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October 10, 2005

Report Claims LVF Will Disband

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News about Ireland & the Irish

IT 10/11/05 Report Claims LVF May Disband Soon
UT 10/10/05 Gun Attack 'Linked To Drug Crime'
SF 10/10/05 Test Of Govt Commitment To Peace Process
UT 10/10/05 Live Ammunition Threat Ahead Of DPP Meeting
SF 10/10/05 Govts Must Remove Securocrats From ARA
BB 10/10/05 Businessman Denies IRA Asset Link
IA 10/10/05 IAUC Response to “Protestants Feeling Slighted”
IT 10/11/05 Banville Wins Booker & £50,000 For The Sea

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http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2005/1011/2013519540HM8LOYALIST.html

Report Claims LVF May Disband Soon

Dan Keenan, Northern News Editor

The Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) is on the verge of
disbanding, it was reported last night, while an
announcement concerning the future of the Ulster Volunteer
Force (UVF) is expected next week.

The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) is expected to make an
announcement concerning the UVF next week after this
Saturday's annual conference in Belfast, from which the
press have been banned.

UTV last night reported that the LVF, formed by Portadown
loyalist Billy Wright, may be about to end its activities.

The report comes on foot of intense pressure on the LVF
from its one-time associates in the UVF which has already
shot dead four men since July 1st.

UVF sources have indicated that the purpose of the feud was
to wipe out the rival LVF to enable the paramilitary group
to assert its support for the peace process.

Disbandment by the LVF will test whether the UVF is genuine
in its commitment to follow a non-violent path in support
of the political process.

One PUP source declined to comment about any reassessment
of the link between the party and the UVF, citing a wish
"not to pre-empt anything".

Last month Northern Secretary Peter Hain "specified" the
UVF, pronouncing that its ceasefire was bogus. Last July he
reimposed financial sanctions on the PUP because of its UVF
links, depriving the party of Stormont allowances.

David Ervine, the PUP leader, claimed the decision to fine
the party could force its demise. He said the fine was
"unjust" and taken on the "basis of shoddy intelligence".

The Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC), which reports
on paramilitary ceasefires for the British and Irish
governments, said last May that the UVF and the much
smaller Red Hand Commando remained active, violent and
involved in organised crime. Mr Hain said the report
concluded that the PUP had not done as much as it should to
exert influence on the groups to end such activities. "The
commission recommended that I should continue the financial
measures against the Progressive Unionist Party," he said.

Mr Ervine claimed his party was powerless to stop the UVF
feuding.

In a special report on the loyalist feud released last
month, the IMC said it had taken note of PUP statements
indicating it could not stop the feud, but said the party
could not have it both ways. The party must dissociate
itself from the UVF or accept the consequences, it said.
This has fuelled speculation that the party could be
reassessing its association with the paramilitary group.

© The Irish Times

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http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=65868&pt=n

Gun Attack 'Linked To Drug Crime'

Drug dealers ordered a gun attack on a pensioner's home in
Northern Ireland, it was claimed tonight.

By:Press Association

The victim, aged 70, dived for cover when he saw a man in a
motorbike helmet open fire on his renovated cottage in
Downpatrick, Co Down.

Police tonight confirmed a blank round was found at the
scene.

Detectives have yet to disclose a motive for the shooting
on Sunday night, although they do not suspect any
sectarianism.

But public representatives alleged it was part of an
intimidation campaign by a drugs boss in the town.

Sinn Fein Councillor Eamonn Mac Con Midhe claimed a well-
known criminal had brought in paramilitaries in a bid to
frighten people into silence.

He said: "The talk on the street is this renowned drug
dealer is calling in loyalists to do his dirty work.

"This guy is into everything. He sells counterfeit clothes,
CDs, dope, the lot.

"There`s drugs in Downpatrick - and like everywhere else
its getting worse."

The gunman opened fire after the pensioner, who lives with
family at the house on Quoile Brae, heard a knock at the
door at around 9pm.

A police spokeswoman said: "When he looked out the window
he saw a man in a motorbike helmet raise a handgun.

"He dived for cover and heard what he believed to be three
shots being fired."

It is believed the house has been attacked and broken into
before.

Police have urged anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously
in the area at the time to come forward.

Margaret Ritchie, an SDLP Assembly Member for South Down,
hit out at those behind the attack.

She said: "This incident is the latest in a series of
attacks on this particular home in recent months. "Firing a
gun at someone, whether the ammunition is blanks or not, is
a brutal and highly dangerous thing to do.

"Those responsible must be pursued and prosecuted to the
full extent of the law."

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/11456

Adams - Tomorrow Will Be An Important Test Of British And Irish Government Commitment To The Peace Process

Published: 10 October, 2005

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking in Kerry this
evening where he is attending the launch of 'Man of Kerry a
biography of Martin Ferris said 'People will be listening
very carefully to what Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair have to
say in Downing Street tomorrow. They have said that
momentum needs to be injected into the peace process -
tomorrow will be an important test of their commitment to
that task.'

Mr. Adams said:

"Two of the most important advances of the last fifteen
years in Ireland have been the peace process and economic
growth. Both have opened up huge opportunities which have
yet to be fully realised. The key question for all of us is
how both are advanced in the interests of all the people on
the island.

"What is critical is that the complacency which is evident
in the government's approach to public finances is not
replicated in the peace process. The ethos which saw
millions wasted on consultants' reports, on electronic
voting machines and computer systems which don't work and
on tax avoidance schemes which favour the rich is bad for
society as a whole. The opportunity created by economic
prosperity must be used to end poverty, to invest in public
services, to protect workers rights. It is also important
that opportunities to exploit natural resources, which
could be worth billions to the economy, are not handed away
to multi-nationals.

"The opportunity created by the IRA decision to formally
end its armed campaign needs to be built upon. The IRA
decision has not resolved the crisis in the peace process,
what it has done is open up an opportunity to make
progress.

People will be listening very carefully to what Bertie
Ahern and Tony Blair have to say following tomorrow's
meeting in Downing Street. They have said that momentum
needs to be injected into the peace process - tomorrow will
be an important test of their commitment to that task.

"There are a number of things that need to happen and on
which the two governments have already made commitments -
the political institutions need to be restored, the British
government need to come forward with legislation on
policing and justice, the Equality Commission and Human
Rights Commission need additional resources and powers,
northern representation for all MPs - nationalist, unionist
and republican - in the Oireachtas and the completion the
process of demilitarisation. There is nothing new in any of
this -- these are issues which are at the core of the Good
Friday Agreement which was signed seven years ago and they
have been at the core of every negotiation since then. They
must be delivered now."ENDS

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http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=65864&pt=n

Live Ammunition Threat Ahead Of DPP Meeting

A sympathy card containing live ammunition was posted to a
community hall today, just hours before a District Policing
Partnership Board meeting.

Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy claimed republicans were
responsible for the threat which was mailed to
Newtownhamilton Community Centre in Co Armagh.

But the Newry and Armagh MLA vowed tonight`s meeting will
go ahead.

Mr Kennedy said: "I utterly condemn the actions of those
who think they can intimidate people in this way.

"Those who think they can halt the business of dealing with
local policing issues must learn that their bully-boy
tactics will not deflect us from this important work which
benefits all sections of the community."

Asked who was behind the threats, Mr Kennedy said:

"Clearly republicans who remain opposed to the policing
arrangements and the DPPs.

"It will be interesting to see whether Sinn Fein will
condemn this incident."

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/11447

Governments Have Responsibility To Remove Securocrats From
ARA

Published: 10 October, 2005

Commenting after those targeted in the ARA operation in
Manchester last week held a press conference, Sinn Féin MP
Conor Murphy today called on the two governments to remove
the securocrats within their systems who are clearly
abusing their positions to try and undermine the peace
process.

Mr Murphy said:

"It is very clear that the ARA raids in Manchester last
week were politically motivated and based entirely on
innuendo, spin and malicious briefing. It had nothing at
all to do with recovering the proceeds of crime.

"The media were conned with reports of £30m property
portfolios, IRA links and thousands of documents seized.

"There is a clear responsibility on the two governments to
sack those securocrats responsible for using their
positions in organisations like the ARA to undermine the
peace process. Such individuals not only undermine the
political process but also undermine public confidence in
the impartiality and ability of groups like the ARA to
properly carry out the important job of seizing criminal
assets." ENDS

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4326292.stm

Businessman Denies IRA Asset Link

A Manchester businessman whose home and offices were raided
as part of a probe into IRA assets has denied knowing
prominent member Thomas "Slab" Murphy.

Dermot Craven and Brian Pepper's property firm was raided
on Thursday by the Assets Recovery Agency.

At a news conference, Mr Craven said he had not even known
who Mr Murphy was until last week.

He said he had done business with Mr Murphy's brother but
denied involvement in any illegal activity.

He said he and his business partner had been "unjustly
vilified". The ARA has said its investigation relates to
assets in 250 properties worth £9m, but has not confirmed
press reports that the body is searching for links with
Thomas Murphy.

Mr Murphy is widely considered to be the head of the IRA.

Mr Craven told reporters at a news conference he had never
met or spoken to Mr Murphy, but he and Mr Pepper had done
business with his brother Frank Murphy.

I have never met this man, spoken to him or carried out
any business dealings with him - there is no connection
with Thomas Murph

Dermot Craven

And it was revealed that Mr Pepper - who was not at the
news conference - had attended a Murphy family funeral
where Thomas Murphy was present.

Mr Pepper - who is from Dundalk - is company secretary of a
firm that Frank Murphy owns, Sailor Property, which owns
seven properties.

These properties are all managed by Mr Craven and Mr
Pepper's firm.

But Mr Craven said they had dealt with Frank Murphy on only
a tiny number of properties, and that he was bewildered by
the raids.

He said if there had been any impropriety, it was because
he had been duped.

He added: "I have met Frank Murphy a number of times, he is
a really nice guy.

"At that time I didn't know Thomas Murphy was Frank
Murphy's brother."

Mr Craven said he phoned Frank Murphy after the raids.

'Totally innocent'

Mr Craven said: "It was like a nightmare... a wild dream
gone wrong.

"My business partner and I have been unjustly vilified by
an investigation into [something] which we are totally
innocent [of]."

Mr Craven said he had not even known who Thomas Murphy was,
and that he himself barely understood the political
situation in Northern Ireland and had no views.

He said: "If it is the case that clients have purchased
property through us, through the use of money that is
derived from criminal activity then we know nothing of
this.

"All monies come through solicitors and banks and not in
the form of cash.

"This is true for all of our clients. I understand that a
lot of press and ARA inquiries focus on Thomas Murphy from
Ireland.

"I have never met this man, spoken to him or carried out
any business dealings with him. There is no connection with
Thomas Murphy."

Documents were seized in the Manchester searches, which
took place 10 days after the IRA put its weapons beyond use
and on the day Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams met Prime
Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street.

Thomas Murphy lost a libel case against The Sunday Times in
1998, after challenging the newspaper's description of him
as a prominent IRA member.

The authorities on both sides of the border have been
investigating him for years.

Story from BBC NEWS:

Published: 2005/10/10 14:09:46 GMT

© BBC MMV

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http://www.iauc.org

Irish American Unity Conference
611 Pennsylvania Ave SE, #4150
Washington, D. C. 20003-4303

October 8, 2005

Letters to the Editor
LOS ANGELES TIMES

Dear Editor:

The appearance of Mr Daniszewski's "N. Ireland's
Protestants Feeling Slighted" (10/7) was predictable.
Now, under the color of 'balanced reporting', readers were
given what purportedly are loyalists' concerns for the
Irish peace process.

Instead we are treated to such vague phrases as ""Tony
Blair seems so hard on them", "..we are getting nothing",
or "..the sense of alienation" of loyalists. Those phrases
are intended to obscure the fact that their only real
concern is sharing power with the Nationalist community,
something they refused to with law- enforced violence and
discrimination for 80 years. I assure you there is nothing
non-specific or vague about that painful 8 decade record.

We fear that due to the pervasive influence of the British
in American media, 'news' articles like this will become
more frequent. In our view, they are less about news
and more about pushing political opinions. We do not
underestimate the difficulty of separating these tasks
particularly when covering foreign events. However it does
diminish a newspapers' credibility; the coin of the realm
in journalism.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Linnon
National President
607 SW 8th Place
Boynton Beach, FL 33426

1-800-947-IAUC
iauc@iauc.org
president@iauc.org

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http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2005/1011/849553040HM1BOOKERPRIZE.html

Banville Wins Booker Prize And £50,000 For 'The Sea'

Louise East in London

John Banville was last night declared winner of the 2005
Man Booker Prize. Wexford-born Banville's winning novel,
The Sea, is the elegiac story of an elderly widower
returning to the seaside village where he spent his
childhood summers. He is the first Irish winner since Roddy
Doyle won with Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha in 1993.

At a ceremony in London's Guildhall, the chair of the
judges, Prof John Sutherland, paid tribute to Banville's
book as "a masterful study of grief, memory and love
recollected". Describing the last round of discussions as
"extraordinarily closely contested", Prof Sutherland went
on to say: "the judges felt the level of the short-listed
novels was as high as it can ever have been."

Now in its 37th year, the Man Booker Prize is acknowledged
as the most prestigious literary award in Britain. Banville
will take home a cheque for £50,000. The Sea had sold only
3,318 copies in the UK up until last Tuesday but Banville
can now expect another financial windfall as bookshops in
Britain and Ireland stock up.

Speaking last night at the Guildhall, Banville said winning
was "a great surprise, a great pleasure". He said his
advice to other authors was "just hang around and it will
come. I hung around for many years and it did come." He
thanked his editor, agent and publisher for sticking with
him when he wrote what he described as "many unsaleable
books over the years".

To many observers at the Guildhall last night, there was a
pleasing symmetry to Banville's win. One of this year's
shortlisted novels was Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro,
who won the Booker Prize in 1989 with The Remains of the
Day. In the same year Banville was shortlisted for The Book
of Evidence.

Arthur and George by thrice-nominated author Julian Barnes
was the bookies' favourite yesterday afternoon at odds of
5/4. Others included on the shortlist were Dublin author
Sebastian Barry with A Long, Long Way, Zadie Smith with On
Beauty and Ali Smith with The Accidental.

John Banville wrote his first book, Long Lankin, in 1970 at
the age of 25. Since then he has written 13 further novels,
including Doctor Copernicus, Kepler, The Untouchable and
Shroud. He lives in Dublin and was literary editor of The
Irish Times for over a decade.

© The Irish Times

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