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July 11, 2005

Loyalist Blamed For Murder & Arson

News about Ireland & the Irish

BT 07/11/05 Loyalists Blamed For Teen's Murder
BT 07/11/05 Loyalists Arsonists Attack Couple's Home
BT 07/11/05 Loyalists Drive Out Catholics
BT 07/11/05 Portadown Residents Save Man From Beating
BT 07/11/05 Ballymoney Massgoers 'Are Delayed By Parades'
SF 07/11/05 Anti Catholic Slogans Daubed On Harryville Chapel
SF 07/11/05 Attacks & Shootings Significantly Raise Tensions
BB 07/11/05 Escaped Prisoner Is Re-Arrested
SF 07/11/05 Adams Appeals For Calm In Advance Of Parades
BT 07/11/05 Parade Fears Over Ardoyne Shops Flashpoint
BT 07/11/05 Change This Year In Way 11th Night Is Celebrated
BT 07/11/05 Visitors From Deep South For Tobermore
BT 07/11/05 Independents Orangeman Host Scots Brethren
BT 07/11/05 Riots Billed In Advance Like Country Ceilidhs
BT 07/11/05 'Happy Twelfth' Cards Launched
BT 07/11/05 Resolutions Are Critical Of Parades Commissionv
BT 07/11/05 Fury As Killyleagh Thugs Cause Havoc
BT 07/11/05 Mosques Attacked By Arsonists As Asians Fear Surge
IT 07/11/05 Republican Leaders Consider New Mode For IRA
BT 07/11/05 Big Game The First Priority For Residents
BT 07/11/05 Positive Day For Our Town: Police
BB 07/11/05 Remembrance Event Held In Donegal
UT 07/11/05 Father Gives Up Hope Of Finding Son Alive
BT 07/11/05 Actor Liam Slimming Down For Latest Role

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652119

Loyalists Blamed For Teen's Murder

Man fights for life after earlier gun attack

By David Gordon and Debra Douglas
dgordon@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

POLITICIANS and police were appealing for calm after gun
attacks in north Belfast left a teenager dead and a man in his
20s fighting for his life.

The PSNI has so far declined to comment on possible motives
behind the gun attacks and has not said if the incidents were
connected.

But loyalist paramilitaries were being blamed locally for both
shootings, which occurred amid fears of fresh tensions between
the LVF and UVF.

The 19-year-old murder victim, whose name has not yet been
released, was gunned down in a house in Dhu Varren Crescent in
the Woodvale area shortly after 1.30am today.

The attack was carried out by three men who forced their way
into the house. Their victim was taken to hospital but died
from his injuries.

The murder gang is believed to have escaped in a light blue
Peugeot car which was later found burning in Cupar Way in the
Shankill area.

The fatal shooting occurred some 90 minutes after a man was
left critically injured in a gun attack in the Crumlin Road
area near Glenbank.

He was shot a number of times in the upper body just before
midnight and underwent emergency surgery.

Police made an appeal for calm after the Crumlin Road attack,
with north Belfast Chief Superintendent, Mike Little, urging
community representatives "to use their influence to ease
tensions in the area".

A PSNI spokeswoman today said detectives were keeping an "open
mind" on the attacks.

Fears of fresh loyalist blood-letting in Belfast have escalated
following the UVF murder of LVF associate Jameson Lockhart in
the east of the city earlier this month.

It is understood LVF elements held a meeting in Ballysillan
yesterday to discuss their response to the Lockhart killing.

The murder scene at Dhu Varren remained cordoned off this
morning.

A local resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I've no
idea who the victim is but it's a terrible thing to happen."

The scene at the Crumlin Road shooting also remained cordoned
off.

One resident said: "I heard a lot of commotion and looked out
the window and saw the guy lying on the ground with a crowd of
people around him.

"I didn't recognise him but I heard he was just walking past
when he was shot."

DUP Assemblyman, Nelson McCausland, today appealed for calm and
said there would be speculation about a possible link between
the shootings and "inter-paramilitary tensions".

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652099

Sectarian Arsonists Attack Couple's Home

Incident comes after parade threat

By Andrea Clements
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

A CATHOLIC couple whose home near a north Belfast interface was
targeted in a sectarian arson attack believe those behind the
incident intended to kill them.

The pair, who live on the Crumlin Road near the Ardoyne
shopfronts, say the incident in the early hours of yesterday
morning comes after they were threatened by loyalists during
last month's Tour of the North parade, which passed through the
area.

An attacker broke the living room window at their house at
about 3.40am.

Petrol was poured in and set alight.

The woman occupant of the house was treated for the effects of
smoke inhalation.

She and her husband were woken by noise downstairs.

He said: "I ran into the front room and saw the flames.

"I saw a guy with a petrol can and thought he was going to pour
it over my car.

"Then he threw it down at the fence, got into a high-powered
white car, turned off the lights and drove off.

"This was not a random petrol bomb attack but deliberate
attempted murder."

The couple said their property had been targeted before but
that incidents seemed to happen only during the summer.

They claim that when they were in their garden on June 17, the
evening of the Tour of the North parade, they were threatened
by loyalists.

Eighteen police officers were injured when they came under
sustained attack that night, and 11 members of the public were
also hurt when trouble flared as the contentious Orange Order
parade passed the Ardoyne shopfronts.

"They said they'd be back to burn us out and made gestures like
they were going to shoot us.

"We just want to live our lives in peace. We don't want to be
seen as a threat to anyone," the pair added.

The residents say they have been told that CCTV cameras, about
200 yards from their home, did not record the incident.

But a PSNI spokeswoman said police did not comment on
operational matters or about what the camera was filming at the
time.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact
them.

Sinn Fein MLA Michael Ferguson said the incident "epitomised
the Twelfth celebrations for nationalists living in north
Belfast".

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652030

Driven Out

Kathleen had lived in Ahoghill for fifty years ... but then
sectarian thugs beat a Lambeg drum on her front lawn

By Deborah McAleese
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

A CATHOLIC woman who was forced to flee from her home of 50
years in Co Antrim after a loyalist mob hounded her out spoke
last night of her terrifying ordeal.

Kathleen McCaughey (51) was finally worn down by a terrifying
campaign of sectarian intimidation and fled from the mainly
Protestant village of Ahoghill - under the protection of a
police escort.

A loyalist mob camped in her garden for several hours shouting
threats and playing Lambeg drums on Thursday evening.

They threatened to burn down her Brookfield Gardens home if she
did not leave.

Ms McCaughey said she is devastated at leaving her home.

She added: "I will miss all my good Protestant neighbours who
said they were shocked and saddened that it had to come to
this."

In May Ms McCaughey had vowed not to be intimidated from the
area despite a petrol bomb attack on her home.

For several months she has endured smashed windows, paint bomb
attacks and was even threatened by a masked man who forced his
way into her house earlier this year.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652049

Residents Save Man From Beating

By Deborah McAleese
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

A GROUP of Portadown residents who came to the aid of a
Portuguese man as he was being viciously attacked by a gang of
thugs were last night praised for their heroism.

The man was on his way to work in the town when three men began
verbally abusing him before knocking him to the ground and
kicking and punching him.

A number of people rushed from their homes to help the man
during the attack at Obins Street at around 7.30am on Saturday
morning.

Police have not ruled out a racial or sectarian motive.

All those who helped the victim have been praised by both the
police and a local resident's group who said they saved the man
from further serious injury.

The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition has blamed the attack on
loyalists and said the assault follows a series of attacks
directed against Catholics in Portadown last weekend.

A Coalition spokesman said: "The intervention by a number of
local people who ran from their homes nearby to assist the
victim saved the man from further serious injury.

"The incident follows a series of attacks against Catholics the
previous weekend. We would urge Catholics, particularly those
living close to interface areas, to be vigilant and to be on
their guard against further attacks."

The PSNI praised the residents who helped the victim.

A police spokesman said: "Police would like to thank the local
residents for their assistance to the injured man."

Three men were arrested shortly after the attack and have since
been released on police bail.

Investigating officers are still appealing for witnesses or
anyone with information about the attack to contact them.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652052

Ballymoney Massgoers 'Are Delayed By Parades'

11 July 2005

THE Catholic community in Ballymoney are being held up by
parades while returning from mass, the town's senior police
officer has been told.

During a Ballymoney District Policing Partnership meeting held
in Dunloy, independent member Brendan Smyth raised the issue of
band parades in the town, which he said were 'disadvantaging
the Catholic community'.

"Local band parades take place in Ballymoney throughout July
and August and in the past the Catholic community have been
disadvantaged in that they are held up coming from mass," said
Mr Smyth.

"Last week at about 9pm, I drove into a hold-up in Castle
Street. We were held up for three-quarters of an hour and there
were quite a number of large lorries and children in the queue.

"There was a big waiting time, however, thankfully the police
officer on duty used a bit of common sense and let some of us
out during a gap in the parade.

"But what about putting diversions in place to stop the traffic
actually going into town?"

In response to his question, Superintendent Alisdair Robinson
replied: "We could look at diversions, but some of the roads
are very difficult to divert onto, especially to facilitate
large lorries.

"Ballymoney Parades are also particularly difficult as they are
part of the centre of the culture in Northern Ireland.

"However, it is not just the Catholic community that are being
held up ? it is hard for people on both sides."

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/10398

Sinn Féin Respond To Anti Catholic Slogans Daubed On Harryville
Chapel

Published: 11 July, 2005

Sinn Féin MLA in North Antrim Philip McGuigan and Sinn Féin
councillor for Ballymena Monica Digney have condemned the
sectarian graffiti daubed on Harryville chapel late last night.

Mr McGuigan said:

"This is the latest in an ongoing campaign against this chapel
and the community that uses it. It is loyalists demonstrating
that Catholics are unwelcome to attend their own church in that
part Ballymena. This kind of sectarianism and intimidation is
designed to ensure the Catholics are expected to live as second
class citizens in their own town.

"This sectarianism has been allowed to continue against the
backdrop of silence from the DUP controlled Ballymena Council."
ENDS

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/10393

Weekend Attacks And Shootings Significantly Raise North Belfast
Tensions

Published: 11 July, 2005

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has
said that weekend attacks by loyalists on a Catholic home on
the Crumlin Road followed by a series of shootings which has
left one man dead and another critically injured has heightened
significantly tensions in the area in advance of tonight's 11th
night bonfires and tomorrows 12th parades.

Mr Kelly said:

" The decision of the Parades Commission to force the 12th
parade through three catholic areas twice on Tuesday was the
wrong decision. The fact that on the later parade hundreds of
loyalists many connected to the gangs involved in recent
attacks on catholic homes and internal feuding over the
weekend will accompany the parade is making the situation even
worse.

" Late last week the Ardoyne Dialogue Group proposed a
compromise for the 12th parade which would see the morning
parade being facilitated and the evening leg re-routed. This
would have relieved tensions and provided the space for
meaningful dialogue to commence over future parades. Given the
events of the weekend when loyalists attempted to murder a
Catholic family on the Crumlin Road and the significant raising
of tension in North Belfast with last nights shootings this is
the only sensible option now open to the Parades Commission and
they should review the parade decision.

" History teaches us that feuds between loyalist gangs tend to
end with attacks on Catholics. Given this reality and the
events of the weekend it is untenable for the Parades
Commission to force this parade and its supporters through
Ardoyne, Mountainview and the Dales on tomorrow." ENDS

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-
/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4671121.stm

Escaped Prisoner Is Re-Arrested

A prisoner who had been on the run for over a month has been
re-arrested.

David Taggart, 24, had been remanded in custody on an attempted
murder charge when he attacked guards and escaped from Lisburn
courthouse on 7 June.

He was arrested in the Antrim Road area of north Belfast at
about 0600 BST in a planned police operation.

A woman was also arrested and is being questioned about
assisting Taggart, while two knives recovered at the scene are
being forensically examined.

Police District Commander Ken Henning said the arrest was "a
result of very intense policing and I commend all those
involved".

Taggart is originally from the Shankill Road area of Belfast.

Following his escape there were reported sightings of him in
Millisle in County Down and police said they had followed leads
in north, west and east Belfast, Dunmurry, Donaghadee, Ards,
Comber, Newry and Dundrum.

A police spotter plane was also involved in the search.

Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2005/07/11 11:45:49 GMT
© BBC MMV

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/10396

Adams Appeals For Calm In Advance Of Parades

Published: 11 July, 2005

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has appealed for calm in
advance of tomorrows contentious Orange parades on the
Springfield Road and in Ardoyne. Speaking today in Belfast Mr
Adams said:

"The Parades Commission have created an extremely dangerous
situation in Ardoyne. The Orange Order have been rewarded for
refusing to engage in dialogue with local residents and will be
allowed to parade through an area where the sole purpose is to
cause offence.

"Over the last ten days the Sinn Fein organisation, including
our national leadership, has been working to ensure that the
situation in Ardoyne does not spiral out of control. The amount
of effort we are expending is a reflection of the very deep
difficulties created by the Parades Commission. In north
Belfast, nationalist and republicans have been left to manage
the crisis created by the Commission's bad decision. I would
appeal to young people in particular not to be provoked
tomorrow." ENDS

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652113

Parade Fears Over Ardoyne Shops Flashpoint

By Chris Thornton, Political Correspondent
cthornton@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

FEARS of unrest during the Twelfth parades at Ardoyne were
undimin- ished today, during the final 24 hours before the
marches.

As thousands of Orangemen prepare for the culmination of the
marching season, parading sources said they have no expectation
of a settlement for the crucial north Belfast marches.

The annual Drumcree parade - which has routinely been the most
serious security threat during recent marching seasons - passed
off quietly yesterday, as concerns about unrest shifted to
north Belfast.

Marches along the Crumlin Road at Ardoyne shops sparked
violence last month and during last year's Twelfth.

Concerns were raised after a house was attacked in a Catholic
area at the weekend.

Worries have been heightened by repub- licans saying they would
not police protesters to prevent violence.

Sinn Fein said former IRA prisoners would not attempt to
marshal Ardoyne protesters because of the recent re-arrest of
Shankill bomber Sean Kelly.

More than 100 Orangemen and bandsmen - as well as scores of
supporters - are due to march along the Crumlin Road in the
morning to hook up with the main parade.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652112

Belfast fire officers inspecting Twelfth bonfires to check on
safety

Change This Year In Way 11th Night Is Celebrated

By Linda McKee
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

FIRE officers in Belfast have been inspecting Twelfth bonfires
to make sure they pose no risk to safety.

Last year, police were forced to close the Milltown Road after
a bonfire became unstable, causing massive traffic disruption
throughout the south of the city.

But this year will see a massive change in the way the 11th
night is celebrated, according to Councillor David Drysdale,
chairman of the Inter Agency Bonfire Committee in Castlereagh.

Bonfires in Ballybeen and Cregagh will become the focal point
of all-day family events featuring bouncy castles and
entertainment, he said.

He said fire officers have been working closely with bonfire
builders to make sure there is no repetition of last year's
events, when police feared the Milltown bonfire could topple at
any moment.

"They've helped us keep the site tidy and helped council
officers to go in and take away things that are not suitable
for bonfires," he said.

For the few days before the fires are lit, fire officers have
been visiting the sites to provide advice on safe distances for
spectators and safety measures that should be adopted to
protect the public, he said.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is advising bonfire
engineers to site their structures well away from houses,
fences and shrubs, with the distance to the nearest property
five times the height of the fire.

They advise building a stable structure with no huts or dens
inside and making sure no children or pets are hiding inside
before setting light to the wood.

Fire officers say no foam-filled furniture , tyres, aerosols,
tins of paint or bottles should be burned and flammable liquids
should not be used to light the fire.

They advise keeping buckets of water, garden hoses or fire
extinguishers nearby.

Mr Drysdale said bonfire builders were keen to avoid using
tyres as they create a white heat.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652095

Visitors From Deep South For Tobermore

Alabama Orangemen renew friendships

By Linda McKee
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

AN ORANGE lodge from the US will join thousands of their
brethren celebrating the Twelfth across Northern Ireland
tomorrow.

Today Orangemen across the province are dusting down their
sashes and bowler hats as they prepare to take part in dozens
of demonstrations celebrating the 315th anniversary of the
Battle of the Boyne.

This Twelfth will be the third time in succession that
Birmingham Sons of William LOL 1003 from Alabama have travelled
across the Atlantic with their wives and families to take part
in the annual parades.

They will join Maghera Sons of William LOL 2209 as they parade
in Tobermore with brethren from Castledawson, Magherafelt,
Garvagh, Kilrea, Tamlaght O'Crilly, Ballyronan and Moneymore.

This year, the county's other major demonstration will be held
in Londonderry city with five districts of City of Londonderry
Grand Lodge as well as Orangemen from Limavady, Macosquin and
Coleraine.

Antrim town will play host to lodges and bands from Cloughfern,
Larne, Sixmilewater, Carnmoney, Killead, Staffordstown,
Carrickfergus and Randalstown, while local demonstrations will
take place in Ballymena and Broughshane.

Orangemen from Portglenone and Ahoghill will travel to
Cullybackey, and lodges from Ballycastle, Rasharkin,
Cloughmills and Ballymoney will visit Bushmills for the big
day.

Glenavy will be the host district for bands and lodges from
Aghalee, Lisburn, Magheragall, Ballinderry, Derriaghy and
Hillsborough.

The main Belfast demonstration, hosting city districts 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, will be held at Barnetts Demesne in
the south of the city, while Portadown will host a major
demonstration with lodges from Richhill, Loughgall, Tandragee,
Armagh, Lurgan, Killylea, Keady, Newtownhamilton, Markethill
and Bessbrook.

Brethren from Lecale, Saintfield, Castlewellan and Ballynahinch
will travel to Comber for the parades, and Loughbrickland will
welcome Orangemen from Lower Iveagh, Rathfriland, Banbridge,
Newry, Gilford and Bann Valley.

Mournes Orangemen will gather for a smaller parade at Annalong,
and brethren from Holywood and Bangor will meet in Newtownards.

In Tyrone, lodges from Sixmilecross, Fintona, Omagh,
Newtownstewart, Killen and Strabane will meet in Beragh, while
Pomeroy will host Killyman, Stewartstown, Cookstown,
Castlecaulfield, Benburb and Coagh.

Fermanagh's main demonstration will be held at Ballinamallard,
hosting Newtownbutler, Lisbellaw, Brookeborough, Lisnaskea,
Enniskillen, Kinawley, Glenawley, Lisnarick, Pettigo,
Magherabuoy, Churchhill, Maguiresbridge, Garrison and Tempo.

A smaller gathering will be held at Clogher, with lodges from
Annahoe and Fivemiletown districts.

The only Twelfth demonstration in the Republic was held at
Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal, yesterday.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652093

Independents Host Scots Brethren

By Linda McKee
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

INDEPENDENT Orangemen gathering at Portglenone for the Twelfth
tomorrow will play host to their brethren from Scotland and
England.

Twenty lodges, bands and drumming parties - including the
award-winning Finvoy Pipe Band from Rasharkin - will travel to
the Co Antrim town for a parade, followed by a devotional
service conducted by the Rev Ian Paisley.

Co Antrim lodges will be joined by brethren from Lurgan,
Tandragee, Londonderry, Enniskillen and Belfast.

The Independent Loyal Orange Institution's resolutions, read by
the County Grand Secretary for Antrim, David Johnston, will
call on Protestants to reject the "desecration of the Sabbath".

They hail the decision by the Orange Order to sever its link
with the Ulster Unionist Party as an opportunity for closer
cooperation between the loyal orders.

"Having pioneered the principle that the Orange Institution
should be an Orange democracy, separate from party politics,
and stood alone in that determination for over 100 years, we,
as Independent Orangemen, welcome the decision of the Loyal
Orange Institution to sever its link with Ulster Unionist
Party," the resolution says.

"We, while maintaining our distinctiveness and history, welcome
the developing cooperation and fraternal relations within the
Orange family.

"Our Protestant religion, the legislative union, our heritage
and culture, our right to parade and our Orange fraternity are
matters we can, we must, defend in unity."

The Independent Orangemen will commemorate not just the Battle
of the Boyne anniversary but the Gunpowder Plot.

"We remember the 400th anniversary of the preservation of our
British Parliament from the intended Popish massacre by
gunpowder," the resolutions say.

"We deplore the fact that democracy is subverted in Northern
Ireland by those who refused to give up their allegiance to
violent and totalitarian actions. Good government now, as in
our history, should not be denied because of the activities of
violent men."

The parade leaves the assembly field at Townhill Road at 1pm,
heading to the demonstration field at Clady Road for the
speeches.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/features/story.jsp?story
=652047

Riots Billed In Advance Like Country Ceilidhs

By Malachi O'Doherty
featureseditor@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

THE determinations have been made and we know where the riots
are likely to be. Many many thousands have already gone on
holiday to be well away from the Orange parades and the
protests against them.

There is little to stay for in a northern Irish July, when even
restaurants will be closed. When those thousands come home in a
couple of weeks the streets will have been cleared again, the
bloodied heads will have been processed through Accident and
Emergency and, God help us, perhaps even the dead buried.

There will be the odd new molten ring in the city tarmac from a
burned-out car and the bonfire sites will be hideous charred
and rancid stains on our public common greenery but, all in
all, things will be back to normal.

Most families in Northern Ireland will be raising their
children to know nothing of this tribal idiocy.

Some of them will wonder in years to come if that wasn't a
dreadful mistake and they shouldn't have nurtured in them
enough fundamental sectarian savvy to at least protect
themselves. For there is no sure way of keeping it from your
door.

And consider the irony that our economic escape route from
decades of dreariness is supposed to be tourism, and imagine
Greece or Cyprus writing off high season like this.

The importance of this dispute to those who preserve it is
clear. They would rather plunge Northern Ireland into civil war
than give ground.

Nothing for them is more important than the right to walk a
stretch of road, even in fear, or than getting out onto the
street to try and stop the Orangemen.

Why don't they just go on holiday like sensible people? But
this is their holiday.

But what Orangeman who expects to be marching past the Ardoyne
shops this week anticipates that without fear?

Determined to celebrate their culture in peace, they can have
no peace and surely it will sour the taste of his sandwiches
and flask of tea in the Field to contemplate the risks of the
journey home.

The apprehension of what is to come will excite the
testosterone-charged young men on both sides but it will hang
like a stale cloud over the heads of everyone else who is
either stuck in one of those areas or committed by principle to
being there.

And behind them will be the political manipulators working out
what point is best made in their interest, and whether it is
best made by mayhem or measured tolerance.

Republicans might like to see a riot to make the argument that
if ordinary decent mass murderers had been free to exercise
their responsible influence over teenage hotheads, things might
have been different.

Gerry Adams says that he for one won't be putting pressure on
ex-cons to help us through the turbulence, as if he expects us
to beg him to allow the IRA to police the streets.

One of last year's parades in Ardoyne produced embarrassment
for Gerry Kelly.

He and others moved to protect a group of Paratroopers and was
sneered at by republican purists who would rather have seen the
Paras open fire.

And the Orangemen cannot lose if what they want is martyrdom.

Well, at least the riots now are billed in advance like country
ceilidhs.

Maybe these are the safety valves for a pent-up divided
sectarian society.

You might say that Northern Ireland has refined the division
and conflict for the minimal disruption of life to the greatest
number of people.

But complacency about this overlooks the danger.

It was the parades issue that stirred the Troubles at the
start.

Ironically, a Stormont Government was the only one to
successfully ban them.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652045

'Happy Twelfth' Cards Launched

By Linda McKee
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

ORANGEMEN are known for their traditions dating back hundreds
of years - but this year they're hoping to launch a new one.

You've heard of Christmas cards, Father's Day cards and even
Happy Divorce cards. But this year the Orange Order shop is
hoping people will say it with flowers and express their
fraternity with a new Twelfth greetings card.

The online shop has already been selling Christmas cards
featuring bowler-hatted snowmen and besashed Rudolphs, but the
Twelfth greetings card emblazoned with the customary orange
lilies is an entirely new venture.

The cards retail at 75p apiece or £6.50 for a pack of 10 and
are suitable for sending to friends, according to the shop,
which can be found on the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland website
at www.grandorange.org.uk.

According to an Orange Order spokesman, the cards were
introduced in response to requests by members.

But it appears the lilies are not the home-grown variety seen
festooning gardens throughout east Belfast in the month of
July. The picture was taken by a Co Down man while he was on
holiday in northern Italy.

And for Orangemen who want to mark the day with a souvenir,
there's plenty more to suit every pocket, from the fridge
magnet to the £27.50 miniature figure of a Lambeg drummer

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652094

Resolutions Are Critical Of Parades Commission

11 July 2005

THE FAITH: THE secular environment in which we live compels us
to recognise the pressures on us to ensure that the Gospel of
Jesus Christ is heard and clearly understood by the people.

Our faith is in Christ. It is not belief in certain doctrines,
set rites and ceremonies or a particular denomination but in a
personal union with Him, the Son of God and Saviour of the
World.

This is the message which has in it the essentials of life -
love of God and of people. Jesus sets for us standards of
character and conduct, but most people do not value the
motives, restraints and incentives of the Christian faith. They
need, though, the life changing and enriching power of Christ
in their lives.

We commend those clergy, pastors and people who tell, teach and
preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and risen again and
who is alive for evermore.

We question the commitment of others who neglect to do their
Christian duty as believers in and followers of Christ. Church
growth and influence is dependent on the sincerity and honesty
of Christians.

As Orangemen we resolve to fulfil our obligations as good
Christians, living for Christ, encouraging and persuading,
others to turn to Him.

LOYALTY: That we, the Orangemen, in commemoration of the 315th
Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, do hereby reaffirm our
devotion and loyalty to the throne and person of Her Most
Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and her other
realms, Defender of the Faith.

As Her Majesty's loyal subjects across the United Kingdom
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the ending of the Second
World War, we remember with pride those members of the Orange
Institution throughout the world who served in the cause of
freedom, many of whom gave their lives for the futures of other
generations.

We give thanks that the world was saved from the evils of
fascism and nazism and recall the suffering which many peoples
had to endure before the dark shadow of evil in Europe and
elsewhere was banished.

We express our deep pride that Northern Ireland played such a
major role in the war effort, ensuring that supply lines
remained open, that a bridgehead was prepared for Europe, that
industry and agriculture assisted the national war effort, and
that men and women from Ulster and the rest of Ireland served
with courage and honour.

We remind the people of the United Kingdom of the remarks of
Winston Churchill that Ulster stood like a lonely sentinel in
the cause of freedom, and re-iterate that the cause of civil
and religious liberty was the same in 1690 as in 1945.

THE STATE: The recent elections have brought many new faces
into positions of political leadership. They have also shown
that for devolved government to work in Northern Ireland it
must have the clear consent of a majority of the unionist
people.

We live in expectation that the political picture has changed
so that we are no longer the victims of broken promises from
Blair.

As Orangemen we want devolved government with politicians whom
we elect and who are accountable to us and working for us.

The strong unionist voice must be heard loud and clear. We
shall have the fair, just, peaceful and prosperous society we
need and deserve when the will to produce it is shared
responsibly, peaceably and honestly by all others involved in
politics and life here.

We also note with concern the latest attempt by the unelected
quango, the Parades Commission, to attack the Orange family
through its unrealistic requirements to make parade organisers
responsible for all those who gather to watch our parades.

We hereby declare ourselves determined to see the Parades
Commission de-commissioned and call for a fair and just
replacement which can seek to win the confidence of the
majority of people in Northern Ireland.

We resent the petty and trivial bureaucratic wranglings which
have been perpetuated against our Institution at every level
this year through the new Order in Council and Parades
Commission forms, and urge all unionist elected representatives
to unite in a campaign to have the anti-Protestant Parades
Commission replaced.

******************************************

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652115

Fury As Killyleagh Thugs Cause Havoc

By Deborah McAleese
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

THERE was outrage today after a gang of thugs caused havoc in a
Co Down town with a series of attacks on police and fire crews.

Around 20 youths threw stones and bottles at police and fire
officers as they attended the scene of the disturbance in
Killyleagh last night.

The youths blocked a main street in the town when they lit a
bonfire in the middle of a busy road close to a number of
residential homes.

Three calls were made to the Fire and Rescue Service to attend
the scene at Cross Street but each time they turned up they
came under attack and immediately withdrew from the area.

The fire crew did not return to the third call-out because of
the previous attacks and they were unable to put out the fire.

The road was closed off by police last night but was re-opened
this morning. However, it is only passable with care. A
mattress and burnt debris are still strewn across the street.

A number of residents who live close to the scene said they
felt intimidated by the youths and were afraid the fire would
get out of control.

One resident said: "It was quite frightening for a while and it
got very bad when the rescue service arrived to put the fire
out. Something has to be done to make sure this doesn't happen
again."

Graham Crossett, Divisional Fire Officer, said: "Fire crew were
called to Killyleagh three times but did not go the third time
as the first two times they were attacked by bottles and
stones. The crew withdrew from the area, there were no injuries
or damage but we were prevented from putting the fire out. This
is an ongoing occurrence across the province."

SDLP MLP for the area, Margaret Ritchie, said she was disgusted
by what had happened and said many people were very frightened
and scared by the incident.

******************************************

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652081

Mosques Attacked By Arsonists As Asians Fear Surge Of Race Hate

By Robert Verkaik
11 July 2005

The terrorist attacks in London have provoked reprisal attacks
on Asians. Police are investigating several incidents,
including four arson attacks on mosques, that may have been
motivated by revenge.

The arson attacks were carried out in mosques in Leeds,
Belvedere, Telford and Birkenhead. Three further attacks were
reported on mosques in east London and Bristol. In the attack
on the east London mosque, 19 windows were smashed, according
to the newspaper The Muslim News.

In Hayes, Middlesex, an Asian woman reported attempted arson
after she noticed "liquid dripping down her door and smelt
petrol" on the day of the terrorist attacks in London. The same
day, five white men were arrested after bottles were thrown at
the windows of a Sikh temple in south London. In a separate
incident, arson was reported at the home of an Asian family in
The Broadway, Southall.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said that the force was
keeping an open mind on the motive for the London attacks, but
that many of the allegations involved threatening phone calls
or racist abuse. A spokesman said "reassurance patrols" were
being carried out in areas considered vulnerable.

A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Great Britain said there
was a real sense of "fear and apprehension" among many Muslim
communities, particularly in London. Senior Muslim figures met
over the weekend to discuss how best to deal with the
increasingly tense climate. Sikh community leaders have asked
the police for greater protection.

A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo)
said yesterday that there was an "increased level of concern"
among the public in general and the Muslim community in
particular since the bombings in London on Thursday, but
stressed community relations on the whole had been
"reassuringly calm".

Acpo's president, Chris Fox, said he believed "low level"
incidents of violence had not been reported to the police. "We
encourage everyone to report this type of obnoxious and
dangerous behaviour, from whatever quarter, for full police
investigation because we are determined there will be a very
robust enforcement response to it. It is absolutely crucial
that there should be no reaction against any section of the
community. That would simply play into the hands of the
murderers," he said.

Four mosques were also vandalised in Auckland, New Zealand,
over the weekend, one with the phrase "R.I.P London".

******************************************

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2005/0711/3400811161HM1O
FFLEAD.html

Republican Leaders Consider Possible 'New Mode' For IRA

Frank Millar, London Editor, and Gerry Moriarty, Northern
Editor

The IRA will not disband but will have no role other than to
pursue the goal of a united Ireland by purely peaceful means,
in the scenario now being considered by republican leaders.

Sinn Féin MPs Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness are believed to
be intimately involved in the internal republican debate which
the two governments hope will yield a statement from the IRA
about its future status within weeks. However, The Irish Times
understands that decisions about the IRA's possible "new mode"
will not involve the holding of a republican convention or
changes to the IRA's constitution and mission statement.

The London bombings should increase the pressure on the IRA to
finally deliver weapons' decommissioning and the end of all
paramilitary activity, according to Conservative Northern
Ireland spokesman David Lidington.

He said he believed last Thursday's terror attacks would
"reinforce a political climate, in the United States as well as
in the United Kingdom, that terrorism is totally unacceptable."

He added: "I hope it will add to the pressure on the
Provisionals to deliver finally on what they promised seven or
eight years ago."

The indications are, also, that the expected republican moves
are not predicated on the assumption that the Democratic
Unionist Party will in turn agree the early resumption of a
power-sharing government at Stormont.

There were concerns in Belfast yesterday that the Orange Order
parade in Ardoyne tomorrow night and the reimprisonment of
Shankill bomber Seán Kelly could cause some difficulties.
"People should not underestimate the problems and dangers that
exist for Tuesday," a Sinn Féin spokesman said.

Asked could the Kelly and Ardoyne parade issues adversely
affect the timing and content of the IRA statement he said that
was a matter for the IRA. "Obviously these will be factors in
the debate concerning the anger there is among republicans out
there, especially in Ardoyne and north Belfast generally."

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday signalled his worry that
possible trouble during the parade past the Ardoyne shops and
republican anger over the jailing of Kelly could cause
problems. He did not directly challenge the decision to send
Kelly back to jail for allegedly breaching the terms of his
release, but said the jailing created "some shockwaves through
the nationalist community". He said Kelly had been "helpful in
trying to keep order" during confrontations.

© The Irish Times

******************************************

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652103

Big Game The First Priority For Residents

By Neil Loughran
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

RESIDENTS of the Garvaghy Road in Portadown have said they hope
the days of heightened sectarian tensions surrounding the
Orange Order parade at Drumcree are over.

Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition spokesman Brendan
MacCionnaith was one of just a small group of nationalist
observers that watched yesterday's parade pass St John's Church
without incident.

It is now eight years since Orangemen walked down Garvaghy
Road, as the Parades Commission rulings have blocked their
homeward route.

Filing out of 10am Mass, conversation centred on one thing -
Armagh's Ulster final clash with Tyrone later in the day.

"Thankfully, it has gone over peacefully," said Mr
MacCionnaith.

"The people believe it's over and today, everybody's minds seem
to be elsewhere.

"A lot of people are away to Dublin for the football."

Police Land Rovers lined either side of the Garvaghy Road past
the church from 6am, as physical security measures were scaled
down.

Resident Joe Duffy said: "The feeling among the community is
that this is over. People are heading on train, bus and plane
to Croke Park this afternoon, and it seems people's minds are
focused on the football."

Two international observers were also stood outside St John's
church as the parade passed.

New Yorkers Stephen McCabe and Sean Cahill, of the Irish Parade
Emergency Committee and Brehan Law Society, attend parades
across Northern Ireland throughout the marching season.

"I was here in 1996, and today was world of difference," said
Mr McCabe.

"The bands conducted themselves in a gentlemanly manner, and
the whole thing was quite subdued.

"It is a remarkable progression from the water canons and
confrontations of previous years."

SDLP Assembly member for Upper Bann Dolores Kelly said: "The
numbers parading continue to fall, and the police clearly
signalled their intention to enforce the (Parades Commission)
determination.

Sinn Fein Assembly member John O'Dowd described Portadown as "a
different place from four or five years ago."

"It seems that the days of Drumcree as an international
incident are over," he said.

"There is nothing like the tension there used to be."

******************************************

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652100

Positive Day For Our Town: Police

11 July 2005

A SENIOR police officer involved in the security operation at
Drumcree has hailed the incident-free parade as a "positive day
for Portadown".

Chief Superintendent Drew Harris, the local commander, welcomed
the peaceful outcome of yesterday's parade.

And despite a few Orangemen, women and supporters lingering at
the gate yesterday afternoon - in defiance of a Parades
Commission ruling - there were no scenes of violence which
marred the parade in previous years.

It is the third year the annual parade has passed off without
major incident.

Chief Superindendent Harris branded the police operation a
success and said the optimism before the parade was justified.

He said: "The Orange Order parade and protest has been orderly,
peaceful and well marshalled.

"There has been significant civic responsibility shown across
the entire community.

"I believe this peaceful outcome creates an opportunity for all
of the parties to try to reach an accommodation for the future.
That can be done.

"It has been done successfully in other parts of Northern
Ireland where there are contentious parades. Let's see it
happen here in Portadown.

"We believe the police operation has been a success.

"We promised we would scale down the physical measures and we
delivered on that."

******************************************

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-
/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4670793.stm

Remembrance Event Held In Donegal

There has been a special remembrance ceremony in County Donegal
for men and women from the Inishowen area who lost their lives
in World War I.

It was the first time there has been such a public service.

Relatives of those who died attended as did Royal British
Legion and Ancient Order of Hibernians members. Buncrana's Sinn
Fein mayor was also there.

Fergal O'Boyle from the Inishowen Remembrance Society said it
was time nationalists' service was recognised.

"What we're doing is commemorating publicly for the first time
the 197 Inishowen men and women who died in the First World
War," Mr O'Boyle said.

"The service of unionist Ireland has become a cause celebre,
whereas the service of nationalist Ireland has been airbrushed
out of history."

He added that in the past, some people may have been fearful
about commemorating the war as it was not seen as something
nationalists should do.

Relatives read out the names of those who were killed during
the ceremony.

Wreaths were also laid in memory of those who fought in the
war.

The event was also attended by Progressive Unionist Party
leader David Ervine and Frankie Gallagher of the Ulster
Political Research Group.

Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2005/07/11 07:19:11 GMT
© BBC MMV

******************************************

http://www.utvinternet.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=62480&pt=n

Father Gives Up Hope Of Finding Son Alive

The father of an Irish passport holder missing since the London
bombings said today he had given up hope of finding him alive.

By:Press Association

The family of Ciaran Cassidy, 22, have not heard from him since
he left his home at Finsbury Park to take the train to work in
central London last Thursday morning.

His father Sean Cassidy, who is originally from Cavan, believes
his son was on board the Piccadilly line train that was bombed
near King`s Cross station.

After extensive checks of the hospitals for any news of the
shop worker, Mr Cassidy said the family had given up hope of
finding him alive.

"We have no hope whatsoever. I believe he is gone," said the
57-year-old postman, who is a native of native of Swanlinbar in
Co Cavan.

"We are definite he was on the train. People have spotted him
getting on to the front or second carriage - people on the
platform at Finsbury Park who were further down the train."

Mr Cassidy and his wife Veronica spent the day of the bombings
trying in vain to ring their son, who was born in London but
holds an Irish passport.

"When his boss rang and said he hadn`t been at work, then alarm
bells started. We could do nothing at that stage.

All we could do was sit down and think about it," Mr Cassidy
told RTE radio.

"We rang around some of his friends, then we just sat watching
the telly, the news.

"We were still hopeful at that stage that there was trains
trapped in the Underground, like it is normal you can be
trapped here in the Underground for an hour or two."

Mr Cassidy said the police had not made any contact with them
until a liaison officer visited their home yesterday to gather
Ciaran`s details for identification purposes.

"We are still contacting the hospitals but he is not in the
hospitals. People went around all the hospitals," he said.

Mr Cassidy, who also has one daughter, Lisa, 26, said the
family was still getting all their information on the rescue
operation from the television news.

"All the other families are in the same position, I think it
really is a ridiculous situation. After four days we should be
able to be told something or other," he said.

"We have people who have been recovered and surely they should
be identified."

Mr Cassidy said thoughts of the people who had carried out the
attacks had not even entered their minds.

"Maybe it might come later on but we are not even thinking
about that really," he said. "What we are thinking about is
Ciaran."

Mr Cassidy said his son, who was planning to spend a year
travelling in Australia, was full of fun and a massive Arsenal
fan.

"He was a lovely boy and he is missed so much here by everyone
- friends, neighbours, family, and mates."

Ciaran is one of two Irish passport holders missing. The other
is a woman of New Zealand origin who has not been named.

******************************************

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652034

Actor Liam Slimming Down For Latest Role

By Nevin Farrell
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
11 July 2005

BALLYMENA-BORN Hollywood star Liam Neeson is on a crash diet to
slim down to play the role of the tall and thin American Civil
War president Abraham Lincoln.

People who saw him on a visit to his Co Antrim bolthole at the
start of the month said the 6ft 4ins tall actor was
deliberately thinning down.

Neeson (53) was hand-picked by movie mogul Steven Spielberg to
play Lincoln, who was at the height of his power in his 50s
before being assassinated at the age of 56 in 1865.

Friends of Neeson's in his home area of north Antrim - where he
escaped for a brief visit to Cushendall last weekend said if
anyone was looking for an actor to carry off the role of
Lincoln, both professionally and physically, it would be
Neeson.

"He is the same height as Lincoln was and is in his 50s.
Looking at photographs of Lincoln, he doesn't look unlike Liam
in a certain way! Once Liam has the beard grown, slims down and
wears a long coat and top hat you will think Lincoln has been
re-born."

Like many of his visits home, which he likes to keep secret,
Neeson slipped down to Cushendall in the Glens of Antrim.

And it was during that trip that villagers noted Liam's new
thinner look.

One eyewitness said: "Liam looked very gaunt and everybody was
taken by his appearance but there was nothing to worry about as
he is on a hell of a strict diet as he has to be tall and thin
to play Lincoln."

In recent months Neeson toured historic sites devoted to
Lincoln in the US state of Illinois.

Neeson visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, New
Salem State Historic Site and the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices.

Neeson likes to fully immerse himself in a role and he has been
doing a lot of background research on Lincoln in recent times.

Chairman of Moyle District Council, Councillor Oliver McMullan,
who is from Cushendall, said the area is delighted that the
film star often visits.

He said: "Any time Liam Neeson comes to the Glens his privacy
is greatly guarded because of the media attention he would
receive if he was seen."

Posted by: Unknown / 8:29 AM
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