popular and
electoral vote victory in the presidential election by Wednesday
morning. While there had been no acceptance or concession speech by
press time, some prominent Irish Americans sought potential gain in
either result, while others were just taking it all in.
Attorney Eamonn Dornan said he was "pretty astounded" by the
results.
"As important as a Kerry victory would have been, it's also
important that it would have been a decisive one, in terms of
numbers," he said. "I don't really see a challenge going anywhere."
With Ohio set to tip the balance, a Kerry win was hinging on
provisional ballots from people whose names were not on
registration rolls.
Kerry's campaign manager, Mary Beth Cahill, said last night "there
are more than 250,000 remaining votes to be counted. We believe
when they are, John Kerry will win Ohio."
Exit polls conducted Tuesday gave Kerry a lead in some battleground
states, but differed from the results that poured in after polls
closed across the country.
With no clear-cut winner by Wednesday morning, a national divide
seemed inevitable.
Woodlawn resident Sally Regenhard said, "Whoever wins will only
have approximately 50 percent of the American public backing him.
That is troubling."
Regenhard lost her firefighter son Christian in the Sept. 11
attacks.
"I can say that I am very surprised that there was so much support
for Bush. I honestly think that even Bush was surprised," she
continued.
It had been estimated that the large number of newly registered
Democrats would tip the election toward Kerry, and final voter
turnout, flirting with 60 percent of the population, was considered
further beneficial for the Democrat. But it was in the so-call
"red" states where turnout records were set, specifically in
Georgia, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Virginia. Meanwhile, only
10 percent of 18-24-year-old voters, thought to be a Kerry
strength, cast their ballots.
"I thought that a bigger turnout would have meant a Kerry victory,"
added Dornan, a sentiment that was echoed by many pundits.
Immigration was of paramount concern to Tom Conaghan, who heads the
Irish Immigration and Pastoral Center in Philadelphia.
He spent the evening of the count assessing the consequences for
immigration reform on the basis of both possible presidential
outcomes.
"We think there will be more on offer from Kerry but what is
crucial is the makeup of the new congress," Conaghan said.
With a GOP congress in mind, Conaghan was looking more closely at
what might be on offer from a winning President Bush.
"I think there will be some relief for immigrants regardless, but
the Bush work visa proposal would probably go through pretty fast
with a Republican congress," he said.
Ready to accommodate both possible outcomes in the election was Fr.
Sean McManus of the Washington, D.C.-based Irish National Caucus.
"As I've said all along, whoever is president, the peace process is
going to be supported by America," McManus said.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians' national president, Ned McGinley,
had been planning his next move based on an unlikely Kerry win in
the general election.
Speaking from Pennsylvania, where John Kerry came out on top before
the close of Election Day, McGinley said he expected the revised
U.S./UK extradition treaty, which is currently in a holding pattern
before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would come under new
and critical scrutiny.
He was, not surprisingly, was less expectant of a meeting with a
second term President Bush.
Andy Somers, the Wisconsin-based national president of the Irish
American Unity Conference, said that his organization had been
trying to get the message out during the campaign that the Bush
administration had "done nothing" over the last four years to
enforce the Good Friday agreement or "ruffle British feathers."
"It's payback for Tony Blair," Somers said. "The election outcome
does not make our mission easier," Somers said in acknowledgement
of the expected Bush win.
"We will just have to push forward," he said.
(This report was prepared by the Echo staff.)
******************************************
George Bush Owes It To The Other America
GEORGE KEREVAN
WHY did Bush win? My first experience of the American hinterland
was more than 30 years ago, on a long, lazy car drive: down from
Germanic Cincinnati in Ohio; across the Blue Ridge Mountains in
West Virginia, where the radio stations play wall-to- wall country
music; southwards through the Carolinas, where the red earth sticks
to the magnolia blossoms; then northwards again along the bleak
Atlantic coast where the Wright Brothers first took to the air.
It was a revelation: no New York skyscrapers, no urban
sophistication, and my then American girlfriend had to slip a ring
on her left hand lest the prim North Carolinan landlady in the
gorgeous colonial B&B take Presbyterian offence at our unwed
status. This is the America that has given George Walker Bush his
huge popular majority in the teeth of world opinion and despite the
ire of America's coastal elites.
Here in Scotland, where the mainstream view is anti- Bush, the
instant reaction will be to dismiss this other America as redneck,
racist, bigoted, gun-loving and ignorant. But hold a mirror to
thyself: the part of America that doggedly voted Republican on
Tuesday is its ethnic Scottish-Ulster heartland. These are the
descendants of the lowland yeoman folk who colonised Virginia in
the 17th century, then crossed the Appalachian Mountains to open up
the frontier in the 18th, joined by the refugees from the Govan
slums in the 19th.
They brought with them a Celtic tribalism, a small- farmer self-
reliance and a rationalist Presbyterian morality based on the Good
Book. They also brought their own home-spun music, with its
sentimental narratives and view of this world as a trial to be
endured. From the bluegrass fiddle music of the Appalachian crofts
to the Burns-like honky-tonk ballads of the itinerant oil workers
in the Texas dustbowl, country music has evolved to dominate
contemporary musical tastes. But beyond the saccharin- sweet
commercialism of country rock, it is music that still defines the
mental and moral landscape of a community that was prepared to defy
the world last Tuesday. Never in a million years were America's
Scots-Irish going to vote for John Kerry, whatever the eastern
pollsters thought.
That is not to say that many Americans were not legitimately
critical of George Bush - for failing to capture Osama bin Laden,
for overestimating Saddam Hussein, for letting Iraq slide into
anarchy and for having a dangerously ad-hoc approach to economic
policy. Mr Bush is a man for the grand gesture - much needed in the
aftermath of 9/11 and the dot-com crash - but his interest in the
subsequent follow-up has frequently proved a tad inadequate.
Yet when the political chips are really down, the American Scots-
Irish prefer two things when choosing a leader: moral certainty in
taking decisions (which is different from sexual morals) and a
populist ability to speak in something approaching the vernacular.
That's why they ditched George Bush, senior, for folksy Bill
Clinton, until they saw through Clinton's synthetic political
outrage. And that's why they stuck with Bush, junior, reformed
drunkard and someone literally not afraid to overthrow tyrants.
I mention all this not to justify George Bush but to suggest a way
for Europe to understand a resurgent American nationalism that
conforms pretty much to what the Scots-Irish made it. Contrary to
European myth, it is not an especially imperialist nationalism, but
when provoked it sees things with a terrible, biblical simplicity.
The Scots settlers who first colonised America, and then illegally
slipped across the Appalachians to live among the Indian tribes,
were not out to found a new empire. Having been chased out of
Scotland and Ulster for economic and religious reasons, then having
clashed with the conservative English merchant elites who ran the
eastern colonies, the Scots just wanted to be left to their own
devices. To this day, their predilection for owning guns is less to
do with the desire to blast away at dumb animals, as pique at the
idea that someone should tell them what to do. That's why it is not
a good idea to try to frighten them by crashing airliners into tall
buildings: it just makes them mad.
When roused, usually by a wholly correct moral indignation, Scots-
Irish America believes it is the agency for Divine retribution.
Don't snigger: you are here because of this gut reaction. Back in
1940, the United States was split down the middle - nothing new
there - over the war in Europe. The large German immigrant
communities of the industrial Mid-West (think Ohio) were fervently
isolationist. They had just re-elected Franklin Roosevelt on a
platform of non-intervention. The Americans in favour of dealing
with the fascists were the Scots-Irish, who had a long tradition of
military service, especially during the Civil War (on both sides).
Otherwise, the capital of the EU would be called Germania.
OF COURSE, there are downsides to the Scots-Irish psyche in
America. Historically, it has been prone to racism. It was socially
conservative long before the rise of Christian fundamentalism (and
I worry about a Bush administration packing the Supreme Court with
reactionaries for the next generation). Mind you, I suspect that if
we put gay marriage to the vote in Scotland, it would be rejected.
And I think it is too easy to put the Bush victory down to an
evangelical plot: the Catholic German strongholds of the Democratic
Party in the industrial Mid-West are stridently anti- abortion.
Here is the saving grace of the Scots-Irish version of American
nationalism: it would really rather finish the job quickly in Iraq,
and go home and listen to Roy Acuff or Hank Williams. It does not
like being drawn into the role of imperialist policeman. But anti-
Americans should beware of getting what they wish for - living
without the Americans may prove worse than living with them.
As a culture based on self-reliance and Mosaic rules of social
conduct, Scots-Irish American nationalism cannot comprehend
societies based on clientelism and endemic personal corruption.
That's why it does not like the way the United Nations has
developed into a talking shop, and why it gets exasperated by the
Middle East. The Scots-Irish have given George Bush a mandate: but
it says: "Finish the job quickly, or we will let the world stew in
its own juice."
The world has woken up to four more years of George Bush with
something of a headache. Personally, I'm glad the incipient trade
war that the Democrats were planning against Europe - to make good
their promise of protecting jobs in Ohio - has receded into the
distance.
I also think that by legitimising George Bush with a serious
popular majority, the Scots-Irish have cut the diplomatic feet from
under those who dismiss him as a usurper; as well as seeing off
tiresome posers, such as the documentary-maker Michael Moore, who
trivialise and personalise debate.
The world can now get down to some serious politics, starting at
the G8 summit at Gleneagles Hotel in July. Remember that Jacques
Chirac and Gerhard Schröder will retire long before Bush. There is
a space for a new generation of European politicians to rebuild the
transatlantic alliance.
Like it or lump it, a Bush White House is now a fact of life. But
if Scotland calms down a minute, we might discover that his America
is a far less alien place than we imagine.
******************************************
Ferry Awaits Court Decision
By Ray O'Hanlon
Belfast man Ciaran Ferry this week was awaiting a decision from a
Colorado judge on his habeas corpus appeal.
The judge, Edward Nottingham, declined to given an immediate ruling
on the petition during a brief hearing last week in the U.S.
District Court in Denver.
Separate to the habeas corpus issue, the former IRA man is also
appealing against a decision by the Virginia-based Board of
Immigration Appeals to deport him to Ireland.
Ferry has been jailed since Jan. 30, 2003. He was detained when he
turned up for a green card interview accompanied by his wife,
Heaven, a U.S. citizen.
Heaven Ferry, and the couple's 3-year-old daughter, Fiona, were in
the court for the habeas corpus hearing on Thursday, Oct. 28. The
courtroom was packed with Ferry supporters, observers said. Ferry
briefly got to hug his daughter before the proceedings began.
Because of jailing restrictions, Ferry has had extremely limited
contact with his daughter since last year.
In what Ferry's attorney, Eamonn Dornan, described as an "ominous"
twist in the case, Judge Nottingham declined to take any more
evidence or countenance testimony from witnesses during the
hearing.
"The judge indicated that he had very narrow grounds for review,"
Dornan said.
Prosecutors argue that Ferry has the key to his own jail cell. By
dropping his appeal against the order of deportation against him,
he could secure his release. But that would result in deportation
from the U.S.
"If judge Nottingham doesn't challenge the government's illegal
actions in denying my husband his due process rights, he will force
us to return with our 3-year-old daughter to Belfast, where my
husband is on a loyalist hit list," Heaven Ferry said after the
hearing.
Ferry faces deportation after an immigration appeals court earlier
this year confirmed a lower court ruling denying him political
asylum. The Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed not only Ferry's
appeal against the bar on asylum, but also his application for a
full adjustment of status hearing and a "redetermination" of his
custody status.
In November of last year, a Colorado immigration judge, James
Vandello, ruled that Ferry was ineligible for asylum because of a
past conviction for a "serious nonpolitical crime" in Northern
Ireland. Vandello also ruled against Ferry's asylum plea on the
basis that he had filed it too late.
The BIA, in its subsequent ruling, said that it concurred with
Judge Vandello's finding that Ferry had failed to submit his
application for asylum in a timely manner and had failed to
establish "changed or exceptional circumstances to excuse his delay
in filing a timely application."
When he appeared for his green-card interview in January 2003,
Ferry was questioned about a prison term he served in Northern
Ireland for IRA-related activities in the early 1990s.
Ferry was arrested in Belfast in 1993 after two guns and ammunition
were found in a car in which he was a passenger. He was sentenced
to 22 years but was released in 2000 under the terms of the Good
Friday agreement. Ferry did not reveal that he had been in prison
when he first entered the U.S.
Ferry, who is 33, was detained at the green card interview by
immigration officers. His asylum plea was a legal counter move
against a deportation order that followed his arrest.
Ferry's initial detention was specifically based on a charge that
he had overstayed his U.S. visa. His legal team has countered that
he had in fact obtained labor authorization and was permitted an
extended stay in the U.S. pending his green card interview.
Ferry and his wife lived in Belfast for a time but decided to
settle in Arvada, Colo., after Ciaran Ferry's name was found by
police on a loyalist death list.
Part of Ferry's plea for asylum is based on loyalist death threats
and seeks protection under the international Convention Against
Torture.
The BIA found that Ferry had failed to meet his burden of proof to
establish eligibility for relief under the convention because the
British government had indicated that it had "attempted to protect
persons included on the 'death list.' "
This story appeared in the issue of November 3-9, 2004
******************************************
1M.asp
Three Elected SF Members 'IRA Chiefs'
By John Breslin
THREE Sinn Féin elected representatives are also members of the IRA
Army Council, Justice Minister Michael McDowell has claimed.
Mr McDowell did not name the three when speaking during a debate
with Sinn Féin general secretary Robbie Smyth at Trinity College
Dublin on Tuesday night.
The justice minister also made reference to party president Gerry
Adams and reputed senior IRA member Brian Keenan, describing them
both as people with a Marxist philosophy.
The debate, organised by TCD's Young PD grouping, centred on Sinn
Féin's economic policies and asked whether they would destroy the
country.
But, according to witnesses who attended the debate, the discussion
ranged beyond purely economic policies.
The Progressive Democrats yesterday confirmed the minister said he
believed three members of the IRA Army Council were also elected
public representatives.
According to those who attended the debate, Mr McDowell also
referred to the recent Leeds Castle talks between the various
parties involved in hammering out an agreement on the North's
institutions.
He claimed Sinn Féin asked Fianna Fáil to say what the party must
do to get into government with them.
This has been flatly denied by Sinn Féin, who publicly argue that
it will not be bound by conditions laid down by other parties.
Mr Smyth claimed that at the meeting the minister failed to stick
to the economic issues at the centre of the debate.
******************************************
Sinn Fein Scorn For Second Report On Paramilitaries
By Dan McGinn, Ireland Political Editor, PA News
The Government will today release the second report by a commission
appointed to monitor republican and loyalist paramilitary activity
in Northern Ireland.
As the province's politicians waited to see the Independent
Monitoring Commission's findings, Sinn Fein went on the offensive
claiming its contents were of little interest to nationalists and
republicans.
Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew denounced the IMC as a puppet of
those in the British political and security system which his party
believes are opposed to the Good Friday Agreement.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP claimed: "The purpose of the IMC
is to subvert the peace process and provide cover for anti-
Agreement elements to seek the exclusion of republicans from any
future political institutions.
"They have no credibility and the contents of tomorrow's report are
of little interest to nationalists or republicans.
"Our focus is on seeing the Good Friday Agreement implemented not
subverted by the IMC or anyone else."
The Independent Monitoring Commission was formed last year and was
also tasked with monitoring how the Government is living up to its
pledges to scale down security in Northern Ireland.
Its members comprise the former deputy director of the United
States' Central Intelligence Agency Richard Kerr, ex- Metropolitan
Police anti-terrorist chief John Grieve, retired Irish civil
servant Joe Brosnan and ex-Stormont Assembly Speaker Lord
Alderdice.
Last week the IMC handed in its latest report on paramilitary
activity.
The report is expected to show a reduction in IRA activity but
unionists and moderate nationalists will be scrutinising for
encouraging signs that the Provisionals are preparing to wind down
their organisation in preparation for a deal restoring devolution.
The Reverend Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists insist the IRA must
end all paramilitary and criminal activity and complete disarmament
if Sinn Fein is to join them in a future Stormont power sharing
government.
The report is expected today to examine robberies linked to
republicans in recent months.
It will also focus on loyalist paramilitary violence just days
after Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy met the Progressive
Unionists, who are linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force and
representatives of the Ulster Defence Association about
reinvigorating their role in the peace process.
Nationalist SDLP deputy leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell attacked Sinn
Fein ahead of the release of today's report for being in denial
about IRA criminality and the role of the IMC in exposing and
highlighting its activities.
The South Belfast Assembly member noted: "The IMC has made some
mistakes and the SDLP has been clear about them but Sinn Fein is
going to extraordinary lengths to deny the basic truths that
everyone knows and the IMC highlighted.
"They say that all paramilitaries including loyalists and the IRA
are up to their necks in criminality.
"Loyalists are poisoning their own communities with drugs, while
the IRA is holding up businesses with armed robberies and holding
up the political process by not bringing this activity to an end.
"Instead of trying to demonise the IMC, Sinn Fein needs to do much
more to control the IRA and bring the armed robberies and other
criminality that is hurting everyone in our community to an end.
"As for loyalists and dissident republicans, they must be told to
shut down or be locked up."
Cross community Alliance Party justice spokesman Stephen Farry also
defended the IMC, claiming it was there to shine a spotlight on the
dark deeds of paramilitaries and create pressure on them to change.
"With Sinn Fein making demands for action regarding 'On the Runs',
they need to be careful about making claims that certain matters
are outside the Agreement," the North Down councillor said.
******************************************
Trimble Led Unionism 'From Front'
Mark Brennock, Chief Political Correspondent
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has praised Mr David Trimble for
having led unionism "from the front" to bring about political
progress.
At the publication in Dublin last night of a new book on the UUP
leader by Irish Times London Editor, Frank Millar, Mr Ahern said
the book gave a clear account of the differences between Mr Trimble
and successive Irish governments.
However, he said, the Government and the UUP had shared broad
objectives. These included an end to all paramilitary violence, as
well as partnership, reconciliation, respect for difference and the
establishment of institutions recognising the complexity of
relationships on these islands.
He said Mr Trimble "understood early the need for unionism to
engage with and to shape change." While he strongly pursued
unionist goals, it showed his "political creativity and
resourcefulness" in proposing solutions intended to move things
forward.
"He has, I believe, also understood the political constraints on
others, even if he has not always been able publicly to admit
this."
He said this was the third book on Mr Trimble to emerge in recent
times. "It is a measure of Frank's skill and of the complexity of
his subject that he has found a fresh angle . . . It is probing and
rigorous. It doesn't shy away from hard questions. And, to his huge
credit, nor does David Trimble."
David Trimble: The Price of Peace will be published tomorrow by the
Liffey Press at €15.95 in paperback and 29.95 in hardback.
© The Irish Times
******************************************
News Briefs
A Thousand Expected For Adams' NYC Event
Organizers are expecting roughly a thousand guests at a fundraising
dinner in New York this week for visiting Sinn Féin president Gerry
Adams.
"We're expecting about the same as last year," Friends of Sinn
Féin's Larry Downes said.
That would mean roughly $500,000 gross take from the dinner, which
is slated for Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan.
Adams is arriving Wednesday, Nov. 3, on a flight from London and
beginning his five-day U.S. visit with a fundraising event in Pearl
River in Rockland County.
After New York, Adams will be visiting Philadelphia, Chicago and
San Francisco.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's recently elected European Parliament member,
Mary Lou McDonald, will be the keynote speaker at the Fourth Annual
Canadian Friends of Sinn Féin Dinner at the Hilton hotel in Toronto
on Saturday, Nov 6. McDonald will also be at a fundraiser in
Montreal the following day.
----
'Irish Venus' gets retrial in Vegas slay
By Ray O'Hanlon
Las Vegas is a city of chance and Sandy Murphy is on her second big
one. The onetime exotic dancer known as the "Irish Venus" is being
retried for the 1998 murder of her wealthy boyfriend.
Four years ago, a Las Vegas court passed a sentence of life with
possibility of parole on Murphy. She had been found guilty, along
with an accomplice, of murdering her wealthy Casino- owning
boyfriend with a lethal drug cocktail.
Murphy, who was 28 at the time, and Rick Tabish were convicted of
poisoning and suffocating Ted Binion.
The initial trial attracted strong media attention in Ireland
because at one point Murphy was bailed to the tune of $300,000 and
given luxury accommodation by wealthy Irish-born showbiz impresario
Bill Fuller.
Fuller, a Kerry native, first brought Irish showband legend Brendan
Bowyer to Las Vegas. Fuller is also president of a mining company
called Eldorado Mining Inc. He also covered Murphy's first trial
legal expenses, which, according to reports, exceeded $150,000.
Murphy, a California native with Irish family roots in Kerry, and
Tabish, each received a 20-year term with parole only a possibility
after the full term was served. But the convictions were overturned
after a defense appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.
The retrial, with both Murphy and Tabish as defendants, is now in
its third week. Defense attorneys are arguing that Binion died of a
self-administered overdose.
----
Irishman Charged In Chicago Trucking Scam
A County Galway man is facing charges in a federal investigation of
a scandal-plagued city trucking program in Chicago.
Martin McDonagh, who is 36 and from Connemara, is one of six
individuals charged to date in a federal investigation of the
city's Hired Truck Program, a program launched by Chicago mayor
Richard Daley.
The investigation, which is being led by U.S. Attorney Patrick J.
Fitzgerald,
is probing Chicago's $38 million-a-year Hired Truck Program, which
gives out city contracts to private truckers.
Federal prosecutors have alleged that companies have been given
business under the program in return for kickbacks and campaign
contributions to unnamed political candidates.
According to a federal indictment, McDonagh is charged with making
false statements to investigators. McDonagh, who was charged in an
initial court appearance last month, runs the day-to-day operations
of Elliott Inc., a trucking company that operates in the northern
Illinois area.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office, Randall Samborn, said
that no trial date had been set and that McDonagh had not yet been
required to enter a plea. The Galwayman is, meanwhile, free on his
own recognizance.
McDonagh's Chicago-based defense attorneys, David Stetler and Corey
Rubenstein, could not be contacted by presstime.
----
Philly Trial Delayed
The trial in Philadelphia of four men accused of murdering Donegal
man Neil Martin McConigley has been delayed for one week.
The new opening day for the trial is Monday, Nov. 8. Relatives of
McConigley are expected to travel from Ireland to Philadelphia for
the proceedings, which will be dominated in the opening days by
legal motions and jury selection.
McConigley was gunned down in October 1999 while allegedly chasing
a gang who had just robbed his business partner.
----
IAUC Is Belfast Bound
The Irish American Unity Conference is crossing the Atlantic for
its upcoming annual convention.
The group is meeting in Belfast Nov. 11-14 for what will be its
22nd annual gathering.
The convention will include a two-day conference, with the theme of
"Communities: Democracy on the Ground."
"The conference will bring together both nationalist and unionist
community groups to discuss their activities toward creating social
and economic stability and a just and equitable peace in keeping
with the Good Friday agreement," IAUC president Andy Somers said.
----
This story appeared in the issue of November 3-9, 2004
******************************************
Doorman Shot Dead Foiling Bomb Bid
By Louise Hogan, PA News
A doorman guarding a republican social function at the Widow
Scallan's pub in Dublin was shot dead while trying to fend off a
loyalist bomb attack, an inquest heard today.
Martin Doherty, 35, from Ballymun, Dublin died on Pearse Street
after he was shot several times in the chest by gunmen on May 21,
1994.
The court heard that a Northern Ireland registered car pulled up
outside the pub and two men alighted to try to plant a
"substantial" bomb in the public house.
Supt John Fitzpatrick told the Dublin City Coroner's Court: "They
were challenged by the deceased as a result of which he was shot
outside the premises. He managed to close the door of the
premises."
The inquest heard there were more than 150 people on the premises
for the function, as well as the televised boxing match between
Chris Eubank and Ray Close, and if the bomb had exploded it would
have had devastating consequences.
The coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, said Mr Doherty had lost his life
challenging the gunmen, who were forced to abandon the bomb
outside.
One witness, David Coakley, who would have been 14 at the time,
told how they heard shots as they stood outside a chip shop near
the pub.
He told the court that a right-handed gunman shot a man lying on
the ground several times with a handgun before he jumped into a
gold coloured car parked outside the pub.
"The wheels spun as they started off and the tyres screeched and
they took off up Pearse Street," he said.
Three witnesses said the gunman stared at them as the three-men
drove off and described him as in his 20s or early 30s, about six-
foot tall, of light build with short black hair.
Mr Coakley told the court he spotted a black sports bag, about two
feet-long planted near the pub.
Supt John Fitzpatrick, who was at the scene, said the army bomb
disposal unit was called in to deal with the partially exploded
bomb, which was primed to go off.
"There was a partial detonation but the main bomb did not go off."
A statement from a deceased witness, Peter Hanlon, told how the
bomb caused panic when it partially exploded.
The Northern Ireland car, which was later found burnt out, was seen
on its way into Dublin but the superintendent said there was no
reason for police to stop it.
"We still have an unsolved murder and the file remains open. To
date no-one has been made amenable," Supt Fitzpatrick said. "All
aspects were dealt with."
He declined to comment on who was responsible for the gun and bomb
attack as the investigation was ongoing.
Supt Fitzpatrick said: "No-one has been made amenable in relation
to this particular incidence."
A sister of the deceased, Rose, said she had been to many of these
functions and there was always a Garda car outside.
She asked the superintendent how come it was removed on that
occasion.
Supt Fitzpatrick said those were operations carried out by the
special detective unit and he could not go into security issues.
The post mortem exam from the former State Pathologist, Prof John
Harbison, showed Mr Doherty had died as a result of bullet wounds
in his heart and lungs.
Dr Farrell said: "By Martin's brave actions he may have saved the
lives of very many people.
"I would appeal to anyone in Ireland or Northern Ireland to come
forward even at this late stage to assist the Gardai and the PSNI."
The jury passed a verdict of unlawful killing by person or persons
unknown.
******************************************
Life On The Thin Blue Line
A new BBC television documentary series aims to look behind the
headlines to highlight the human face of day-to-day policing in
Londonderry.
Derry City Beat charts the progress of officers around the city as
they deal with a range of crimes.
One officer is filmed admitting, "I would be lying if I didn't say
I was scared," before being sent to tackle a group of disruptive
drunks.
Crimes faced by the police in the six-part series include violent
assaults and drug busts.
The first episode follows officers as they deal with a rowdy house
party, a drunk driver who took a shortcut through a neighbour's
fence and a dramatic rescue from a burning building.
Series producer Anne Stirling said this was the first time that
anyone had got this sort of access to officers working in Foyle
District Command.
Day-to-day threats
"We follow the police officers dealing with problems that are not
necessarily of a sectarian or a 'security' nature but the serious
anti-social behaviours such as car crime and drug dealing that are
the day-to-day threats facing local communities," she said.
"Our cameras followed the officers connected with the five stations
over a period of approximately six months and got exclusive access
to their policing duties both on the beat and in the stations, such
as the custody suite that had previously been off limits."
The series, made for BBC Northern Ireland by Stirling Productions,
starts on BBC One at 2240 GMT on Wednesday evening.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2004/11/03 15:21:07 GMT
© BBC MMIV
--- News
