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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)
April 07, 2006
Donaldson Family: IRA Not Behind Killing
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News About Ireland & The Irish
BB 04/06/06 Donaldson Family: IRA 'Not Behind' Killing
IN 04/06/06 Governments Suspect IRA Didn't Sanction Spy's Killing
BN 04/06/06 Hope For Undocumented Irish In US
IT 04/06/06 US Donation To Ireland Fund 'A Waste Of Money'
BT 04/06/06 This Time Around There Is A Plan B
SF 04/06/06 SF Leadership To Meet To Discuss Government Proposals
IT 04/06/06 Adams Urges DUP To Live Up To Its Responsibilities
BB 04/06/06 Bush Plea Over NI Devolution Plan
BT 04/06/06 Paisley Warns On North-South Dealings
IT 04/06/06 Paisley Dismisses Idea Of A Deadline For Executive
IT 04/06/06 Taoiseach's Statement (Edited)
IT 04/06/06 Prime Minister's Statement Edited
BN 04/06/06 SF And SDLP Criticise Rea’s Police Board Re-Election
BB 04/06/06 Police 'Need Community Support'
BT 04/06/06 Test Of Ulster Swan Awaited; H5N1 Is Confirmed In Scotland
BB 04/06/06 Vets Examine Dead Swans At River
IT 04/06/06 Avian Flu Not Pose A Threat To Humans In Its Present Form
SF 04/06/06 Save Our National Airline
IM 04/06/06 INLA Dismantles Another Criminal Gang
BT 04/06/06 Opin: So... Can It Be Made To Work?
BT 04/06/06 Opin: More Threats, Bribes & Dangled Promises?
GU 04/06/06 Opin: Dogged Survivor Holds Key At 80
IT 04/06/06 Opin: Paisley Holds The Key If Stormont Returns
BT 04/06/06 Opin: Green Stormont Threat Blair Raises Heat On Paisley
IT 04/06/06 Opin: Conspiracy Theories Alive And Well In NI
IT 04/06/06 RIC Files On Republican Suspects Published
BN 04/06/06 Campaign To Teach National Anthem In Schools
BT 04/06/06 Play An Orange Card...Or Get Your Marching Orders!
IT 04/06/06 Rossport Five Stay Free But Face Huge Legal Bill
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4886774.stm
IRA 'Not Behind' Ex-Spy Killing
The family of a former British spy has said they do not
believe the IRA was responsible for his murder.
Ex-Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, 56, was found shot
dead in a remote cottage in County Donegal on Tuesday.
He had been expelled from the party in 2005 after admitting
he was a paid British agent.
Mr Donaldson's family said they did not know who killed him
but blamed the "activities of British intelligence" for
their "difficult situation".
In a statement, the family said: "On Tuesday 4th April,
Denis was murdered. We do not know by whom.
"But the difficult situation which our family has been put
in is the direct result of the activities of the Special
Branch and British Intelligence agencies.
"We acknowledge the speedy statement from the IRA
disassociating themselves from this murder. We believe that
statement to be true.
"We would ask those politicians and media commentators who
have sought to use this tragedy to score cheap political
points to stop doing so."
In a statement released by a Belfast law firm, the family
also blamed the media for reporting details of Mr
Donaldson's new location.
"In December, Denis left his home in Belfast and moved to
Donegal, where it was his desire that he be left alone to
rebuild his life.
"Unfortunately, he continued to be pursued by sections of
the media, some of whom gave details about his
whereabouts."
The family said Mr Donaldson was a loving husband, a
devoted father and grandfather and a good brother.
"The events of recent months have been very difficult for
our family. In the next few days, Denis will return home to
Belfast to be with his family for one last time and to be
buried."
Irish police have been carrying out searches in the
vicinity of the remote cottage near the village of Glenties
where Mr Donaldson's body was found.
Post mortem results have indicated he died from a shotgun
wound to the chest. It said there were other injuries to
his body consistent with shotgun blasts, including a severe
injury to his right hand.
Police removed a car at the scene on Thursday.
Mr Donaldson had been Sinn Fein's head of administration at
Stormont before his 2002 arrest over alleged spying led to
its collapse.
He and two others were acquitted of charges last December
"in the public interest".
One week later he admitted being recruited in the 1980s as
a paid British agent.
He said there had not been a republican spy ring at
Stormont.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/07 09:29:02 GMT
© BBC MMVI
*************************
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/article356281.ece
Governments Suspect IRA Didn't Sanction Spy's Killing
By David McKittrick
Published: 07 April 2006
The Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said his government
had no intelligence about who killed Denis Donaldson, the
veteran republican who was shot dead in Donegal earlier
this week.
Theories abound about who carried out the shooting of
Donaldson, who last December was unmasked as a long-time
Special Branch agent within Sinn Fein and the IRA.
He was killed by four blasts fired from a shotgun in a
remote cottage in Donegal in the Irish Republic, dying
instantly. The IRA denied killing him and no one has
admitted responsibility for the murder.
Mr Ahern said yesterday: "We have no intelligence, no
information, to indicate whether, as I said in the Dail, it
is retribution for some past event or some falling out
along the way, or whether it is some dissident group.
"We don't know and we will do everything we can to try and
find that out. It is important to do so in any murder, but
I think it is important in this one also."
Although there are no certainties in the matter, both
London and Dublin tend not to believe that the killing was
carried out with the authorisation of the IRA's ruling army
council.
This is primarily because of the damage the incident has
inflicted both on the IRA and Sinn Fein, and because it
will make Sinn Fein's ambition to form a new government
with the Rev Ian Paisley much more difficult to realise.
With so far a complete absence of intelligence, as reported
by Mr Ahern, attention has focused on the idea that he was
killed by republicans who are either members or former
members of the IRA.
Some tend to believe that someone within IRA ranks decided
that Donaldson's undercover activities had earned him a
death penalty, possibly because in his 20-year career as an
informer for Special Branch he must have put many
republicans behind bars.
Whoever was responsible, they are regarded as being either
indifferent to the fortunes of Sinn Fein, or opposed to the
course of the peace process.
The killing was carried out in a clinical and cold-blooded
manner which suggests those involved had experience in
previous terrorist activities.
Tony Blair said yesterday: "Whoever is responsible for
anything that is against the law we will pursue with the
full rigour of the law and we expect everyone to support us
and work with us in that endeavour."
The Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said his government
had no intelligence about who killed Denis Donaldson, the
veteran republican who was shot dead in Donegal earlier
this week.
Theories abound about who carried out the shooting of
Donaldson, who last December was unmasked as a long-time
Special Branch agent within Sinn Fein and the IRA.
He was killed by four blasts fired from a shotgun in a
remote cottage in Donegal in the Irish Republic, dying
instantly. The IRA denied killing him and no one has
admitted responsibility for the murder.
Mr Ahern said yesterday: "We have no intelligence, no
information, to indicate whether, as I said in the Dail, it
is retribution for some past event or some falling out
along the way, or whether it is some dissident group.
"We don't know and we will do everything we can to try and
find that out. It is important to do so in any murder, but
I think it is important in this one also."
Although there are no certainties in the matter, both
London and Dublin tend not to believe that the killing was
carried out with the authorisation of the IRA's ruling army
council.
This is primarily because of the damage the incident has
inflicted both on the IRA and Sinn Fein, and because it
will make Sinn Fein's ambition to form a new government
with the Rev Ian Paisley much more difficult to realise.
With so far a complete absence of intelligence, as reported
by Mr Ahern, attention has focused on the idea that he was
killed by republicans who are either members or former
members of the IRA.
Some tend to believe that someone within IRA ranks decided
that Donaldson's undercover activities had earned him a
death penalty, possibly because in his 20-year career as an
informer for Special Branch he must have put many
republicans behind bars.
Whoever was responsible, they are regarded as being either
indifferent to the fortunes of Sinn Fein, or opposed to the
course of the peace process.
The killing was carried out in a clinical and cold-blooded
manner which suggests those involved had experience in
previous terrorist activities.
Tony Blair said yesterday: "Whoever is responsible for
anything that is against the law we will pursue with the
full rigour of the law and we expect everyone to support us
and work with us in that endeavour."
*************************
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/04/06/story252914.html
Hope For Undocumented Irish In US
06/04/2006 - 20:40:44
Tens of thousands of Irish people living illegally in the
US may benefit after the Senate agreed a new Immigration
Reform Bill.
The comprehensive document could provide a path to
permanency for the majority of the undocumented Irish in
the US.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said he was
encouraged that the leaders of both parties in the US
Senate agreed the outline of the Bill.
“The compromise has been welcomed by Senators Edward
Kennedy and John McCain and the Irish Lobby for Immigration
Reform. Negotiations are continuing on the details and it
is expected that the Bill will be voted on by the Senate by
the weekend,” Mr Ahern said.
“Once a Bill is passed by the Senate, it will then have to
be reconciled with the Bill passed by the House of
Representatives last December.”
He said the proposal contained many of the key elements of
the Kennedy/McCain Bill and would be welcomed by the
undocumented Irish.
The deal would allow illegal immigrants who have been in
the US for more than five years a chance to become a
citizen if they meet certain requirements and pay a fine.
Other rules would apply for those in the US for less than
five years.
The overhaul would also include a temporary worker
programme.
Mr Ahern said: “The Government will continue to remain very
actively involved in the critical period ahead, and I would
intend to travel to Washington to meet the key players in
the House and Senate in advance of the reconciliation
process.”
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/274433342HM9IRELANDFUND.html
US Donation To Ireland Fund 'A Waste Of Money'
Seán O'Driscoll in New York
07/04/2006
The US government's allocation of $13.5 million (€11
million) to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) is
this year's biggest waste of taxpayers' money on foreign
projects, an influential US report launched by presidential
candidate senator John McCain has said.
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), which has more
than one million members, said in its annual "Congressional
Pig Book" of government waste projects that the US
government was "flushing away" money by funding the World
Toilet Summit in Belfast through the IFI.
Other IFI projects criticised by the report include the
Newcastle YMCA in Co Down; a donation to Creggan Community
Cafe and Catering Ltd in Derry; the Donegal Town Waterbus;
the Leitrim Food Centre of Excellence and the Chef
Development Programme in Belfast.
The World Toilet Summit, which was held in Belfast last
September after the IFI donated $65,000 and sent a
representative to the conference, was cited as a
particularly bad example of US government waste.
"Could there be a better example of the government flushing
away your money?" the report said, listing the IFI as the
biggest waste of taxpayers' money in the "Foreign
Operations" section of congressional spending.
The IFI has been a frequent target of CAGW. However, this
year's report has come under a cloud after a Florida
newspaper suggested the organisation was using its good
standing with members of Congress to lobby on behalf of
tobacco companies and other CAGW donors.
However, Senator McCain said he had many years of close
dealings with the group and had never seen any such
lobbying.
A spokesman for the Irish Embassy in Washington defended
the IFI allocation for the World Toilet Summit, saying it
was part of the IFI's commitment to funding high-profile
conferences and events that lead to economic regeneration
in Northern Ireland.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685910
This Time Around There Is A Plan B
By Noel McAdam
07 April 2006
The British and Irish governments are organising new
partnership arrangements to implement the Good Friday
Agreement if the recalled Assembly collapses, it was
revealed yesterday.
London and Dublin are already "beginning detailed work" on
their joint stewardship if the political parties have
failed to establish a power- sharing Executive by November
24.
Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted the alternative to
devolution would fall far short of second best for
everybody, but the governments would have to deal with the
reality.
In a clear challenge to the DUP, which wants to replace the
Agreement, Mr Blair's joint statement with Taoiseach Bertie
Ahern said the Agreement remained "the indispensable
framework for relations on and between these islands".
Mr Blair said: "The question is if the political parties
lead its implementation or if the two governments have to
step into the breach. Stasis is not an option."
Mr Ahern said the arguments for partnership government were
compelling and he wanted to put Northern Ireland's
politicians on a path to power because it would be a huge
disappointment if it fails.
As the two premiers arrived in Armagh to spell out their
framework for the restoration of devolution, it also
emerged the Assembly will only have powers to elect
ministers and will have no control over other policy areas.
The Assembly, which has been in suspension since November
2002, will be opened on May 15 and the 108 members who have
never met together, will be given six weeks to elect the
first, deputy first and other ministers.
But if they are not able to proceed on a cross-community
basis the Government will then allow a further 12 weeks
after the summer recess with a final cut-off point of
November 24.
"We do not believe that any purpose would be served by a
further election at that point or a few months later in May
2007," the two PMs said in their statement.
"We do not think that the people of Northern Ireland should
be asked to participate in elections to a deadlocked
Assembly."
Mr Blair said unionism had to show republicans and
nationalists it is serious about sharing power, equality
and the recognition that the IRA has indeed changed and
republican leaders have taken real and verifiable risks for
peace.
"When dissident elements opposed to all we seek to achieve
try to disrupt, unionists must refuse to give those
elements a veto over democracy," he said.
"Republicans had to address the unionist community in a way
that recognises that mainstream unionism is still worried
that violence remains in the culture of republicanism and
will reassert itself.
"So when the law is broken, then republicans should play
their part in bringing those who break it to account and
support the police in doing so," Mr Blair said.
Both Mr Blair and Mr Ahern referred to the "callous" and
bloody murder of former Sinn Fein head of administration
Denis Donaldson at his Donegal cottage on Tuesday.
It was a reminder, they said, of a tragic and tortured past
which Northern Ireland had to put behind it once and for
all and put politics centre stage.
Mr Ahern said: "Our joint strategy represents the best
opportunity... and no reasonable person could see it as
anything other than an honourable and fair attempt to
enable the parties to do the work they were elected to do."
The Government also said it plans an intensive engagement
with the parties, in parallel to the recalled Assembly, to
establish the necessary trust which will allow the Assembly
to function.
Their joint statement said: "There is a great deal of work
to be done... but the final decisions are for the parties.
We hope they will seize the opportunity to move forward."
*************************
http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/13760
Sinn Féin Leadership To Meet To Discuss Government
Proposals
Published: 6 April, 2006
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP was today joined by
Martin McGuinness MP, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Caitriona
Ruane MLA and Wexford Councillor John Dywer as he responded
to the joint statement issued by the two governments
earlier in Armagh. Mr. Adams said: "Over the coming days
the Sinn Fein leadership will meet to discuss these
proposals and our response to them. The Ard Chomhairle will
meet on Saturday and we will be consulting with our
Assembly team."
Mr. Adams said:
"Over the last number of months Sinn Féin has expressed
reservations about the approach taken the British and Irish
governments. It is our view that there would have been
significant concessions but for
Sinn Féin's defence of the Good Friday Agreement.
"We welcome the convening of the Assembly and the clear
statement that its primary role is to elect a power sharing
government. Over the coming days the Sinn Fein leadership
will meet to discuss these proposals and our response to
them. The Ard Chomhairle will meet on Saturday and we will
be consulting with our Assembly team.
"It appears that the two governments are saying to the
unionists and especially the DUP, that they have to decide
if they are prepared to join the rest of us in moving
forward in partnership through a power sharing government.
"And if they do not do that the two governments are
committed to moving ahead to implement all other elements
of the Good Friday Agreement.
"Nationalists and republicans will be sceptical about this
commitment and it will be tested in the period ahead.
"Sinn Fein will also be seeking assurances from the two
governments about the new joint government arrangements and
the accelerated all-Ireland co-operation and action, that
will replace the Assembly if the DUP is not prepared to
share power.
"Whatever the two governments do, there is no going back to
the days of unionist domination because Sinn Féin will not
allow it. I say that as a gentle reminder to the DUP that
the only way they will be part of institutions is on the
basis of equality and the Good Friday Agreement.
"I would appeal to unionism to see this up coming period as
a positive opportunity. There are many problems - water
charges, cutbacks in health and education which local
politicians can straighten out better than any British
Direct Rule Minister." ENDS
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/272720927HM10NATREACTION.html
Adams Urges DUP To Live Up To Its Responsibilities
Gerry Moriarty, Northern Editor
07/04/2006
Nationalist reaction: Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, in
an initial response to the British and Irish blueprint for
restoring devolution, has urged the DUP to seize the
opportunity to enter into a powersharing government at
Stormont.
Mr Adams said the party leadership would consult in the
coming days with its ruling ardchomhairle and also with
Assembly members before responding to the proposals
published by the Taoiseach and British prime minister
yesterday.
He appeared, however, to be guardedly positive about the
British-Irish roadmap for reinstating the northern
Executive and Assembly. "It appears that the two
governments are saying to the unionists, and especially the
DUP, that they have to decide if they are prepared to join
the rest of us in moving forward in partnership through a
powersharing government," said Mr Adams.
"And if they do not do that, the two governments are
committed to moving ahead to implement all other elements
of the Good Friday agreement. Nationalists and republicans
will be sceptical about this commitment and it will be
tested in the period ahead," he added.
"I would appeal to unionism to see this upcoming period as
a positive opportunity. There are many problems - water
charges, cutbacks in health and education - which local
politicians can straighten out better than any British
direct-rule minister," said Mr Adams.
He said Sinn Féin would seek assurances from the two
governments "about the new joint government arrangements
and the accelerated all-Ireland co-operation and action
that will replace the Assembly if the DUP is not prepared
to share power".
"Whatever the two governments do, there is no going back to
the days of unionist domination because Sinn Féin will not
allow it. I say that as a gentle reminder to the DUP that
the only way they will be part of institutions is on the
basis of equality and the Good Friday agreement," added Mr
Adams.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the time had come for all
parties to give their backing to the Belfast Agreement.
"They have to live up to all their responsibilities under
it - on powersharing and on policing. That is the only way
for us to make progress. It must be the focus of the
parties and the governments in the coming months," he said.
He expressed concerns that the proposals were "right up the
DUP's street". He hoped, however, that a "path to
restoration" of the Assembly and Executive could be found.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4886302.stm
Bush Plea Over NI Devolution Plan
US president George W Bush has urged Northern Ireland's
political parties to work together to restore the power-
sharing government.
His comments came after the British and Irish prime
ministers unveiled a blueprint for reviving devolution.
Assembly members have been given until 24 November to set
up an executive.
In a statement from the White House, Mr Bush urged
politicians to "demonstrate leadership" to resolve the
outstanding issues.
"Today is an opportunity for all in Northern Ireland to
take control of their future and bring the political
process to a successful completion this year," the White
House said on Thursday evening.
"President Bush calls on all parties to demonstrate
leadership and seize this opportunity to work together to
restore the power-sharing government and resolve
outstanding issues.
----
BLUEPRINT TIMETABLE
Assembly recalled on 15 May: politicians given six weeks to
form executive
If this fails, further 12 weeks after summer recess to form
executive
If this is not achieved by 24 November deadline, assembly
members' salaries and allowances stopped
Governments would then work on partnership arrangements to
implement the Good Friday Agreement
----
"We remain steadfast in our support of the peace process
and the efforts of the British and Irish governments to
achieve a lasting peace under the principles of the Good
Friday Agreement."
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern travelled to Northern Ireland
on Thursday to give parties a "take-it-or-leave-it" plan.
The assembly is to be recalled on 15 May with parties being
given six weeks to elect an executive.
If that fails, the 108 members get a further 12 weeks to
try to form a multi-party devolved government. If that
attempt fails, salaries will stop.
The British and Irish governments would then work on
partnership arrangements to implement the Good Friday
Agreement.
Mr Ahern has acknowledged the difficulties facing himself
and Mr Blair were compounded by the murder of ex-Sinn Fein
official and former British spy Denis Donaldson in County
Donegal.
The IRA has denied involvement.
Mr Blair said it was "a moment to let the process be
governed, not by suspicion but by the faith that the other
does want this to succeed."
Mr Ahern said the politicians have been given a "finite"
time to reach agreement.
Devolved government at Stormont was suspended in October
2002 following allegations of a republican spy ring.
Mr Donaldson was one of three men later acquitted of
charges linked to those allegations.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/07 07:19:20 GMT
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685975
Paisley Warns On North-South Dealings
By Noel McAdam
07 April 2006
DUP leader Ian Paisley has warned the Government that any
moves towards new partnership arrangements with the
Republic to jointly govern Northern Ireland will be
strongly resisted.
The North Antrim MP said the proposals for a 'step change'
in North South co-operation if the re-called Assembly
failed to agree on an Executive by November 24 would change
the "status quo" and the British Government would prove
unable to deliver on joint sovereignty.
Northern Ireland was now part of a United Kingdom where a
foreign government has more say than the people in the
province, he argued.
"Given the reality that there will be no Executive in the
foreseeable future the best way forward is to get working
in the Assembly," he added.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, however, urged the DUP to
say 'yes' to power- sharing and warned: "The days of
unionist domination are over.
"We have concerns about aspects of the statement, but we
think (it's) a good forward step."
As all parties studied the proposals, Ulster Unionist
leader Sir Reg Empey said his party will be there when MLAs
meet for the first time on May 15.
Sir Reg said the partnership plan with Dublin were "quite a
threat" but unionists should not be surprised.
Senior Sinn Fein negotiator Martin McGuinness said his
party's preference was for government with the DUP rather
than any form of joint authority between London and Dublin,
while the ultimate goal of Irish reunification remained.
The SDLP have welcomed the chance to elect a First and
Deputy First Minister and get the Agreement working again.
"As we predicted, the DUP seem comfortable with these
proposals and believe them to be right up their street.
That street is a dead end," SDLP leader Mark Durkan warned.
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/3851649407HM10LOYALREACTION.html
Paisley Dismisses Idea Of A Deadline For Executive
Gerry Moriarty
07/04/2006
Unionist reaction: Responding to the British-Irish
proposals, DUP leader Ian Paisley said the onus for fully
restoring devolution lay with the republican movement.
He dismissed the idea of November 24th as the deadline for
reinstating the Northern Executive and Assembly and said
devolution could only happen through "Sinn Féin/IRA" ending
terrorism and criminality.
"By their continued pursuit of organised criminality
republicans exclude themselves. The DUP will in no
circumstances be in the business of putting terrorists and
criminals into the government of Northern Ireland.
"Entrance to government cannot be dependent on a date but
only when terror and crime carried out by those allied to a
political party is gone forever.
"The DUP will not be forced, rushed or bullied into
accepting any level of IRA criminality. Currently there is
no evidence that Sinn Féin/IRA will be any further advanced
in giving up criminality in November," said Dr Paisley.
Dr Paisley said the warning that North-South co-operation
would be enhanced if the Ahern/Blair blueprint failed would
allow the Republic an unwarranted involvement in the
affairs of Northern Ireland.
"We assure the people of Northern Ireland that the DUP will
not falter from their responsibility at this crucial time
and we call on all unionists to unite to put the Southern
government into their proper place as far as the internal
affairs of Northern Ireland are concerned," he said.
Dr Paisley said the DUP would enter the Assembly when it is
reinstated in May. "Given the reality that there will be no
Executive formed for the foreseeable future, the best way
forward is to get working in the Assembly. All of our
election commitments will be carried out faithfully and we
will be at the Assembly fighting the battle for unionism.
"Any attempt to gag the Assembly from having the exercise
of full democratic debate and decisions is actually
surrender to everything Sinn Fein/IRA has been fighting
for," he added.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Sir Reg Empey said the
proposals were clearly a renewed commitment from both
London and Dublin to the implementation of the Belfast
Agreement, with or without devolution, which was a
demonstration of the "complete failure of DUP policy" to
smash the agreement.
"While threats clearly exist as a result of this statement,
so do opportunities for unionists. It will be our job to
ensure that it is the opportunities and not the threats
that are seized in the coming months."
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/3155707836HM10BERTIESAYS.html
Taoiseach's Statement (Edited)
07/04/2006
The callous murder of Denis Donaldson earlier this week is
a brutal reminder of Northern Ireland's tortured and tragic
past. Today, here in Armagh is about putting that past
behind us once and for all. It's about putting politics
centre stage. It's about giving political responsibility
back to Northern Ireland's politicians.
When Prime Minister Blair and I met in Dublin earlier this
year, we said we wanted to see the restoration of devolved
partnership government in Northern Ireland as soon as
possible this year. In recent months, the parties have been
asking the governments to give direction and leadership.
We are now doing so and outlining our agreed strategy for
the restoration of the Assembly and devolved government. It
is fitting that the location of this meeting and
announcement is Navan Fort (or Emhain Macha as it is known
in Irish). As the ancient capital of Ulster, it played a
central role in the very early history of this island. And
so today, once again, this place of history is centre stage
in the politics of this island. The message of the Irish
people in 1998 was clear. They supported the Good Friday
agreement. They endorsed the new arrangements and new
politics of that agreement. The time has now come to build
on all of this and to move the process on. Both the prime
minister and I are united in our conviction that the
devolved government of the Good Friday agreement is what
will best allow Northern Ireland to move on and to prosper.
Today, we are placing Northern Ireland's politicians back
on the path to power. We are giving them the opportunity to
take power back into their own hands. There is no more
obvious responsibility for an elected politician.There is a
particular onus on those parties with the largest mandate
and who will occupy the positions of leadership in a
restored Executive.
If an Executive cannot be successfully formed in the time
available, then the governments are also agreed that we
will exercise our responsibilities to ensure that the
agreement is implemented to the maximum possible extent for
the benefit of all communities. ... Bertie Ahern
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/2978855348HM10BLAIRSAYS.html
Prime Minister's Statement Edited
07/04/2006
So the moment comes, as we always knew it would, for the
ultimate decision. On Tuesday, we had a reminder of the
past: an horrific, bloody murder. It represented all we
have sought to escape from these past nine years.
Today we have the possibility of deciding, over the next
nine months, to make the future work.
The GFA was a massive achievement. If it was naive ever to
think that, by it, all could be resolved with relative
ease, then it is fair to say that perhaps only naivety
could have emboldened us to aim so high, and without such
ambition, we would have achieved nothing.
We have today set out a framework beginning with the recall
of the Assembly on May 15th, but running up to November of
this year for the ultimate decision to be made.
At that point we close the chapter or close the book.
In Northern Ireland over the coming years, crucial
decisions will be taken on the economy, health, schools,
local government. Is it not more sensible that they are
taken by the directly elected representatives of the people
those decisions will affect, not by direct rule? There is
ample scope to find agreement if that is what people want.
But be in no doubt. At the conclusion of this period, we
either resolve to go forward on the basis of mature
democracy or we call time on this and seek another way to
go. Two things must be understood. There can be no room for
compromise or ambiguity on the commitment only to
exclusively peaceful and democratic means. Political
argument is the only means of persuasion.
On the other hand, however, there can be no way forward
that does not recognise the legitimate aspiration of
nationalists and republicans for a united Ireland and give
expression to it, through partnership, North and South. In
other words, the essence of the GFA is valid. The question
is: do the political parties in Northern Ireland lead its
implementation or do the two governments, perforce have to
step into the breach? Stasis is not an option. ... Tony
Blair
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/04/07/story252965.html
SF And SDLP Criticise Rea’s Police Board Re-Election
07/04/2006 - 08:36:38
Sinn Féin and the SDLP have both criticised the re-election
of Prof Desmond Rea as chairman of the North's Policing
Board.
Prof Rea, who defeated independent member Pauline McCabe in
last night's vote, has held the position since the board
was established in 2001.
He had been the preferred choice of unionist members of the
board, while nationalists had come out in support of Ms
McCabe.
Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly has claimed Prof Rea's re-election
highlights a unionist failure to grasp the concept of
power-sharing, while the SDLP has said it was disappointing
that the opportunity for change was not taken.
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4885698.stm
Police 'Need Community Support'
The new vice-chairman of the Policing Board has said the
"sooner Sinn Fein is involved the better".
Prominent businessman Barry Gilligan, who replaced Denis
Bradley on the board, said the key to effective policing
was community involvement.
"The sooner Sinn Fein are involved the better but that's a
matter for Sinn Fein and for the government," he said.
Members of the newly-elected board are to meet Chief
Constable Sir Hugh Orde on Friday.
Speaking ahead of that meeting, Mr Gilligan told the BBC:
"I have been absolutely consistent in saying that the key
to effective and efficient policing in any community is
that everyone is involved in it."
He said the Policing Board was hailed as one of the success
stories of the Good Friday Agreement.
Sinn Fein has resisted giving the PSNI, the Policing Board
and other institutions its support, insisting more
legislation is needed before it can sign up.
The party said it needed to see more power transferred to
local politicians before it would consider nominating
representatives.
Members will appoint committees and their chairs and vice-
chairs on Friday.
The first public session of the new Policing Board will be
held on 3 May.
On Thursday, Sir Desmond Rea was re-elected as chairman,
beating off a challenge from Pauline McCabe, a training and
business consultant, for the top post.
Asked about claims that a nationalist should have been
elected chairman, Sir Desmond said he believed he had drawn
support from both identities in the community.
"I'm very gratified about that, simply because I have
sought over the past four years to seek to interpret the
mind of the board to the wider community."
He said it was important that every part of the community
was policed, that recruits were drawn from every part of
the community and that they could "go back and visit their
parents" in safety.
Sir Desmond said Sinn Fein's refusal to take its places on
the board was a matter for "wider politics".
However, he added: "The fact that Sinn Fein is not on the
police board creates a vacuum that the dissidents can play
their games in and its sends a very powerful signal to the
whole of the community."
Last month, outgoing vice chairman Mr Bradley said the next
chairman "should be a nationalist".
In his outgoing speech last month, deputy chairman Mr
Bradley said he looked forward to the day when the
background of the board chairman would become a "non-
issue".
He also expressed concerns about MI5 taking control of
intelligence gathering, fearing it would become "a force
within a force".
Mr Bradley also predicted that Sinn Fein would take its
seats on the board in the autumn.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/07 08:21:07 GMT
© BBC MMVI
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685899
Has Bird Flu Hit Ulster?
Results Of Dead Swan Tests Anxiously Awaited As H5N1 Is
Confirmed In Scotland
By Debra Douglas
07 April 2006
Tests were last night being carried out on six dead swans
found in Northern Ireland as fears of bird flu gripped the
province.
As Scottish authorities confirmed the dead mute swan found
in the east coast village of Cellardyke was carrying the
deadly H5N1 strain which can kill humans, the remains of
four carcasses found in Newferry, Co Antrim, and two found
in Moira, Co Down, yesterday, were being examined by
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials.
The results of the tests are expected later today and if
positive, exclusion zones similar to those which have been
set up in Scotland would be put in place here.
An initial 3km protection zone was set up around
Cellardyke, where the swan was found, surrounded by a 10km
surveillance zone which was later extended to 965 sq miles.
If the deadly strain was found here, it is likely farmers
would be ordered to house their birds where possible, or
separate them from wild birds.
Restrictions on the movement of poultry, eggs and other
poultry products may also be implemented.
But Bert Houston, chief veterinary officer for DARD,
stressed that, although the birds were being tested, there
was no evidence to link their deaths to bird flu at this
stage.
And he said that even if the tests were positive, Northern
Ireland would be able to cope.
Mr Houston said: "We have good contingency plans in place
and have implemented all the EU requirements."
"I am confident that if avian influenza did come to
Northern Ireland we would be able to handle it," said Mr
Houston.
He said the worst case scenario would be an outbreak which
would affect the commercial poultry industry.
He said there had been an influx of calls to the
department's helpline following the discovery of the
stricken swan in Scotland.
And he vowed that all birds reported would be collected and
examined as a precaution, pointing out that it is a move
which has been standard practice for some time.
As fears mounted, Liam McKibben, DARD's director of animal
health and welfare, said 350 dead and live bird samples
were tested in Northern Ireland between October and
December last year.
So far this year 25 wild bird carcasses have been submitted
for tests, including 12 swans, and all have come black
clear.
Meanwhile, a meeting between the main stakeholders,
including the Farmers Union, the RSPB and the Wildfowl and
Wetlands Trust took place yesterday afternoon to discuss
the issue.
And as concerns the deadly virus may have reached Northern
Ireland rose, North Antrim MLA Sean Farren urged those
living in the area where the swans were found not to panic.
"Local people will be concerned by the news that a number
of dead swans have been discovered and are currently
undergoing investigation," he said.
"However I must remind people that these deaths may not
have been caused by the bird flu virus and people must
remain calm but sensible.
"If anyone notices anything unusual in the area relating to
other birds then they should contact the relevant
authorities immediately.
"I sincerely hope that these swans have not died from the
bird flu virus but I will await the outcome of the
investigation which I hope reveals its findings speedily."
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4883470.stm
Vets Examine Dead Swans At River
A number of dead swans discovered by a river in County
Antrim are being examined by government vets.
The remains were found on the River Bann near Portglenone.
Police have cordoned off the area amid concern about bird
flu, but the Department of Agriculture said the operation
was routine.
Council workers found a newly-dead swan on Thursday. Later,
a second partly decomposed bird and two badly decomposed
swans were found nearby.
Meanwhile, officials have also recovered the carcass of a
dead swan from a grassy field near Moira.
Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer, Bert Houston,
said tests were being carried out on the dead swans.
He said 12 other dead birds have already been tested and no
trace of the H5N1 virus has been found.
"All of those tests have been negative," he said.
Mr Houston added: "We have good contingency plans in place
and have implemented all the EU requirements.
"I am confident that if avian influenza did come to
Northern Ireland we would be able to handle it."
Health experts have been carrying out tests on a swan found
dead in Scotland that tested positive for bird flu.
The EU's bird flu laboratory in Surrey has now confirmed
that the UK has its first case in a wild bird of the H5N1
strain.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/06 14:45:13 GMT
© BBC MMVI
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/1276111259HM6PADDYWALL.html
Avian Flu Does Not Pose A Threat To Humans In Its Present Form
07/04/2006
Steady spread from the Far East means it is only a matter
of 'when' rather than 'if' the virus arrives in Ireland,
writes Dr Patrick Wall
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza does not pose a threat
to humans in its present form. Ten years have passed since
this strain of the flu virus appeared in China. Yet there
have been only 192 human cases to date and 109 deaths, all
of people working closely with ill poultry.
The avian flu virus does pose a threat to the health of
commercial and wild birds and has the potential to disrupt
trade. The steady spread from the Far East means that it is
only a matter of "when" rather than "if" the virus arrives
in Ireland.
Yesterday's confirmation that the swan which died in
Scotland tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the
virus, and news that tests for avian flu are being carried
out on dead swans in Antrim, demonstrates that it is coming
our direction. The Department of Agriculture and Food has
detailed plans to minimise the spread in poultry and the
impact to trade.
There is no risk of contracting bird flu in Ireland from
eating chicken. The advice to properly cook your chicken
has always existed to avoid contracting salmonella or
campylobacter, two food poisoning bugs.
The possibility of the virus mutating and developing the
ability to pass from human to human exists. But the
probability of this happening is low. There is not a great
deal the average member of the public can do to hedge
against such an event.
Since the first outbreaks of the H5N1 strain were
identified in Asia over 155 million birds have been culled
by workers with varying degrees of personal protection
equipment. Yet not one case of avian flu has occurred in
workers engaged in the culls.
Furthermore, we now have new vaccine technology and
antiviral drugs which previously did not exist during the
previous human flu pandemics.
There once was a time that exaggerating risk was left to
the tabloid newspapers, but of late researchers desperate
to secure funds often take a bit of poetic licence with
quantifying the risk , "no risk - no funds."
The tendency toward panic reactions in response to
catastrophic risks is something that should concern those
involved in both industry and public health. Often the risk
management response is in proportion to the media coverage
rather than the risk to human health.
Policy-makers and regulators are not consistent in how they
address risk and equal risk in society is not treated with
equal degrees of intervention.
There is very little point in the average member of the
public being overly concerned about the current
developments.
It is extremely unlikely that someone will contract bird
flu in an Irish context. However deaths and injuries on the
roads, disease related to poor diets or inappropriate
alcohol consumption are more likely to impact on us, or our
families.
There are many similar disasters that could befall the
human race and these are disasters that should be debated.
But exaggerated concern over such risks should not be
allowed to distract individuals from taking proper
precautions for their own health and their families health
over risks that impact on them on a daily basis.
Dr Patrick Wall is Associate Professor of Public Health,
School of Public Health and Population Sciences in UCD.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/13792
Save Our National Airline
Published: 7 April, 2006
Sinn Féin activists will take part in a picket at the
Dublin Airport roundabout at 3pm on Saturday afternoon to
show their opposition to the proposed sale of Aer Lingus,
the state's national airline. They will be joined by Cllrs
Felix Gallagher (Fingal County Council) and Dessie Ellis
(Dublin City Council). Both Councils, along with South
Dublin County Council passed Sinn Féin motions of
opposition to the proposed sale.
Speaking ahead of the protest Cllr Ellis, who is the Sinn
Féin candidate in Dublin North-West in the coming General
Election, said: "The proposed sale has accurately been
described as an act of economic vandalism. We are going to
sell a profitable, efficient democratically owned company
because the Government refuses to invest in it but the sale
itself will only raise at best a quarter of the investment
Aer Lingus management claims is needed."
Cllr Gallagher said: "There is no economic reason for this
sale. The Government can invest in this airline, contrary
to some of the spin in the media and the analysis of Labour
on Fingal Council who opposed our motion not to sell off
the airline. One of the greatest assets belonging to the
people of Ireland is going to be sold to private investors
whose sole goal will be to ring every last cent out of the
airline regardless of the strategic needs of our island
economy." ENDS
*************************
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75297
INLA Dismantles Another Criminal Gang
Tyrone Miscellaneous Press Release Friday April 07,
2006 09:51 by IRSP - Irish Republican Socialist Party
''A criminal gang operating in the North West was last
night dismantled by a unit from the North-West Brigade of
the INLA and have been ordered to desist from all criminal
activity or face a military response. "
The following statement was recieved by the Strabane IRSP
on the 06-04-06 from the North-West Brigade of the INLA:
''A criminal gang operating in the North West was last
night dismantled by a unit from the North-West Brigade of
the INLA and have been ordered to desist from all criminal
activity or face a military response. This particular gang
which is headed up by a well known career criminal have in
the past been involved in robberries, house break-ins,
assaults and have more recently moved in to the drugs
trade. It came to our attention that this gang was selling
drugs to children after the mother of a 15 year old school
girl informed the INLA that her daughter and friends of a
similar age were taking Exctasy tablets. Last night a
number of these gang members were arrested by one of our
units and confiscated almost one thousand suspected Exctasy
tablets and were instructed to pass them on to Teach na
Failte representatives for destruction. Teach na Failte
representatives have since handed these drugs on to the
Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Project group in Strabane, in
the presence of the local press, for destruction. We would
like to take this opportunity to warn those involved in the
drugs trade that they face a military response if they
continue to target children in particular for drug use''.
''North-West Brigade INLA''
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685907
Opin: So... Can It Be Made To Work?
Stormont is set to reopen under new management. Political
correspondent Chris Thornton looks at the prospects for
keeping it afloat
07 April 2006
At last, it happened. A group of politicians from very
different traditions finally saw that it was in their
common interest to strike a deal about the future of
Northern Ireland.
Except it wasn't Sinn Fein and the DUP. The impetus for
yesterday's announcement appears to have less to do with
the readiness of those two parties to do business and more
to do with interests well outside Northern Ireland - namely
the establishment of Tony Blair's legacy in time for
retirement, the electoral interests of Bertie Ahern, and
the promotion hopes of Peter Hain in the next phase of new
Labour.
What happens next will be immensely instructive about how
well the governments have prepared the ground for a return
to devolution.
As things stand, the first thing to happen on May 15 should
be octogenarian Ian Paisley, the Father of the House,
bouncing up to the front of the Assembly to take charge of
the election for the vacant Speaker's chair.
After all, if the parties are really on the verge of
sharing power, you might think they would be capable of
carving up the small matter of choosing a Speaker.
There are signs that the NIO does not believe they are
capable. Informed sources said yesterday that the
"emergency legislation" that will be brought forward to
start the Assembly will revise its Standing Orders.
The rules, in other words, will be changed. One of the
expected changes is that the Secretary of State will
appoint an acting Presiding Officer, in the same way that
Lord Alderdice was placed in charge of the first Assembly
eight years ago.
One reason this decision will be important is because the
functions of the semi-conscious Assembly are still a bit
vague. Sinn Fein and the DUP - not surprisingly for parties
that don't talk - appear to want different things out of
the sessions that will be convened in the spring and
autumn.
The DUP clearly want to use it as a platform to talk about
the issues like education and water charges - Ian Paisley
said it should be home to "free, full and democratic
debate" about the way forward.
Mr Blair gave a vague promise about taking account of the
Assembly's views, and it is possible that the DUP could use
a result on some issues - say a concession on water charges
- to demonstrate to their supporters that sharing power
with Sinn Fein might have its uses.
But it is not clear how much debate Stormont is even ready
to service - many of the civil servants who would service
committees and the like have been seconded to other posts.
Sinn Fein, on the other hand, are extremely wary of being
drawn into a talking shop that wields no power. Gerry Adams
underlined that yesterday when he welcomed the governments'
assurance that the Assembly's "primary responsibility" will
be to set up an Executive.
There is, of course, the deadline of November 24 that is
designed to constrain any DUP ambitions to keep on talking.
Deadlines can be precarious things in Northern Ireland, but
apart from that, there are also questions about how serious
the sanctions are in case of a default.
For the DUP, there is the threat of a greater Dublin role
in the running of Northern Ireland. That might be
persuasive, but there already is a Dublin role - and
curiously the Irish government did not seem as enthusiastic
yesterday about an expansion as the British.
Then there is the big threat to cut off salaries. MLAs and
the nephews who work for them would suffer, but their
parties will go on - especially Sinn Fein and DUP. For Sinn
Fein, this is a struggle, and struggles aren't supposed to
be easy. For the DUP, the core leadership have Westminster
salaries to draw on, and keeping Ulster British is worth
more than money.
Ultimately, we will learn how much the two main parties
really want this Assembly. Don't forget that on current
strengths - with Paul Berry out of the DUP - they will each
get three seats in the Executive.
Both parties privately reckon they could do better - at the
expense of the SDLP and UUP - if there was another election
down the line. They might just fancy their chances in the
wreckage.
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685974
Opin: Will It All Mean More Threats, Bribes And Dangled Promises?
London Editor Brian Walker analyses what the two Prime
Ministers announced at Navan Fort means for the political
process
By Brain Walker
07 April 2006
What was remarkable about the two Prime Ministers'
performance was not the fact of their ultimatum but its
vagueness and lack of detail. They were like two weary
headmasters telling pupils: "You know what to do, sort it
out by yourselves. If you don't, you may get detention."
They only hinted at what would happen if the parties can't
agree after the first six weeks. First, "in parallel with
the Assembly, we will intensively engage with the parties
to establish trust". What this means is that they are
virtually admitting failure, at least for the first six
weeks. They will then summon the parties for another set of
talks at the end of June that will be "intensive and if
necessary, lengthy".
Dropping the sink school image, there will be those in the
SDLP and the Ulster Unionists who will object that the
Assembly is being sidelined even before it starts and
suspect more side-deals. To which the premiers can reply
that it's worth taking another shot at a deal if this is
the only way. So barring a miracle in the meantime, at the
end of June in Parliament Buildings, the premiers will
spell out more clearly the threats, bribes and promises
they only hinted at yesterday.
They will dangle before the parties' eyes hopes of changing
some of those unpopular policies on rates, water charges
and secondary schools through getting down to business in
committees.
They will insist though that the committees must be a
straight road and not a barrier to an Executive. They will
also point out that the best way to nullify fears of re-
partition when the seven new councils come in, is to form
the Grand County Council at Stormont.
Sinn Fein, they suggested yesterday - surprisingly mildly -
would transform the climate if they supported the police.
The mildness may be because they believe that Gerry Adams
stands a better chance of persuading his followers to speed
up their responses on policing without them chivvying him
along. Or simply because yesterday was not the day for
turning the heat on anybody. And it was in that vein that
Tony Blair left the threat, or promise, of a new British-
Irish partnership hanging in the air, refusing to spell out
what "step changes" in advancing north-south cooperation
would actually mean.
But the "stick" of green-tinged direct rule would seem to
hold few terrors for the DUP and the "carrot" of committees
by itself is far too unappetising to tempt anybody else. At
least this time, no more "concessions" were offered to Sinn
Fein.
It's difficult to detect anything, threat of promise, in
the PMs' framework that creates a dynamic for breaking the
deadlock. Without the Assembly, the DUP keeps direct rule,
and Sinn Fein achieves a modest shift towards Dublin
involvement. Enough for both of them to keep their support,
but far from enough to achieve a breakthrough.
*************************
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/northernirelandassembly/comment/0,,1748417,00.html
Opin: Dogged Survivor Holds Key At 80
The Reverend Ian Paisley celebrates his 80th birthday
knowing that the future of any Northern Ireland power-
sharing agreement is in his hands, writes Henry McDonald
Thursday April 6, 2006
Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern are in
the city of Armagh today launching yet another initiative
aimed at restoring a power-sharing government in Northern
Ireland.
But the two premiers' presence in the religious capital of
Ireland is not the most important or significant political
event on the island this week.
The most important development over the last 72 hours has
been the murder in a remote cottage in the western part of
County Donegal of the Sinn Fein official-turned-British spy
Denis Donaldson.
Donaldson's killing casts a pall of gloom over today's
prime ministerial get-together. And the man who will really
decide if and when there is to be a power-sharing
government in Northern Ireland again is pointing to that
murder as another reason why he will not sit in an
Executive in Belfast with Irish republicans.
While Mr Blair and Mr Ahern stand shoulder-to-shoulder in
the city that is home to the primates of both the Catholic
and Anglican churches, the leader of a relatively small,
fundamentalist sect celebrates his 80th birthday knowing
that nothing can happen without his consent, which after
the Donaldson murder is unlikely to be given.
This is because since news broke about the fatal shooting
at Donaldson's isolated cottage in the Irish speaking part
of Ireland's second largest county, the Reverend Dr Ian
Paisley has been in no doubt that the IRA was responsible.
Whether he is right about that or not is irrelevant, as he,
and more importantly his electorate, no longer believe the
denials.
Rev Paisley is head of the 12,000 strong Free Presbyterian
Church, a breakaway religious organisation that in terms of
bums on pews is miniscule compared to the main churches
with their cathedral and headquarters in Armagh.
But Rev Paisley reaches three-score and twenty today in the
knowledge that his political congregation vastly outnumbers
his followers in the Free Presbyterian Church.
As he sits around the dining table at his home in the
prosperous, upper-middle class area of East Belfast,
surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Rev Paisley
knows that, as leader of the largest party in Northern
Ireland and the hegemonic force in unionism, even at 80 he
still has the ability to make or break any potential
political settlement agreed by Mr Blair and Mr Ahern.
Reaching 80 has been a remarkable achievement on two fronts
for Rev Paisley, both political and existential.
Around this time eight years ago, Rev Paisley was being
dismissed as a political has-been. On Maundy Thursday
evening 1998, the founder of the Democratic Unionist Party
faced his very own agony in the garden.
Inside the grounds of Stormont buildings, Rev Paisley tried
to hold a press conference in front of the international
media to denounce the deal that was to be signed less than
24 hours later by David Trimble and his nationalist
opponents in Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
Instead he was shouted down by a group of angry loyalist
paramilitaries who accused him of winding them up in the
early 1970s and then abandoning them when they turned to
violence. Rev Paisley of course strongly denied ever
encouraging the violent loyalist movements and stressed he
always condemned their terrorism.
Nonetheless, the loyalists (who were to back the Good
Friday Accord) won the day, forcing Rev Paisley to abandon
the press briefing.
As he left the international press tent, Rev Paisley was
sent off with football chant style cries of "cheerio,
cheerio". As Rev Paisley and his entourage limped away, it
seemed the colossus of Protestant, unionist Ulster was
finally crumbling.
Fast forward to last year's general election and the man
those loyalists had backed in 1998 was himself limping away
from his own constituency, unseated by one of Rev Paisley's
DUP candidates - Nobel laureate, Ulster Unionist leader and
once willing partner in coalition with Sinn Fein, David
Trimble was out of a job.
Mr Trimble and his party were reduced to one seat at
Westminster, the DUP by contrast now had nine. For the
first time in history, the DUP had supplanted the Ulster
Unionists as the leading pro-union force.
Rev Paisley's physical survival has also frustrated the
designs of the Northern Ireland Office, the Irish
Department of Foreign Affairs and Downing Street.
In the run-up to the Leeds Castle talks in September 2004,
both governments were briefing on an almost daily basis
that Rev Paisley was not long for this world. There were
rumours about him succumbing to prostrate cancer and other
fatal ailments.
The hints and innuendo about his health were followed by
briefings that a more pragmatic leadership headed by Peter
Robinson, the East Belfast MP, was waiting in the wings to
take over.
Government sources pointed to his physical demise in 2003-
04 and the obvious weight loss he had endured. Clearly the
North Antrim MP had been ill for some time.
However, the life-long teetotaller has since rallied and
exudes rude health. The confident, robust, bellowing
bruiser is back.
He was in vintage form outside Downing Street on Tuesday
evening when news broke that the former Sinn Fein official
Denis Donaldson had been shot dead in Donegal. Rev Paisley
seized upon the controversy as justification of his stance
that the DUP won't share power with Sinn Fein until the IRA
is disbanded.
Despite the Donaldson murder and the cloud of suspicion
still hanging over the republican movement, Mr Blair and Mr
Ahern have pressed ahead with their supposed groundbreaking
visit to Armagh.
Rev Paisley, meanwhile, cuts his cake also in the knowledge
that by the time of his next birthday he could have seen
off yet another prime minister, Tony Blair. And by his
82nd, with the Irish general election a looming
possibility, he may have also seen off yet another Irish
premier as well.
· Henry McDonald is Ireland editor of the Observer.
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/opinion/2006/0407/377025084OP07GERRY.html
Opin: Paisley Holds The Key To Deciding If Stormont Returns
There seems little prospect of Sinn Féin and the DUP
cosying up to each other in government. But as Ian Paisley
said earlier this week, "miracles happen", writes Gerry
Moriarty, Northern Editor
Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair arrived at the seat of the
ancient royal rulers of Ulster, Navan Fort (Emhain Macha)
just outside Armagh, yesterday morning to publish proposals
aimed at reinstating a modern form of local rule in six of
the province's nine counties.
The Taoiseach and British prime minister concentrated on
the three Ps - peace, power-sharing and policing. The
unforgiving murder of Denis Donaldson illustrated that even
eight years after the Belfast Agreement the peace remains
tricky, notwithstanding how far we have come.
Their plan envisages a staged return to partnership
government by November 24th. At the moment there seems
little prospect of Sinn Féin and the DUP cosying up to each
other in Stormont. Each blames the other for the deadlock.
But as Ian Paisley said earlier this week, "miracles
happen". Remember though, that was before Denis Donaldson
was murdered.
Sinn Féin signing up to policing is a prerequisite if peace
and power-sharing are to be cemented, the two governments
reasonably argue. Yet, there is nothing on the political
horizon to say such a move is imminent.
Few reasons to be hopeful, therefore? The Taoiseach and
British prime minister, however, are nothing if not dogged.
They displayed an odd mixture of determination and peace
process fatigue yesterday. Ahern said he had given "the
best years of his political life" to the political process.
Blair reminded us he has been trying to see this through to
completion for almost 10 years now. But they were not
giving up. Indeed Blair, when pressed, would give no hint
about when he might hand the keys of No 10 Downing Street
to Gordon Brown. (It was, in fact, comical that some of his
officials masked over the "Exit" signs on the way into the
Navan Fort conference room. This was to ensure
photographers couldn't use that tired old idea of harried
politicians being snapped under "exit" signs.)
Another indication of Blair's plan to remain in power much
longer than Brown would hope? The two leaders know whether
a deal will be possible chiefly hinges not only on Ian
Paisley - but also on Gerry Adams. Neither Sinn Féin nor
the DUP gave much away yesterday. The Sinn Féin president
indicated he would at least test the proposals. Ian Paisley
said he was happy to enter a diluted Assembly but there
could be no deadline for establishing a fully-functioning
Executive.
The Ahern/Blair roadmap, as reported here last month,
involves restoring the Assembly on May 15th. Sometime in
the six weeks thereafter there will be an attempt to elect
a first and deputy first minister (Ian Paisley and Martin
McGuinness) and their Executive or cabinet, which must
fail.
The Assembly will then go into a summer recess during which
time Mr Ahern and Mr Blair will enter into "intensive
talks" in Northern Ireland with the parties to see if the
Executive can be established by the November 24th deadline.
The Assembly will return in the autumn and the parties will
have 12 weeks to strike a deal. If they fail Assembly
members' salaries and allowances will be stopped and work
to restore the Assembly and Executive will be deferred
"until there is a clear political willingness to exercise
devolved power". The Donaldson murder hung over yesterday's
proceedings. Should it ever be established that this was an
IRA leadership authorised "hit" then the governments and
every sentient person on the island realise there can be no
power-sharing for years to come.
Gardaí believe republicans were involved but can't say
whether it was dissidents, IRA members going "solo", or IRA
members operating with the imprimatur of the army council.
Some well-placed sources told The Irish Times yesterday
that suspicion was falling on dissident republicans
operating in the Derry and northwest area who were anxious
to make life difficult for Adams and McGuinness. If this
were to be established it would distance the Provisionals
from responsibility.
Starting from today there is almost eight months for some
form of limited trust to be established between the DUP and
Sinn Féin.
There will be two Independent Monitoring Commission reports
over that period. If they are positive about the IRA
eschewing violence and criminality and if they further
indicate that the Provos were not involved in Donaldson's
murder then at the very least Paisley will be hard-pressed
to explain why he would not enter into government with Sinn
Féin in late November.
We would be into the blame game with the DUP subjected to
most of the pressure.
The Ahern/Blair blueprint is pretty basic carrot and stick-
type politics. The inducement for Northern politicians is
exercising power.
The punishment though seems directed more at the DUP than
Sinn Féin. If it all collapses on November 24th then Mr
Ahern and Mr Blair made it clear that North-South co-
operation will be beefed up.
That obviously would be to the benefit of republicans.
Nonetheless Mr McGuinness in a number of interviews
yesterday insisted the Sinn Féin preference was for Plan A,
devolution rather than London and Dublin moving towards
some form of common management of Northern Ireland.
By the same token it would still be direct rule ministers
running the North, which is anathema to Sinn Féin. In the
end though, as said so often before, it is really down to
Ian Paisley. Yesterday was his 80th birthday. He can
conclude his career trumpeting that he is the unrivalled
leader of unionism or he can actually as First Minister run
this place - albeit sharing some of that power with Martin
McGuinness. It's a big call for him and nobody, probably
not even Dr Paisley, knows what he will do in 33 weeks'
time.
So, can it work? Even money on a deal would probably be the
best odds obtainable from a bookie at the moment. The
Taoiseach indicated if between now and November Northern
Ireland could avoid the obstacles that often dog the
process (bank robberies, marching violence and the like)
then there was a chance Ian Paisley might bite. Which seems
a reasonable read.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685968
Opin: Threat Of A Green-Tinged Stormont As Blair Raises The Heat On Paisley
By David McKittrick
07 April 2006
The British and Irish Prime Ministers have launched a
concerted eight-month effort to shoehorn Unionists and
republicans into a new power-sharing coalition government.
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern warned all sides that their
initiative was in effect the "last chance saloon" for the
reinstatement of devolution at Stormont. They attempted in
particular to apply pressure to the Rev Ian Paisley's
Democratic Unionist party to agree to take office alongside
Sinn Fein by the new deadline of 24 November. It was made
clear that if agreement is not reached, Dublin will be
given a greater role in the running of Northern Ireland, a
prospect which would certainly not appeal to Mr Paisley.
The salaries and expenses of Assembly members - who are
still being paid even though the institution has been
suspended since 2002 - would also cease.
Mr Paisley has repeatedly warned that he will not do a deal
with republicans until all vestiges of law-breaking and
criminality have disappeared.
A crucial question is, therefore, whether the IRA will in
time be exonerated of this week's assassination of the
British agent Denis Donaldson. The hope of London and
Dublin, and most other participants in the peace process,
is that it will be established that the killing was not
authorised by the IRA's leadership.
The further hope is that by November official monitoring
reports will say conclusively that the IRA has ceased all
activity, including criminality.
The DUP and Sinn Fein, the two principal components of any
new local administration, were both lukewarm about
yesterday's announcement, but neither condemned it or
threatened to boycott it.
Although the Donaldson murder inevitably cast a shadow over
the political announcement, the general sense is that a
route map has been laid towards renewed devolution.
Success will depend on a clean bill of health for the IRA,
followed by confirmation from the Paisley camp that
republicans will be considered by them fit for membership
of a new coalition.
While no one believes this will be easy, few believe that
it will be absolutely impossible, though some politicians
think the process will stretch into next year.
The Assembly is to be convened, without power, for a six-
week period. If, as is anticipated, no breakthrough occurs
at that point, a summer recess is to be followed by a 12-
week period of negotiations aimed at forming a cross-party
executive.
Tony Blair, who visited Northern Ireland yesterday to set
out the scheme, declared: "Be in no doubt - at the
conclusion of this period we either resolve to go forward
on the basis of mature democracy, or we call time on this
and seek another way to go."
In the absence of agreement there would be "a step-change
in advancing North-South co-operation and action," a
stipulation intended to convey to Mr Paisley that the
present direct rule from London would assume a new, green
tinge.
In his initial response Mr Paisley said: "The DUP will not
be forced, rushed or bullied into accepting any level of
IRA criminality.
"Currently there is no evidence that Sinn Fein/IRA will be
any further advanced in giving up criminality in November."
Mr Ahern said: "I look at this as a start of a process. I
do not want on 24 November to be thinking about another
plan.
"I would love it to happen very quickly before that date
but, whenever, I hope we will see the restoration of
accountable institutions in Northern Ireland with
politicians back in the lead position."
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/opinion/2006/0407/1511657395OP07FIONNUALA.html
Opin: Conspiracy Theories Alive And Well In NI
Fionnuala O Connor
From bloodstained Donegal cottage to stagey gravitas at
Navan Fort, Northern politics this week as so often out-
fictioned the worst melodrama and left many to fall back on
wild surmise. Through the trauma of The Troubles and the
prolonged, anti-climactic dickering that for the most part
has replaced violence, conspiracy theories have been almost
as sustaining as religion.
Not surprising: the best are attractive. Some have even
turned out to be true.
Loyalist bombings in the late 60s were indeed meant to
finger the IRA. So many loyalists have been on the payroll
of one or several arms of the security services - according
to retired detectives and their former friends - that the
unmasked few look lonely. The freshest story, though of
course not new, is that of republicans doubling as British
agents. This painful fact sends many fleeing back into folk
webs of what might-have-been and should-have-been.
There are people in the North, possibly also in the
Republic, who believe that the Provos were created by
hardline unionists so that violence would frustrate
reforms.
A bunch of catspaws on the Shankill, who got plastered
together back in 1966 and in their cups babbled about
reviving the UVF, were urged on - not clear precisely how,
but the 50th commemoration of 1916 featured - to kill the
first three victims of the Troubles. And one thing led to
another.
Stirred-up loyalists frothed at civil rights marchers, the
Reverend Ian in his prime and Stormont ministers on the
wane detected IRA plots where none existed, and sure
enough, the Provos rose from the ashes of burned-out
Catholic streets and in time went on the offensive. Result:
Catholics lost their underdog halo, and British governments
said one side is as bad as the other, must be even-handed;
for example, mustn't hurry on fair employment.
The thing about theories of this order is that they are
elastic, generous enough to envelop snazzy little trifles,
plus a host of bogeymen.
If you're that way inclined you don't want all the links
neatened. Suggest connections, point out how the result is
right up X's street and as long as X can be linked to the
early stages, that'll do: a game for all the family during
get-togethers like weddings, funerals or Christmas.
The most far-fetched stories magnetise some of the least
informed, for whom a little knowledge is delightful. It is
also the case that scholarly minds can be prey to theories
so intricate they lose themselves coming back, with an
awful effect on their conclusions.
Denis Donaldson's death was horrible, tragic, a throwback
to an age many hoped was gone. For conspiracists, it will
ramp up delightful new chapters. The story has everything a
durable theory needs: terror, betrayal, a whiff of sex,
money, brutality, and an enigmatic central character.
Perhaps the most vital element is that almost every step in
the saga - no matter what your preferred version - is
beyond proof. With a spy or spies at the heart of things,
pleasurable speculation is infinite.
Was the murder intended to blight the Blair-Ahern
performance in Armagh? Since the planned announcement was
already shadowed by suspicion that it would be more spin
than substance, knocking it off-track was not perhaps much
of a goal. The Rev Ian Paisley was never likely to mark his
80th birthday, a celebration heightened by the imminence of
his wife's long-awaited title, by telling the world his
demands of republicans will henceforth be tempered by a
sense of his own fallibility.
Only the killer or killers know if those shotgun blasts in
Doochary were simply hate-filled revenge by old comrades,
or part of a plot. A convincing confession seems highly
unlikely. Speculation flows unchecked, assertion and
counter-assertion uninhibited by the absence of evidence.
Republicans are angry that their word is rejected, though
they have a history of denying atrocities and embarrassing
accusations, subsequently borne out. Others cite security
sources, as though there were no history of secret-service
dirty tricks, and as though every agency "in the field" has
habitually been aware of what others were doing.
The questions outlive Denis Donaldson, the most stubborn
and interesting capable of being answered in several ways.
Why did he become an agent? Who "outed" him? Is it true
that police warned him he was about to be outed and if so,
who told the police?
Was there really another Sinn Féin spy, protected at the
cost of collapsing the Stormont spy-ring case? Why has
"Larry the Chef" - the man supposedly introduced to
Northern Ireland by Denis Donaldson - not been extradited?
And when the story makes the inevitable jump to the big
screen who will play the central character, waiting for
death down a lane in Donegal? It will be a rotten film, but
some will love it.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/920264410HM11INTELLIGENCEFILES.html
RIC Files On Republican Suspects Published
07/04/2006
Police intelligence files on more than 450 Sinn Féin and
republican suspects from the first two decades of the last
century, including Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera,
have just been published on DVD and CD, writes Liam Reid.
The so-called Personalities Files amount to 19,000 folio
pages of intelligence reports from the Crimes Special
Branch of the Royal Irish Constabulary dating from 1899 to
1921, when Treaty talks took place.
The files include surveillance reports on most of the
principal figures in the 1916 Rising, the War of
Independence and the republican movement of the time. The
bulk relate to 1917-1920.
However the largest proportion of files relate to civil and
public servants suspected of republican sympathies, a
number of whom were dismissed from their posts as a result.
They were collated to mark the 90th anniversary of the 1916
Rising by a Trinity College-based company Eneclann Ltd.
The records relate solely to files held by the RIC and do
not include records from the Dublin Metropolitan Police.
Most of the records from the notorious "G-men", the
intelligence section of the metropolitan force, were
destroyed.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/04/07/story252932.html
Campaign To Teach National Anthem In Schools
07/04/2006 - 07:15:24
A campaign to have the National Anthem taught in all
secondary schools moved up a step today.
Martin Brady, a Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin north east, said
he was escalating his bid for recognition for the Anthem
with the presentation of copies of Amhran and bhFiann and
the 1916 proclamation to students in Donaghmede, Dublin 13.
“Since I first suggested that the teaching of the Anthem
and its history should be compulsory I have received
enormous public support from across the country. I have
been particularly overwhelmed by the positive reaction from
young people,” he said.
“By presenting copies of the Anthem and the Proclamation to
students at Grange College, Donaghmede, I hope to play a
small role in efforts to increase public knowledge about
both Amhran na bhFiann and the events of 1916.”
A week before the commemoration services for the 1916
Rising, Mr Brady said it was an appropriate time to remind
people of the sacrifices other people made for the freedoms
enjoyed today.
“Amhran na bhFiann was sung by the heroes of 1916 during
their darkest hour in the GPO, we owe it to their memory to
ensure the Anthem and its history is taught to future
generations,” he said.
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685923
Play An Orange Card...Or Get Your Marching Orders!
By Steven Alexander
07 April 2006
A controversial new board game based on the violence
surrounding Drumcree parades allows participants to play
the Orange card for real.
Available to buy on the internet, Re-route: The Marching
Season Game is a black-humoured strategic battle between
loyalists, republicans and the RUC based on the parade
disputes of the late 1990s.
The republican and loyalist players each start with 'march'
or 'riot' cards, while the RUC has the advantage of being
able to re-route a parade.
The warring factions try to gain control of a map of
Northern Ireland by playing cards such as 'Confront RUC',
'Terrorist Outrage' or 'Ethnic Cleansing'. The RUC, stuck
in the middle as usual, can play moves such as 'Baton
Round', 'Tear Gas' or 'Internment'.
With mocking predictability, the winner at the end of the
10 'turns' - one for each week of the marching season - is
the player who controls the most territory in Northern
Ireland.
Game creator Dave Kershaw, originally from England, but now
living with a family in Belfast, said the game is not a
serious reflection of the parades situation.
Neither does it push a political agenda, with loyalists and
republicans ironically sharing a deck of cards.
He said: "The game was developed during one of the worst
Drumcree standoffs when roads were blocked, riots were
nightly, and it seemed that there was a symbiosis of
behaviour going on - the loyalists would march, the RUC
would block them and the loyalists would riot, or else the
RUC would let them through and the republicans would riot.
"That is what it seemed like at the time, and I thought it
would be interesting to see what it would be like making
the decisions of the three main protagonists - loyalist,
republican and the RUC.
"The game also tapped into a strong sense of black humour
that was evident at the time in those of us not directly
involved in the general lunacy. The game makes a heartfelt
appeal to the cynicism of people whose lives are made more
difficult by the behaviour of the protagonists."
Re-route is available at www.wargamedownloads.com
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2006/0407/breaking37.htm
Rossport Five Stay Free But Face Huge Legal Bill
Last updated: 07-04-06, 13:11
The High Court today decided not to return the Rossport
Five to prison but ordered them to pay the legal costs to
Shell following their contempt of court over their Corrib
gas pipeline protest.
High Court President Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan said that
although the court had the right to punish the men for
refusing to comply with a court order not to obstruct the
construction of the pipeline across their land in Co Mayo,
he had decided not to impose a jail sentence.
He said he taking into account the 94 days Willie Corduff,
Philip and Vincent McGrath, Brendan Philbin and Micheál Ó
Seighin had spent in prison and the disadvantages that
three of them continued to suffer while they were in
contempt.
But Mr Justice Finnegan said he was making an order for the
costs in the case, which could run into hundreds of
thousands of euro to be awarded to Shell.
The five men were jailed for 94 days last year over their
opposition to Shell E&P Ireland's laying of the gas
pipeline as part of the €900 million Corrib gas project.
Speaking outside the court the five men expressed a mixture
of relief that the threat of a further prison term had been
lifted, and frustration at the fact that the dispute had
not been resolved.
Micheal O'Seighin said that if Shell continued to insist on
constructing the gas pipeline through their land, he and
the other four men would be willing to go to jail again for
the sake of their protest.
"We still have to protect our houses and our families. When
this began, none of us opposed the project. But one thing
they will not do, they will not put our lives in danger
without us reacting the same way.
"As any dog will protect her pup, we'll do the same thing,"
he said.
He added that Shell were now engaging in a "Mayo-isation"
of the Corrib gas field project by hiring a former chief
superintendent in the county, as well as a retired local
journalist.
"It's a stunt that doesn't work. It means we have to be on
our guard all the time against being criminalised and
Mayoised," he said. "Nothing has changed except the tactics
being used against us."
His wife Caitlin said the men would not be able to pay the
massive legal costs. "You can't pay what you don't have,"
she said.
Independent TD for Mayo, Dr Jerry Cowley, called on Shell
not to pursue the men for its legal costs.
"Even after Shell putting them in jail for 94 days, they
now have to pay Shell. To me that's totally irregular and
it just doesn't seem right. I think Shell should do the
decent thing now and not look for costs," he said.
© 2006 ireland.com
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News About Ireland & The Irish
BB 04/06/06 Donaldson Family: IRA 'Not Behind' Killing
IN 04/06/06 Governments Suspect IRA Didn't Sanction Spy's Killing
BN 04/06/06 Hope For Undocumented Irish In US
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BB 04/06/06 Vets Examine Dead Swans At River
IT 04/06/06 Avian Flu Not Pose A Threat To Humans In Its Present Form
SF 04/06/06 Save Our National Airline
IM 04/06/06 INLA Dismantles Another Criminal Gang
BT 04/06/06 Opin: So... Can It Be Made To Work?
BT 04/06/06 Opin: More Threats, Bribes & Dangled Promises?
GU 04/06/06 Opin: Dogged Survivor Holds Key At 80
IT 04/06/06 Opin: Paisley Holds The Key If Stormont Returns
BT 04/06/06 Opin: Green Stormont Threat Blair Raises Heat On Paisley
IT 04/06/06 Opin: Conspiracy Theories Alive And Well In NI
IT 04/06/06 RIC Files On Republican Suspects Published
BN 04/06/06 Campaign To Teach National Anthem In Schools
BT 04/06/06 Play An Orange Card...Or Get Your Marching Orders!
IT 04/06/06 Rossport Five Stay Free But Face Huge Legal Bill
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4886774.stm
IRA 'Not Behind' Ex-Spy Killing
The family of a former British spy has said they do not
believe the IRA was responsible for his murder.
Ex-Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, 56, was found shot
dead in a remote cottage in County Donegal on Tuesday.
He had been expelled from the party in 2005 after admitting
he was a paid British agent.
Mr Donaldson's family said they did not know who killed him
but blamed the "activities of British intelligence" for
their "difficult situation".
In a statement, the family said: "On Tuesday 4th April,
Denis was murdered. We do not know by whom.
"But the difficult situation which our family has been put
in is the direct result of the activities of the Special
Branch and British Intelligence agencies.
"We acknowledge the speedy statement from the IRA
disassociating themselves from this murder. We believe that
statement to be true.
"We would ask those politicians and media commentators who
have sought to use this tragedy to score cheap political
points to stop doing so."
In a statement released by a Belfast law firm, the family
also blamed the media for reporting details of Mr
Donaldson's new location.
"In December, Denis left his home in Belfast and moved to
Donegal, where it was his desire that he be left alone to
rebuild his life.
"Unfortunately, he continued to be pursued by sections of
the media, some of whom gave details about his
whereabouts."
The family said Mr Donaldson was a loving husband, a
devoted father and grandfather and a good brother.
"The events of recent months have been very difficult for
our family. In the next few days, Denis will return home to
Belfast to be with his family for one last time and to be
buried."
Irish police have been carrying out searches in the
vicinity of the remote cottage near the village of Glenties
where Mr Donaldson's body was found.
Post mortem results have indicated he died from a shotgun
wound to the chest. It said there were other injuries to
his body consistent with shotgun blasts, including a severe
injury to his right hand.
Police removed a car at the scene on Thursday.
Mr Donaldson had been Sinn Fein's head of administration at
Stormont before his 2002 arrest over alleged spying led to
its collapse.
He and two others were acquitted of charges last December
"in the public interest".
One week later he admitted being recruited in the 1980s as
a paid British agent.
He said there had not been a republican spy ring at
Stormont.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/07 09:29:02 GMT
© BBC MMVI
*************************
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/article356281.ece
Governments Suspect IRA Didn't Sanction Spy's Killing
By David McKittrick
Published: 07 April 2006
The Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said his government
had no intelligence about who killed Denis Donaldson, the
veteran republican who was shot dead in Donegal earlier
this week.
Theories abound about who carried out the shooting of
Donaldson, who last December was unmasked as a long-time
Special Branch agent within Sinn Fein and the IRA.
He was killed by four blasts fired from a shotgun in a
remote cottage in Donegal in the Irish Republic, dying
instantly. The IRA denied killing him and no one has
admitted responsibility for the murder.
Mr Ahern said yesterday: "We have no intelligence, no
information, to indicate whether, as I said in the Dail, it
is retribution for some past event or some falling out
along the way, or whether it is some dissident group.
"We don't know and we will do everything we can to try and
find that out. It is important to do so in any murder, but
I think it is important in this one also."
Although there are no certainties in the matter, both
London and Dublin tend not to believe that the killing was
carried out with the authorisation of the IRA's ruling army
council.
This is primarily because of the damage the incident has
inflicted both on the IRA and Sinn Fein, and because it
will make Sinn Fein's ambition to form a new government
with the Rev Ian Paisley much more difficult to realise.
With so far a complete absence of intelligence, as reported
by Mr Ahern, attention has focused on the idea that he was
killed by republicans who are either members or former
members of the IRA.
Some tend to believe that someone within IRA ranks decided
that Donaldson's undercover activities had earned him a
death penalty, possibly because in his 20-year career as an
informer for Special Branch he must have put many
republicans behind bars.
Whoever was responsible, they are regarded as being either
indifferent to the fortunes of Sinn Fein, or opposed to the
course of the peace process.
The killing was carried out in a clinical and cold-blooded
manner which suggests those involved had experience in
previous terrorist activities.
Tony Blair said yesterday: "Whoever is responsible for
anything that is against the law we will pursue with the
full rigour of the law and we expect everyone to support us
and work with us in that endeavour."
The Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said his government
had no intelligence about who killed Denis Donaldson, the
veteran republican who was shot dead in Donegal earlier
this week.
Theories abound about who carried out the shooting of
Donaldson, who last December was unmasked as a long-time
Special Branch agent within Sinn Fein and the IRA.
He was killed by four blasts fired from a shotgun in a
remote cottage in Donegal in the Irish Republic, dying
instantly. The IRA denied killing him and no one has
admitted responsibility for the murder.
Mr Ahern said yesterday: "We have no intelligence, no
information, to indicate whether, as I said in the Dail, it
is retribution for some past event or some falling out
along the way, or whether it is some dissident group.
"We don't know and we will do everything we can to try and
find that out. It is important to do so in any murder, but
I think it is important in this one also."
Although there are no certainties in the matter, both
London and Dublin tend not to believe that the killing was
carried out with the authorisation of the IRA's ruling army
council.
This is primarily because of the damage the incident has
inflicted both on the IRA and Sinn Fein, and because it
will make Sinn Fein's ambition to form a new government
with the Rev Ian Paisley much more difficult to realise.
With so far a complete absence of intelligence, as reported
by Mr Ahern, attention has focused on the idea that he was
killed by republicans who are either members or former
members of the IRA.
Some tend to believe that someone within IRA ranks decided
that Donaldson's undercover activities had earned him a
death penalty, possibly because in his 20-year career as an
informer for Special Branch he must have put many
republicans behind bars.
Whoever was responsible, they are regarded as being either
indifferent to the fortunes of Sinn Fein, or opposed to the
course of the peace process.
The killing was carried out in a clinical and cold-blooded
manner which suggests those involved had experience in
previous terrorist activities.
Tony Blair said yesterday: "Whoever is responsible for
anything that is against the law we will pursue with the
full rigour of the law and we expect everyone to support us
and work with us in that endeavour."
*************************
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/04/06/story252914.html
Hope For Undocumented Irish In US
06/04/2006 - 20:40:44
Tens of thousands of Irish people living illegally in the
US may benefit after the Senate agreed a new Immigration
Reform Bill.
The comprehensive document could provide a path to
permanency for the majority of the undocumented Irish in
the US.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said he was
encouraged that the leaders of both parties in the US
Senate agreed the outline of the Bill.
“The compromise has been welcomed by Senators Edward
Kennedy and John McCain and the Irish Lobby for Immigration
Reform. Negotiations are continuing on the details and it
is expected that the Bill will be voted on by the Senate by
the weekend,” Mr Ahern said.
“Once a Bill is passed by the Senate, it will then have to
be reconciled with the Bill passed by the House of
Representatives last December.”
He said the proposal contained many of the key elements of
the Kennedy/McCain Bill and would be welcomed by the
undocumented Irish.
The deal would allow illegal immigrants who have been in
the US for more than five years a chance to become a
citizen if they meet certain requirements and pay a fine.
Other rules would apply for those in the US for less than
five years.
The overhaul would also include a temporary worker
programme.
Mr Ahern said: “The Government will continue to remain very
actively involved in the critical period ahead, and I would
intend to travel to Washington to meet the key players in
the House and Senate in advance of the reconciliation
process.”
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/274433342HM9IRELANDFUND.html
US Donation To Ireland Fund 'A Waste Of Money'
Seán O'Driscoll in New York
07/04/2006
The US government's allocation of $13.5 million (€11
million) to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) is
this year's biggest waste of taxpayers' money on foreign
projects, an influential US report launched by presidential
candidate senator John McCain has said.
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), which has more
than one million members, said in its annual "Congressional
Pig Book" of government waste projects that the US
government was "flushing away" money by funding the World
Toilet Summit in Belfast through the IFI.
Other IFI projects criticised by the report include the
Newcastle YMCA in Co Down; a donation to Creggan Community
Cafe and Catering Ltd in Derry; the Donegal Town Waterbus;
the Leitrim Food Centre of Excellence and the Chef
Development Programme in Belfast.
The World Toilet Summit, which was held in Belfast last
September after the IFI donated $65,000 and sent a
representative to the conference, was cited as a
particularly bad example of US government waste.
"Could there be a better example of the government flushing
away your money?" the report said, listing the IFI as the
biggest waste of taxpayers' money in the "Foreign
Operations" section of congressional spending.
The IFI has been a frequent target of CAGW. However, this
year's report has come under a cloud after a Florida
newspaper suggested the organisation was using its good
standing with members of Congress to lobby on behalf of
tobacco companies and other CAGW donors.
However, Senator McCain said he had many years of close
dealings with the group and had never seen any such
lobbying.
A spokesman for the Irish Embassy in Washington defended
the IFI allocation for the World Toilet Summit, saying it
was part of the IFI's commitment to funding high-profile
conferences and events that lead to economic regeneration
in Northern Ireland.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685910
This Time Around There Is A Plan B
By Noel McAdam
07 April 2006
The British and Irish governments are organising new
partnership arrangements to implement the Good Friday
Agreement if the recalled Assembly collapses, it was
revealed yesterday.
London and Dublin are already "beginning detailed work" on
their joint stewardship if the political parties have
failed to establish a power- sharing Executive by November
24.
Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted the alternative to
devolution would fall far short of second best for
everybody, but the governments would have to deal with the
reality.
In a clear challenge to the DUP, which wants to replace the
Agreement, Mr Blair's joint statement with Taoiseach Bertie
Ahern said the Agreement remained "the indispensable
framework for relations on and between these islands".
Mr Blair said: "The question is if the political parties
lead its implementation or if the two governments have to
step into the breach. Stasis is not an option."
Mr Ahern said the arguments for partnership government were
compelling and he wanted to put Northern Ireland's
politicians on a path to power because it would be a huge
disappointment if it fails.
As the two premiers arrived in Armagh to spell out their
framework for the restoration of devolution, it also
emerged the Assembly will only have powers to elect
ministers and will have no control over other policy areas.
The Assembly, which has been in suspension since November
2002, will be opened on May 15 and the 108 members who have
never met together, will be given six weeks to elect the
first, deputy first and other ministers.
But if they are not able to proceed on a cross-community
basis the Government will then allow a further 12 weeks
after the summer recess with a final cut-off point of
November 24.
"We do not believe that any purpose would be served by a
further election at that point or a few months later in May
2007," the two PMs said in their statement.
"We do not think that the people of Northern Ireland should
be asked to participate in elections to a deadlocked
Assembly."
Mr Blair said unionism had to show republicans and
nationalists it is serious about sharing power, equality
and the recognition that the IRA has indeed changed and
republican leaders have taken real and verifiable risks for
peace.
"When dissident elements opposed to all we seek to achieve
try to disrupt, unionists must refuse to give those
elements a veto over democracy," he said.
"Republicans had to address the unionist community in a way
that recognises that mainstream unionism is still worried
that violence remains in the culture of republicanism and
will reassert itself.
"So when the law is broken, then republicans should play
their part in bringing those who break it to account and
support the police in doing so," Mr Blair said.
Both Mr Blair and Mr Ahern referred to the "callous" and
bloody murder of former Sinn Fein head of administration
Denis Donaldson at his Donegal cottage on Tuesday.
It was a reminder, they said, of a tragic and tortured past
which Northern Ireland had to put behind it once and for
all and put politics centre stage.
Mr Ahern said: "Our joint strategy represents the best
opportunity... and no reasonable person could see it as
anything other than an honourable and fair attempt to
enable the parties to do the work they were elected to do."
The Government also said it plans an intensive engagement
with the parties, in parallel to the recalled Assembly, to
establish the necessary trust which will allow the Assembly
to function.
Their joint statement said: "There is a great deal of work
to be done... but the final decisions are for the parties.
We hope they will seize the opportunity to move forward."
*************************
http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/13760
Sinn Féin Leadership To Meet To Discuss Government
Proposals
Published: 6 April, 2006
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP was today joined by
Martin McGuinness MP, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Caitriona
Ruane MLA and Wexford Councillor John Dywer as he responded
to the joint statement issued by the two governments
earlier in Armagh. Mr. Adams said: "Over the coming days
the Sinn Fein leadership will meet to discuss these
proposals and our response to them. The Ard Chomhairle will
meet on Saturday and we will be consulting with our
Assembly team."
Mr. Adams said:
"Over the last number of months Sinn Féin has expressed
reservations about the approach taken the British and Irish
governments. It is our view that there would have been
significant concessions but for
Sinn Féin's defence of the Good Friday Agreement.
"We welcome the convening of the Assembly and the clear
statement that its primary role is to elect a power sharing
government. Over the coming days the Sinn Fein leadership
will meet to discuss these proposals and our response to
them. The Ard Chomhairle will meet on Saturday and we will
be consulting with our Assembly team.
"It appears that the two governments are saying to the
unionists and especially the DUP, that they have to decide
if they are prepared to join the rest of us in moving
forward in partnership through a power sharing government.
"And if they do not do that the two governments are
committed to moving ahead to implement all other elements
of the Good Friday Agreement.
"Nationalists and republicans will be sceptical about this
commitment and it will be tested in the period ahead.
"Sinn Fein will also be seeking assurances from the two
governments about the new joint government arrangements and
the accelerated all-Ireland co-operation and action, that
will replace the Assembly if the DUP is not prepared to
share power.
"Whatever the two governments do, there is no going back to
the days of unionist domination because Sinn Féin will not
allow it. I say that as a gentle reminder to the DUP that
the only way they will be part of institutions is on the
basis of equality and the Good Friday Agreement.
"I would appeal to unionism to see this up coming period as
a positive opportunity. There are many problems - water
charges, cutbacks in health and education which local
politicians can straighten out better than any British
Direct Rule Minister." ENDS
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/272720927HM10NATREACTION.html
Adams Urges DUP To Live Up To Its Responsibilities
Gerry Moriarty, Northern Editor
07/04/2006
Nationalist reaction: Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, in
an initial response to the British and Irish blueprint for
restoring devolution, has urged the DUP to seize the
opportunity to enter into a powersharing government at
Stormont.
Mr Adams said the party leadership would consult in the
coming days with its ruling ardchomhairle and also with
Assembly members before responding to the proposals
published by the Taoiseach and British prime minister
yesterday.
He appeared, however, to be guardedly positive about the
British-Irish roadmap for reinstating the northern
Executive and Assembly. "It appears that the two
governments are saying to the unionists, and especially the
DUP, that they have to decide if they are prepared to join
the rest of us in moving forward in partnership through a
powersharing government," said Mr Adams.
"And if they do not do that, the two governments are
committed to moving ahead to implement all other elements
of the Good Friday agreement. Nationalists and republicans
will be sceptical about this commitment and it will be
tested in the period ahead," he added.
"I would appeal to unionism to see this upcoming period as
a positive opportunity. There are many problems - water
charges, cutbacks in health and education - which local
politicians can straighten out better than any British
direct-rule minister," said Mr Adams.
He said Sinn Féin would seek assurances from the two
governments "about the new joint government arrangements
and the accelerated all-Ireland co-operation and action
that will replace the Assembly if the DUP is not prepared
to share power".
"Whatever the two governments do, there is no going back to
the days of unionist domination because Sinn Féin will not
allow it. I say that as a gentle reminder to the DUP that
the only way they will be part of institutions is on the
basis of equality and the Good Friday agreement," added Mr
Adams.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the time had come for all
parties to give their backing to the Belfast Agreement.
"They have to live up to all their responsibilities under
it - on powersharing and on policing. That is the only way
for us to make progress. It must be the focus of the
parties and the governments in the coming months," he said.
He expressed concerns that the proposals were "right up the
DUP's street". He hoped, however, that a "path to
restoration" of the Assembly and Executive could be found.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4886302.stm
Bush Plea Over NI Devolution Plan
US president George W Bush has urged Northern Ireland's
political parties to work together to restore the power-
sharing government.
His comments came after the British and Irish prime
ministers unveiled a blueprint for reviving devolution.
Assembly members have been given until 24 November to set
up an executive.
In a statement from the White House, Mr Bush urged
politicians to "demonstrate leadership" to resolve the
outstanding issues.
"Today is an opportunity for all in Northern Ireland to
take control of their future and bring the political
process to a successful completion this year," the White
House said on Thursday evening.
"President Bush calls on all parties to demonstrate
leadership and seize this opportunity to work together to
restore the power-sharing government and resolve
outstanding issues.
----
BLUEPRINT TIMETABLE
Assembly recalled on 15 May: politicians given six weeks to
form executive
If this fails, further 12 weeks after summer recess to form
executive
If this is not achieved by 24 November deadline, assembly
members' salaries and allowances stopped
Governments would then work on partnership arrangements to
implement the Good Friday Agreement
----
"We remain steadfast in our support of the peace process
and the efforts of the British and Irish governments to
achieve a lasting peace under the principles of the Good
Friday Agreement."
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern travelled to Northern Ireland
on Thursday to give parties a "take-it-or-leave-it" plan.
The assembly is to be recalled on 15 May with parties being
given six weeks to elect an executive.
If that fails, the 108 members get a further 12 weeks to
try to form a multi-party devolved government. If that
attempt fails, salaries will stop.
The British and Irish governments would then work on
partnership arrangements to implement the Good Friday
Agreement.
Mr Ahern has acknowledged the difficulties facing himself
and Mr Blair were compounded by the murder of ex-Sinn Fein
official and former British spy Denis Donaldson in County
Donegal.
The IRA has denied involvement.
Mr Blair said it was "a moment to let the process be
governed, not by suspicion but by the faith that the other
does want this to succeed."
Mr Ahern said the politicians have been given a "finite"
time to reach agreement.
Devolved government at Stormont was suspended in October
2002 following allegations of a republican spy ring.
Mr Donaldson was one of three men later acquitted of
charges linked to those allegations.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/07 07:19:20 GMT
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685975
Paisley Warns On North-South Dealings
By Noel McAdam
07 April 2006
DUP leader Ian Paisley has warned the Government that any
moves towards new partnership arrangements with the
Republic to jointly govern Northern Ireland will be
strongly resisted.
The North Antrim MP said the proposals for a 'step change'
in North South co-operation if the re-called Assembly
failed to agree on an Executive by November 24 would change
the "status quo" and the British Government would prove
unable to deliver on joint sovereignty.
Northern Ireland was now part of a United Kingdom where a
foreign government has more say than the people in the
province, he argued.
"Given the reality that there will be no Executive in the
foreseeable future the best way forward is to get working
in the Assembly," he added.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, however, urged the DUP to
say 'yes' to power- sharing and warned: "The days of
unionist domination are over.
"We have concerns about aspects of the statement, but we
think (it's) a good forward step."
As all parties studied the proposals, Ulster Unionist
leader Sir Reg Empey said his party will be there when MLAs
meet for the first time on May 15.
Sir Reg said the partnership plan with Dublin were "quite a
threat" but unionists should not be surprised.
Senior Sinn Fein negotiator Martin McGuinness said his
party's preference was for government with the DUP rather
than any form of joint authority between London and Dublin,
while the ultimate goal of Irish reunification remained.
The SDLP have welcomed the chance to elect a First and
Deputy First Minister and get the Agreement working again.
"As we predicted, the DUP seem comfortable with these
proposals and believe them to be right up their street.
That street is a dead end," SDLP leader Mark Durkan warned.
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/3851649407HM10LOYALREACTION.html
Paisley Dismisses Idea Of A Deadline For Executive
Gerry Moriarty
07/04/2006
Unionist reaction: Responding to the British-Irish
proposals, DUP leader Ian Paisley said the onus for fully
restoring devolution lay with the republican movement.
He dismissed the idea of November 24th as the deadline for
reinstating the Northern Executive and Assembly and said
devolution could only happen through "Sinn Féin/IRA" ending
terrorism and criminality.
"By their continued pursuit of organised criminality
republicans exclude themselves. The DUP will in no
circumstances be in the business of putting terrorists and
criminals into the government of Northern Ireland.
"Entrance to government cannot be dependent on a date but
only when terror and crime carried out by those allied to a
political party is gone forever.
"The DUP will not be forced, rushed or bullied into
accepting any level of IRA criminality. Currently there is
no evidence that Sinn Féin/IRA will be any further advanced
in giving up criminality in November," said Dr Paisley.
Dr Paisley said the warning that North-South co-operation
would be enhanced if the Ahern/Blair blueprint failed would
allow the Republic an unwarranted involvement in the
affairs of Northern Ireland.
"We assure the people of Northern Ireland that the DUP will
not falter from their responsibility at this crucial time
and we call on all unionists to unite to put the Southern
government into their proper place as far as the internal
affairs of Northern Ireland are concerned," he said.
Dr Paisley said the DUP would enter the Assembly when it is
reinstated in May. "Given the reality that there will be no
Executive formed for the foreseeable future, the best way
forward is to get working in the Assembly. All of our
election commitments will be carried out faithfully and we
will be at the Assembly fighting the battle for unionism.
"Any attempt to gag the Assembly from having the exercise
of full democratic debate and decisions is actually
surrender to everything Sinn Fein/IRA has been fighting
for," he added.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Sir Reg Empey said the
proposals were clearly a renewed commitment from both
London and Dublin to the implementation of the Belfast
Agreement, with or without devolution, which was a
demonstration of the "complete failure of DUP policy" to
smash the agreement.
"While threats clearly exist as a result of this statement,
so do opportunities for unionists. It will be our job to
ensure that it is the opportunities and not the threats
that are seized in the coming months."
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/3155707836HM10BERTIESAYS.html
Taoiseach's Statement (Edited)
07/04/2006
The callous murder of Denis Donaldson earlier this week is
a brutal reminder of Northern Ireland's tortured and tragic
past. Today, here in Armagh is about putting that past
behind us once and for all. It's about putting politics
centre stage. It's about giving political responsibility
back to Northern Ireland's politicians.
When Prime Minister Blair and I met in Dublin earlier this
year, we said we wanted to see the restoration of devolved
partnership government in Northern Ireland as soon as
possible this year. In recent months, the parties have been
asking the governments to give direction and leadership.
We are now doing so and outlining our agreed strategy for
the restoration of the Assembly and devolved government. It
is fitting that the location of this meeting and
announcement is Navan Fort (or Emhain Macha as it is known
in Irish). As the ancient capital of Ulster, it played a
central role in the very early history of this island. And
so today, once again, this place of history is centre stage
in the politics of this island. The message of the Irish
people in 1998 was clear. They supported the Good Friday
agreement. They endorsed the new arrangements and new
politics of that agreement. The time has now come to build
on all of this and to move the process on. Both the prime
minister and I are united in our conviction that the
devolved government of the Good Friday agreement is what
will best allow Northern Ireland to move on and to prosper.
Today, we are placing Northern Ireland's politicians back
on the path to power. We are giving them the opportunity to
take power back into their own hands. There is no more
obvious responsibility for an elected politician.There is a
particular onus on those parties with the largest mandate
and who will occupy the positions of leadership in a
restored Executive.
If an Executive cannot be successfully formed in the time
available, then the governments are also agreed that we
will exercise our responsibilities to ensure that the
agreement is implemented to the maximum possible extent for
the benefit of all communities. ... Bertie Ahern
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/2978855348HM10BLAIRSAYS.html
Prime Minister's Statement Edited
07/04/2006
So the moment comes, as we always knew it would, for the
ultimate decision. On Tuesday, we had a reminder of the
past: an horrific, bloody murder. It represented all we
have sought to escape from these past nine years.
Today we have the possibility of deciding, over the next
nine months, to make the future work.
The GFA was a massive achievement. If it was naive ever to
think that, by it, all could be resolved with relative
ease, then it is fair to say that perhaps only naivety
could have emboldened us to aim so high, and without such
ambition, we would have achieved nothing.
We have today set out a framework beginning with the recall
of the Assembly on May 15th, but running up to November of
this year for the ultimate decision to be made.
At that point we close the chapter or close the book.
In Northern Ireland over the coming years, crucial
decisions will be taken on the economy, health, schools,
local government. Is it not more sensible that they are
taken by the directly elected representatives of the people
those decisions will affect, not by direct rule? There is
ample scope to find agreement if that is what people want.
But be in no doubt. At the conclusion of this period, we
either resolve to go forward on the basis of mature
democracy or we call time on this and seek another way to
go. Two things must be understood. There can be no room for
compromise or ambiguity on the commitment only to
exclusively peaceful and democratic means. Political
argument is the only means of persuasion.
On the other hand, however, there can be no way forward
that does not recognise the legitimate aspiration of
nationalists and republicans for a united Ireland and give
expression to it, through partnership, North and South. In
other words, the essence of the GFA is valid. The question
is: do the political parties in Northern Ireland lead its
implementation or do the two governments, perforce have to
step into the breach? Stasis is not an option. ... Tony
Blair
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/04/07/story252965.html
SF And SDLP Criticise Rea’s Police Board Re-Election
07/04/2006 - 08:36:38
Sinn Féin and the SDLP have both criticised the re-election
of Prof Desmond Rea as chairman of the North's Policing
Board.
Prof Rea, who defeated independent member Pauline McCabe in
last night's vote, has held the position since the board
was established in 2001.
He had been the preferred choice of unionist members of the
board, while nationalists had come out in support of Ms
McCabe.
Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly has claimed Prof Rea's re-election
highlights a unionist failure to grasp the concept of
power-sharing, while the SDLP has said it was disappointing
that the opportunity for change was not taken.
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4885698.stm
Police 'Need Community Support'
The new vice-chairman of the Policing Board has said the
"sooner Sinn Fein is involved the better".
Prominent businessman Barry Gilligan, who replaced Denis
Bradley on the board, said the key to effective policing
was community involvement.
"The sooner Sinn Fein are involved the better but that's a
matter for Sinn Fein and for the government," he said.
Members of the newly-elected board are to meet Chief
Constable Sir Hugh Orde on Friday.
Speaking ahead of that meeting, Mr Gilligan told the BBC:
"I have been absolutely consistent in saying that the key
to effective and efficient policing in any community is
that everyone is involved in it."
He said the Policing Board was hailed as one of the success
stories of the Good Friday Agreement.
Sinn Fein has resisted giving the PSNI, the Policing Board
and other institutions its support, insisting more
legislation is needed before it can sign up.
The party said it needed to see more power transferred to
local politicians before it would consider nominating
representatives.
Members will appoint committees and their chairs and vice-
chairs on Friday.
The first public session of the new Policing Board will be
held on 3 May.
On Thursday, Sir Desmond Rea was re-elected as chairman,
beating off a challenge from Pauline McCabe, a training and
business consultant, for the top post.
Asked about claims that a nationalist should have been
elected chairman, Sir Desmond said he believed he had drawn
support from both identities in the community.
"I'm very gratified about that, simply because I have
sought over the past four years to seek to interpret the
mind of the board to the wider community."
He said it was important that every part of the community
was policed, that recruits were drawn from every part of
the community and that they could "go back and visit their
parents" in safety.
Sir Desmond said Sinn Fein's refusal to take its places on
the board was a matter for "wider politics".
However, he added: "The fact that Sinn Fein is not on the
police board creates a vacuum that the dissidents can play
their games in and its sends a very powerful signal to the
whole of the community."
Last month, outgoing vice chairman Mr Bradley said the next
chairman "should be a nationalist".
In his outgoing speech last month, deputy chairman Mr
Bradley said he looked forward to the day when the
background of the board chairman would become a "non-
issue".
He also expressed concerns about MI5 taking control of
intelligence gathering, fearing it would become "a force
within a force".
Mr Bradley also predicted that Sinn Fein would take its
seats on the board in the autumn.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/07 08:21:07 GMT
© BBC MMVI
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685899
Has Bird Flu Hit Ulster?
Results Of Dead Swan Tests Anxiously Awaited As H5N1 Is
Confirmed In Scotland
By Debra Douglas
07 April 2006
Tests were last night being carried out on six dead swans
found in Northern Ireland as fears of bird flu gripped the
province.
As Scottish authorities confirmed the dead mute swan found
in the east coast village of Cellardyke was carrying the
deadly H5N1 strain which can kill humans, the remains of
four carcasses found in Newferry, Co Antrim, and two found
in Moira, Co Down, yesterday, were being examined by
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials.
The results of the tests are expected later today and if
positive, exclusion zones similar to those which have been
set up in Scotland would be put in place here.
An initial 3km protection zone was set up around
Cellardyke, where the swan was found, surrounded by a 10km
surveillance zone which was later extended to 965 sq miles.
If the deadly strain was found here, it is likely farmers
would be ordered to house their birds where possible, or
separate them from wild birds.
Restrictions on the movement of poultry, eggs and other
poultry products may also be implemented.
But Bert Houston, chief veterinary officer for DARD,
stressed that, although the birds were being tested, there
was no evidence to link their deaths to bird flu at this
stage.
And he said that even if the tests were positive, Northern
Ireland would be able to cope.
Mr Houston said: "We have good contingency plans in place
and have implemented all the EU requirements."
"I am confident that if avian influenza did come to
Northern Ireland we would be able to handle it," said Mr
Houston.
He said the worst case scenario would be an outbreak which
would affect the commercial poultry industry.
He said there had been an influx of calls to the
department's helpline following the discovery of the
stricken swan in Scotland.
And he vowed that all birds reported would be collected and
examined as a precaution, pointing out that it is a move
which has been standard practice for some time.
As fears mounted, Liam McKibben, DARD's director of animal
health and welfare, said 350 dead and live bird samples
were tested in Northern Ireland between October and
December last year.
So far this year 25 wild bird carcasses have been submitted
for tests, including 12 swans, and all have come black
clear.
Meanwhile, a meeting between the main stakeholders,
including the Farmers Union, the RSPB and the Wildfowl and
Wetlands Trust took place yesterday afternoon to discuss
the issue.
And as concerns the deadly virus may have reached Northern
Ireland rose, North Antrim MLA Sean Farren urged those
living in the area where the swans were found not to panic.
"Local people will be concerned by the news that a number
of dead swans have been discovered and are currently
undergoing investigation," he said.
"However I must remind people that these deaths may not
have been caused by the bird flu virus and people must
remain calm but sensible.
"If anyone notices anything unusual in the area relating to
other birds then they should contact the relevant
authorities immediately.
"I sincerely hope that these swans have not died from the
bird flu virus but I will await the outcome of the
investigation which I hope reveals its findings speedily."
*************************
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4883470.stm
Vets Examine Dead Swans At River
A number of dead swans discovered by a river in County
Antrim are being examined by government vets.
The remains were found on the River Bann near Portglenone.
Police have cordoned off the area amid concern about bird
flu, but the Department of Agriculture said the operation
was routine.
Council workers found a newly-dead swan on Thursday. Later,
a second partly decomposed bird and two badly decomposed
swans were found nearby.
Meanwhile, officials have also recovered the carcass of a
dead swan from a grassy field near Moira.
Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer, Bert Houston,
said tests were being carried out on the dead swans.
He said 12 other dead birds have already been tested and no
trace of the H5N1 virus has been found.
"All of those tests have been negative," he said.
Mr Houston added: "We have good contingency plans in place
and have implemented all the EU requirements.
"I am confident that if avian influenza did come to
Northern Ireland we would be able to handle it."
Health experts have been carrying out tests on a swan found
dead in Scotland that tested positive for bird flu.
The EU's bird flu laboratory in Surrey has now confirmed
that the UK has its first case in a wild bird of the H5N1
strain.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2006/04/06 14:45:13 GMT
© BBC MMVI
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/1276111259HM6PADDYWALL.html
Avian Flu Does Not Pose A Threat To Humans In Its Present Form
07/04/2006
Steady spread from the Far East means it is only a matter
of 'when' rather than 'if' the virus arrives in Ireland,
writes Dr Patrick Wall
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza does not pose a threat
to humans in its present form. Ten years have passed since
this strain of the flu virus appeared in China. Yet there
have been only 192 human cases to date and 109 deaths, all
of people working closely with ill poultry.
The avian flu virus does pose a threat to the health of
commercial and wild birds and has the potential to disrupt
trade. The steady spread from the Far East means that it is
only a matter of "when" rather than "if" the virus arrives
in Ireland.
Yesterday's confirmation that the swan which died in
Scotland tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the
virus, and news that tests for avian flu are being carried
out on dead swans in Antrim, demonstrates that it is coming
our direction. The Department of Agriculture and Food has
detailed plans to minimise the spread in poultry and the
impact to trade.
There is no risk of contracting bird flu in Ireland from
eating chicken. The advice to properly cook your chicken
has always existed to avoid contracting salmonella or
campylobacter, two food poisoning bugs.
The possibility of the virus mutating and developing the
ability to pass from human to human exists. But the
probability of this happening is low. There is not a great
deal the average member of the public can do to hedge
against such an event.
Since the first outbreaks of the H5N1 strain were
identified in Asia over 155 million birds have been culled
by workers with varying degrees of personal protection
equipment. Yet not one case of avian flu has occurred in
workers engaged in the culls.
Furthermore, we now have new vaccine technology and
antiviral drugs which previously did not exist during the
previous human flu pandemics.
There once was a time that exaggerating risk was left to
the tabloid newspapers, but of late researchers desperate
to secure funds often take a bit of poetic licence with
quantifying the risk , "no risk - no funds."
The tendency toward panic reactions in response to
catastrophic risks is something that should concern those
involved in both industry and public health. Often the risk
management response is in proportion to the media coverage
rather than the risk to human health.
Policy-makers and regulators are not consistent in how they
address risk and equal risk in society is not treated with
equal degrees of intervention.
There is very little point in the average member of the
public being overly concerned about the current
developments.
It is extremely unlikely that someone will contract bird
flu in an Irish context. However deaths and injuries on the
roads, disease related to poor diets or inappropriate
alcohol consumption are more likely to impact on us, or our
families.
There are many similar disasters that could befall the
human race and these are disasters that should be debated.
But exaggerated concern over such risks should not be
allowed to distract individuals from taking proper
precautions for their own health and their families health
over risks that impact on them on a daily basis.
Dr Patrick Wall is Associate Professor of Public Health,
School of Public Health and Population Sciences in UCD.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/13792
Save Our National Airline
Published: 7 April, 2006
Sinn Féin activists will take part in a picket at the
Dublin Airport roundabout at 3pm on Saturday afternoon to
show their opposition to the proposed sale of Aer Lingus,
the state's national airline. They will be joined by Cllrs
Felix Gallagher (Fingal County Council) and Dessie Ellis
(Dublin City Council). Both Councils, along with South
Dublin County Council passed Sinn Féin motions of
opposition to the proposed sale.
Speaking ahead of the protest Cllr Ellis, who is the Sinn
Féin candidate in Dublin North-West in the coming General
Election, said: "The proposed sale has accurately been
described as an act of economic vandalism. We are going to
sell a profitable, efficient democratically owned company
because the Government refuses to invest in it but the sale
itself will only raise at best a quarter of the investment
Aer Lingus management claims is needed."
Cllr Gallagher said: "There is no economic reason for this
sale. The Government can invest in this airline, contrary
to some of the spin in the media and the analysis of Labour
on Fingal Council who opposed our motion not to sell off
the airline. One of the greatest assets belonging to the
people of Ireland is going to be sold to private investors
whose sole goal will be to ring every last cent out of the
airline regardless of the strategic needs of our island
economy." ENDS
*************************
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75297
INLA Dismantles Another Criminal Gang
Tyrone Miscellaneous Press Release Friday April 07,
2006 09:51 by IRSP - Irish Republican Socialist Party
''A criminal gang operating in the North West was last
night dismantled by a unit from the North-West Brigade of
the INLA and have been ordered to desist from all criminal
activity or face a military response. "
The following statement was recieved by the Strabane IRSP
on the 06-04-06 from the North-West Brigade of the INLA:
''A criminal gang operating in the North West was last
night dismantled by a unit from the North-West Brigade of
the INLA and have been ordered to desist from all criminal
activity or face a military response. This particular gang
which is headed up by a well known career criminal have in
the past been involved in robberries, house break-ins,
assaults and have more recently moved in to the drugs
trade. It came to our attention that this gang was selling
drugs to children after the mother of a 15 year old school
girl informed the INLA that her daughter and friends of a
similar age were taking Exctasy tablets. Last night a
number of these gang members were arrested by one of our
units and confiscated almost one thousand suspected Exctasy
tablets and were instructed to pass them on to Teach na
Failte representatives for destruction. Teach na Failte
representatives have since handed these drugs on to the
Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Project group in Strabane, in
the presence of the local press, for destruction. We would
like to take this opportunity to warn those involved in the
drugs trade that they face a military response if they
continue to target children in particular for drug use''.
''North-West Brigade INLA''
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685907
Opin: So... Can It Be Made To Work?
Stormont is set to reopen under new management. Political
correspondent Chris Thornton looks at the prospects for
keeping it afloat
07 April 2006
At last, it happened. A group of politicians from very
different traditions finally saw that it was in their
common interest to strike a deal about the future of
Northern Ireland.
Except it wasn't Sinn Fein and the DUP. The impetus for
yesterday's announcement appears to have less to do with
the readiness of those two parties to do business and more
to do with interests well outside Northern Ireland - namely
the establishment of Tony Blair's legacy in time for
retirement, the electoral interests of Bertie Ahern, and
the promotion hopes of Peter Hain in the next phase of new
Labour.
What happens next will be immensely instructive about how
well the governments have prepared the ground for a return
to devolution.
As things stand, the first thing to happen on May 15 should
be octogenarian Ian Paisley, the Father of the House,
bouncing up to the front of the Assembly to take charge of
the election for the vacant Speaker's chair.
After all, if the parties are really on the verge of
sharing power, you might think they would be capable of
carving up the small matter of choosing a Speaker.
There are signs that the NIO does not believe they are
capable. Informed sources said yesterday that the
"emergency legislation" that will be brought forward to
start the Assembly will revise its Standing Orders.
The rules, in other words, will be changed. One of the
expected changes is that the Secretary of State will
appoint an acting Presiding Officer, in the same way that
Lord Alderdice was placed in charge of the first Assembly
eight years ago.
One reason this decision will be important is because the
functions of the semi-conscious Assembly are still a bit
vague. Sinn Fein and the DUP - not surprisingly for parties
that don't talk - appear to want different things out of
the sessions that will be convened in the spring and
autumn.
The DUP clearly want to use it as a platform to talk about
the issues like education and water charges - Ian Paisley
said it should be home to "free, full and democratic
debate" about the way forward.
Mr Blair gave a vague promise about taking account of the
Assembly's views, and it is possible that the DUP could use
a result on some issues - say a concession on water charges
- to demonstrate to their supporters that sharing power
with Sinn Fein might have its uses.
But it is not clear how much debate Stormont is even ready
to service - many of the civil servants who would service
committees and the like have been seconded to other posts.
Sinn Fein, on the other hand, are extremely wary of being
drawn into a talking shop that wields no power. Gerry Adams
underlined that yesterday when he welcomed the governments'
assurance that the Assembly's "primary responsibility" will
be to set up an Executive.
There is, of course, the deadline of November 24 that is
designed to constrain any DUP ambitions to keep on talking.
Deadlines can be precarious things in Northern Ireland, but
apart from that, there are also questions about how serious
the sanctions are in case of a default.
For the DUP, there is the threat of a greater Dublin role
in the running of Northern Ireland. That might be
persuasive, but there already is a Dublin role - and
curiously the Irish government did not seem as enthusiastic
yesterday about an expansion as the British.
Then there is the big threat to cut off salaries. MLAs and
the nephews who work for them would suffer, but their
parties will go on - especially Sinn Fein and DUP. For Sinn
Fein, this is a struggle, and struggles aren't supposed to
be easy. For the DUP, the core leadership have Westminster
salaries to draw on, and keeping Ulster British is worth
more than money.
Ultimately, we will learn how much the two main parties
really want this Assembly. Don't forget that on current
strengths - with Paul Berry out of the DUP - they will each
get three seats in the Executive.
Both parties privately reckon they could do better - at the
expense of the SDLP and UUP - if there was another election
down the line. They might just fancy their chances in the
wreckage.
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685974
Opin: Will It All Mean More Threats, Bribes And Dangled Promises?
London Editor Brian Walker analyses what the two Prime
Ministers announced at Navan Fort means for the political
process
By Brain Walker
07 April 2006
What was remarkable about the two Prime Ministers'
performance was not the fact of their ultimatum but its
vagueness and lack of detail. They were like two weary
headmasters telling pupils: "You know what to do, sort it
out by yourselves. If you don't, you may get detention."
They only hinted at what would happen if the parties can't
agree after the first six weeks. First, "in parallel with
the Assembly, we will intensively engage with the parties
to establish trust". What this means is that they are
virtually admitting failure, at least for the first six
weeks. They will then summon the parties for another set of
talks at the end of June that will be "intensive and if
necessary, lengthy".
Dropping the sink school image, there will be those in the
SDLP and the Ulster Unionists who will object that the
Assembly is being sidelined even before it starts and
suspect more side-deals. To which the premiers can reply
that it's worth taking another shot at a deal if this is
the only way. So barring a miracle in the meantime, at the
end of June in Parliament Buildings, the premiers will
spell out more clearly the threats, bribes and promises
they only hinted at yesterday.
They will dangle before the parties' eyes hopes of changing
some of those unpopular policies on rates, water charges
and secondary schools through getting down to business in
committees.
They will insist though that the committees must be a
straight road and not a barrier to an Executive. They will
also point out that the best way to nullify fears of re-
partition when the seven new councils come in, is to form
the Grand County Council at Stormont.
Sinn Fein, they suggested yesterday - surprisingly mildly -
would transform the climate if they supported the police.
The mildness may be because they believe that Gerry Adams
stands a better chance of persuading his followers to speed
up their responses on policing without them chivvying him
along. Or simply because yesterday was not the day for
turning the heat on anybody. And it was in that vein that
Tony Blair left the threat, or promise, of a new British-
Irish partnership hanging in the air, refusing to spell out
what "step changes" in advancing north-south cooperation
would actually mean.
But the "stick" of green-tinged direct rule would seem to
hold few terrors for the DUP and the "carrot" of committees
by itself is far too unappetising to tempt anybody else. At
least this time, no more "concessions" were offered to Sinn
Fein.
It's difficult to detect anything, threat of promise, in
the PMs' framework that creates a dynamic for breaking the
deadlock. Without the Assembly, the DUP keeps direct rule,
and Sinn Fein achieves a modest shift towards Dublin
involvement. Enough for both of them to keep their support,
but far from enough to achieve a breakthrough.
*************************
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/northernirelandassembly/comment/0,,1748417,00.html
Opin: Dogged Survivor Holds Key At 80
The Reverend Ian Paisley celebrates his 80th birthday
knowing that the future of any Northern Ireland power-
sharing agreement is in his hands, writes Henry McDonald
Thursday April 6, 2006
Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern are in
the city of Armagh today launching yet another initiative
aimed at restoring a power-sharing government in Northern
Ireland.
But the two premiers' presence in the religious capital of
Ireland is not the most important or significant political
event on the island this week.
The most important development over the last 72 hours has
been the murder in a remote cottage in the western part of
County Donegal of the Sinn Fein official-turned-British spy
Denis Donaldson.
Donaldson's killing casts a pall of gloom over today's
prime ministerial get-together. And the man who will really
decide if and when there is to be a power-sharing
government in Northern Ireland again is pointing to that
murder as another reason why he will not sit in an
Executive in Belfast with Irish republicans.
While Mr Blair and Mr Ahern stand shoulder-to-shoulder in
the city that is home to the primates of both the Catholic
and Anglican churches, the leader of a relatively small,
fundamentalist sect celebrates his 80th birthday knowing
that nothing can happen without his consent, which after
the Donaldson murder is unlikely to be given.
This is because since news broke about the fatal shooting
at Donaldson's isolated cottage in the Irish speaking part
of Ireland's second largest county, the Reverend Dr Ian
Paisley has been in no doubt that the IRA was responsible.
Whether he is right about that or not is irrelevant, as he,
and more importantly his electorate, no longer believe the
denials.
Rev Paisley is head of the 12,000 strong Free Presbyterian
Church, a breakaway religious organisation that in terms of
bums on pews is miniscule compared to the main churches
with their cathedral and headquarters in Armagh.
But Rev Paisley reaches three-score and twenty today in the
knowledge that his political congregation vastly outnumbers
his followers in the Free Presbyterian Church.
As he sits around the dining table at his home in the
prosperous, upper-middle class area of East Belfast,
surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Rev Paisley
knows that, as leader of the largest party in Northern
Ireland and the hegemonic force in unionism, even at 80 he
still has the ability to make or break any potential
political settlement agreed by Mr Blair and Mr Ahern.
Reaching 80 has been a remarkable achievement on two fronts
for Rev Paisley, both political and existential.
Around this time eight years ago, Rev Paisley was being
dismissed as a political has-been. On Maundy Thursday
evening 1998, the founder of the Democratic Unionist Party
faced his very own agony in the garden.
Inside the grounds of Stormont buildings, Rev Paisley tried
to hold a press conference in front of the international
media to denounce the deal that was to be signed less than
24 hours later by David Trimble and his nationalist
opponents in Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
Instead he was shouted down by a group of angry loyalist
paramilitaries who accused him of winding them up in the
early 1970s and then abandoning them when they turned to
violence. Rev Paisley of course strongly denied ever
encouraging the violent loyalist movements and stressed he
always condemned their terrorism.
Nonetheless, the loyalists (who were to back the Good
Friday Accord) won the day, forcing Rev Paisley to abandon
the press briefing.
As he left the international press tent, Rev Paisley was
sent off with football chant style cries of "cheerio,
cheerio". As Rev Paisley and his entourage limped away, it
seemed the colossus of Protestant, unionist Ulster was
finally crumbling.
Fast forward to last year's general election and the man
those loyalists had backed in 1998 was himself limping away
from his own constituency, unseated by one of Rev Paisley's
DUP candidates - Nobel laureate, Ulster Unionist leader and
once willing partner in coalition with Sinn Fein, David
Trimble was out of a job.
Mr Trimble and his party were reduced to one seat at
Westminster, the DUP by contrast now had nine. For the
first time in history, the DUP had supplanted the Ulster
Unionists as the leading pro-union force.
Rev Paisley's physical survival has also frustrated the
designs of the Northern Ireland Office, the Irish
Department of Foreign Affairs and Downing Street.
In the run-up to the Leeds Castle talks in September 2004,
both governments were briefing on an almost daily basis
that Rev Paisley was not long for this world. There were
rumours about him succumbing to prostrate cancer and other
fatal ailments.
The hints and innuendo about his health were followed by
briefings that a more pragmatic leadership headed by Peter
Robinson, the East Belfast MP, was waiting in the wings to
take over.
Government sources pointed to his physical demise in 2003-
04 and the obvious weight loss he had endured. Clearly the
North Antrim MP had been ill for some time.
However, the life-long teetotaller has since rallied and
exudes rude health. The confident, robust, bellowing
bruiser is back.
He was in vintage form outside Downing Street on Tuesday
evening when news broke that the former Sinn Fein official
Denis Donaldson had been shot dead in Donegal. Rev Paisley
seized upon the controversy as justification of his stance
that the DUP won't share power with Sinn Fein until the IRA
is disbanded.
Despite the Donaldson murder and the cloud of suspicion
still hanging over the republican movement, Mr Blair and Mr
Ahern have pressed ahead with their supposed groundbreaking
visit to Armagh.
Rev Paisley, meanwhile, cuts his cake also in the knowledge
that by the time of his next birthday he could have seen
off yet another prime minister, Tony Blair. And by his
82nd, with the Irish general election a looming
possibility, he may have also seen off yet another Irish
premier as well.
· Henry McDonald is Ireland editor of the Observer.
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/opinion/2006/0407/377025084OP07GERRY.html
Opin: Paisley Holds The Key To Deciding If Stormont Returns
There seems little prospect of Sinn Féin and the DUP
cosying up to each other in government. But as Ian Paisley
said earlier this week, "miracles happen", writes Gerry
Moriarty, Northern Editor
Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair arrived at the seat of the
ancient royal rulers of Ulster, Navan Fort (Emhain Macha)
just outside Armagh, yesterday morning to publish proposals
aimed at reinstating a modern form of local rule in six of
the province's nine counties.
The Taoiseach and British prime minister concentrated on
the three Ps - peace, power-sharing and policing. The
unforgiving murder of Denis Donaldson illustrated that even
eight years after the Belfast Agreement the peace remains
tricky, notwithstanding how far we have come.
Their plan envisages a staged return to partnership
government by November 24th. At the moment there seems
little prospect of Sinn Féin and the DUP cosying up to each
other in Stormont. Each blames the other for the deadlock.
But as Ian Paisley said earlier this week, "miracles
happen". Remember though, that was before Denis Donaldson
was murdered.
Sinn Féin signing up to policing is a prerequisite if peace
and power-sharing are to be cemented, the two governments
reasonably argue. Yet, there is nothing on the political
horizon to say such a move is imminent.
Few reasons to be hopeful, therefore? The Taoiseach and
British prime minister, however, are nothing if not dogged.
They displayed an odd mixture of determination and peace
process fatigue yesterday. Ahern said he had given "the
best years of his political life" to the political process.
Blair reminded us he has been trying to see this through to
completion for almost 10 years now. But they were not
giving up. Indeed Blair, when pressed, would give no hint
about when he might hand the keys of No 10 Downing Street
to Gordon Brown. (It was, in fact, comical that some of his
officials masked over the "Exit" signs on the way into the
Navan Fort conference room. This was to ensure
photographers couldn't use that tired old idea of harried
politicians being snapped under "exit" signs.)
Another indication of Blair's plan to remain in power much
longer than Brown would hope? The two leaders know whether
a deal will be possible chiefly hinges not only on Ian
Paisley - but also on Gerry Adams. Neither Sinn Féin nor
the DUP gave much away yesterday. The Sinn Féin president
indicated he would at least test the proposals. Ian Paisley
said he was happy to enter a diluted Assembly but there
could be no deadline for establishing a fully-functioning
Executive.
The Ahern/Blair roadmap, as reported here last month,
involves restoring the Assembly on May 15th. Sometime in
the six weeks thereafter there will be an attempt to elect
a first and deputy first minister (Ian Paisley and Martin
McGuinness) and their Executive or cabinet, which must
fail.
The Assembly will then go into a summer recess during which
time Mr Ahern and Mr Blair will enter into "intensive
talks" in Northern Ireland with the parties to see if the
Executive can be established by the November 24th deadline.
The Assembly will return in the autumn and the parties will
have 12 weeks to strike a deal. If they fail Assembly
members' salaries and allowances will be stopped and work
to restore the Assembly and Executive will be deferred
"until there is a clear political willingness to exercise
devolved power". The Donaldson murder hung over yesterday's
proceedings. Should it ever be established that this was an
IRA leadership authorised "hit" then the governments and
every sentient person on the island realise there can be no
power-sharing for years to come.
Gardaí believe republicans were involved but can't say
whether it was dissidents, IRA members going "solo", or IRA
members operating with the imprimatur of the army council.
Some well-placed sources told The Irish Times yesterday
that suspicion was falling on dissident republicans
operating in the Derry and northwest area who were anxious
to make life difficult for Adams and McGuinness. If this
were to be established it would distance the Provisionals
from responsibility.
Starting from today there is almost eight months for some
form of limited trust to be established between the DUP and
Sinn Féin.
There will be two Independent Monitoring Commission reports
over that period. If they are positive about the IRA
eschewing violence and criminality and if they further
indicate that the Provos were not involved in Donaldson's
murder then at the very least Paisley will be hard-pressed
to explain why he would not enter into government with Sinn
Féin in late November.
We would be into the blame game with the DUP subjected to
most of the pressure.
The Ahern/Blair blueprint is pretty basic carrot and stick-
type politics. The inducement for Northern politicians is
exercising power.
The punishment though seems directed more at the DUP than
Sinn Féin. If it all collapses on November 24th then Mr
Ahern and Mr Blair made it clear that North-South co-
operation will be beefed up.
That obviously would be to the benefit of republicans.
Nonetheless Mr McGuinness in a number of interviews
yesterday insisted the Sinn Féin preference was for Plan A,
devolution rather than London and Dublin moving towards
some form of common management of Northern Ireland.
By the same token it would still be direct rule ministers
running the North, which is anathema to Sinn Féin. In the
end though, as said so often before, it is really down to
Ian Paisley. Yesterday was his 80th birthday. He can
conclude his career trumpeting that he is the unrivalled
leader of unionism or he can actually as First Minister run
this place - albeit sharing some of that power with Martin
McGuinness. It's a big call for him and nobody, probably
not even Dr Paisley, knows what he will do in 33 weeks'
time.
So, can it work? Even money on a deal would probably be the
best odds obtainable from a bookie at the moment. The
Taoiseach indicated if between now and November Northern
Ireland could avoid the obstacles that often dog the
process (bank robberies, marching violence and the like)
then there was a chance Ian Paisley might bite. Which seems
a reasonable read.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685968
Opin: Threat Of A Green-Tinged Stormont As Blair Raises The Heat On Paisley
By David McKittrick
07 April 2006
The British and Irish Prime Ministers have launched a
concerted eight-month effort to shoehorn Unionists and
republicans into a new power-sharing coalition government.
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern warned all sides that their
initiative was in effect the "last chance saloon" for the
reinstatement of devolution at Stormont. They attempted in
particular to apply pressure to the Rev Ian Paisley's
Democratic Unionist party to agree to take office alongside
Sinn Fein by the new deadline of 24 November. It was made
clear that if agreement is not reached, Dublin will be
given a greater role in the running of Northern Ireland, a
prospect which would certainly not appeal to Mr Paisley.
The salaries and expenses of Assembly members - who are
still being paid even though the institution has been
suspended since 2002 - would also cease.
Mr Paisley has repeatedly warned that he will not do a deal
with republicans until all vestiges of law-breaking and
criminality have disappeared.
A crucial question is, therefore, whether the IRA will in
time be exonerated of this week's assassination of the
British agent Denis Donaldson. The hope of London and
Dublin, and most other participants in the peace process,
is that it will be established that the killing was not
authorised by the IRA's leadership.
The further hope is that by November official monitoring
reports will say conclusively that the IRA has ceased all
activity, including criminality.
The DUP and Sinn Fein, the two principal components of any
new local administration, were both lukewarm about
yesterday's announcement, but neither condemned it or
threatened to boycott it.
Although the Donaldson murder inevitably cast a shadow over
the political announcement, the general sense is that a
route map has been laid towards renewed devolution.
Success will depend on a clean bill of health for the IRA,
followed by confirmation from the Paisley camp that
republicans will be considered by them fit for membership
of a new coalition.
While no one believes this will be easy, few believe that
it will be absolutely impossible, though some politicians
think the process will stretch into next year.
The Assembly is to be convened, without power, for a six-
week period. If, as is anticipated, no breakthrough occurs
at that point, a summer recess is to be followed by a 12-
week period of negotiations aimed at forming a cross-party
executive.
Tony Blair, who visited Northern Ireland yesterday to set
out the scheme, declared: "Be in no doubt - at the
conclusion of this period we either resolve to go forward
on the basis of mature democracy, or we call time on this
and seek another way to go."
In the absence of agreement there would be "a step-change
in advancing North-South co-operation and action," a
stipulation intended to convey to Mr Paisley that the
present direct rule from London would assume a new, green
tinge.
In his initial response Mr Paisley said: "The DUP will not
be forced, rushed or bullied into accepting any level of
IRA criminality.
"Currently there is no evidence that Sinn Fein/IRA will be
any further advanced in giving up criminality in November."
Mr Ahern said: "I look at this as a start of a process. I
do not want on 24 November to be thinking about another
plan.
"I would love it to happen very quickly before that date
but, whenever, I hope we will see the restoration of
accountable institutions in Northern Ireland with
politicians back in the lead position."
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/opinion/2006/0407/1511657395OP07FIONNUALA.html
Opin: Conspiracy Theories Alive And Well In NI
Fionnuala O Connor
From bloodstained Donegal cottage to stagey gravitas at
Navan Fort, Northern politics this week as so often out-
fictioned the worst melodrama and left many to fall back on
wild surmise. Through the trauma of The Troubles and the
prolonged, anti-climactic dickering that for the most part
has replaced violence, conspiracy theories have been almost
as sustaining as religion.
Not surprising: the best are attractive. Some have even
turned out to be true.
Loyalist bombings in the late 60s were indeed meant to
finger the IRA. So many loyalists have been on the payroll
of one or several arms of the security services - according
to retired detectives and their former friends - that the
unmasked few look lonely. The freshest story, though of
course not new, is that of republicans doubling as British
agents. This painful fact sends many fleeing back into folk
webs of what might-have-been and should-have-been.
There are people in the North, possibly also in the
Republic, who believe that the Provos were created by
hardline unionists so that violence would frustrate
reforms.
A bunch of catspaws on the Shankill, who got plastered
together back in 1966 and in their cups babbled about
reviving the UVF, were urged on - not clear precisely how,
but the 50th commemoration of 1916 featured - to kill the
first three victims of the Troubles. And one thing led to
another.
Stirred-up loyalists frothed at civil rights marchers, the
Reverend Ian in his prime and Stormont ministers on the
wane detected IRA plots where none existed, and sure
enough, the Provos rose from the ashes of burned-out
Catholic streets and in time went on the offensive. Result:
Catholics lost their underdog halo, and British governments
said one side is as bad as the other, must be even-handed;
for example, mustn't hurry on fair employment.
The thing about theories of this order is that they are
elastic, generous enough to envelop snazzy little trifles,
plus a host of bogeymen.
If you're that way inclined you don't want all the links
neatened. Suggest connections, point out how the result is
right up X's street and as long as X can be linked to the
early stages, that'll do: a game for all the family during
get-togethers like weddings, funerals or Christmas.
The most far-fetched stories magnetise some of the least
informed, for whom a little knowledge is delightful. It is
also the case that scholarly minds can be prey to theories
so intricate they lose themselves coming back, with an
awful effect on their conclusions.
Denis Donaldson's death was horrible, tragic, a throwback
to an age many hoped was gone. For conspiracists, it will
ramp up delightful new chapters. The story has everything a
durable theory needs: terror, betrayal, a whiff of sex,
money, brutality, and an enigmatic central character.
Perhaps the most vital element is that almost every step in
the saga - no matter what your preferred version - is
beyond proof. With a spy or spies at the heart of things,
pleasurable speculation is infinite.
Was the murder intended to blight the Blair-Ahern
performance in Armagh? Since the planned announcement was
already shadowed by suspicion that it would be more spin
than substance, knocking it off-track was not perhaps much
of a goal. The Rev Ian Paisley was never likely to mark his
80th birthday, a celebration heightened by the imminence of
his wife's long-awaited title, by telling the world his
demands of republicans will henceforth be tempered by a
sense of his own fallibility.
Only the killer or killers know if those shotgun blasts in
Doochary were simply hate-filled revenge by old comrades,
or part of a plot. A convincing confession seems highly
unlikely. Speculation flows unchecked, assertion and
counter-assertion uninhibited by the absence of evidence.
Republicans are angry that their word is rejected, though
they have a history of denying atrocities and embarrassing
accusations, subsequently borne out. Others cite security
sources, as though there were no history of secret-service
dirty tricks, and as though every agency "in the field" has
habitually been aware of what others were doing.
The questions outlive Denis Donaldson, the most stubborn
and interesting capable of being answered in several ways.
Why did he become an agent? Who "outed" him? Is it true
that police warned him he was about to be outed and if so,
who told the police?
Was there really another Sinn Féin spy, protected at the
cost of collapsing the Stormont spy-ring case? Why has
"Larry the Chef" - the man supposedly introduced to
Northern Ireland by Denis Donaldson - not been extradited?
And when the story makes the inevitable jump to the big
screen who will play the central character, waiting for
death down a lane in Donegal? It will be a rotten film, but
some will love it.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/0407/920264410HM11INTELLIGENCEFILES.html
RIC Files On Republican Suspects Published
07/04/2006
Police intelligence files on more than 450 Sinn Féin and
republican suspects from the first two decades of the last
century, including Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera,
have just been published on DVD and CD, writes Liam Reid.
The so-called Personalities Files amount to 19,000 folio
pages of intelligence reports from the Crimes Special
Branch of the Royal Irish Constabulary dating from 1899 to
1921, when Treaty talks took place.
The files include surveillance reports on most of the
principal figures in the 1916 Rising, the War of
Independence and the republican movement of the time. The
bulk relate to 1917-1920.
However the largest proportion of files relate to civil and
public servants suspected of republican sympathies, a
number of whom were dismissed from their posts as a result.
They were collated to mark the 90th anniversary of the 1916
Rising by a Trinity College-based company Eneclann Ltd.
The records relate solely to files held by the RIC and do
not include records from the Dublin Metropolitan Police.
Most of the records from the notorious "G-men", the
intelligence section of the metropolitan force, were
destroyed.
© The Irish Times
*************************
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/04/07/story252932.html
Campaign To Teach National Anthem In Schools
07/04/2006 - 07:15:24
A campaign to have the National Anthem taught in all
secondary schools moved up a step today.
Martin Brady, a Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin north east, said
he was escalating his bid for recognition for the Anthem
with the presentation of copies of Amhran and bhFiann and
the 1916 proclamation to students in Donaghmede, Dublin 13.
“Since I first suggested that the teaching of the Anthem
and its history should be compulsory I have received
enormous public support from across the country. I have
been particularly overwhelmed by the positive reaction from
young people,” he said.
“By presenting copies of the Anthem and the Proclamation to
students at Grange College, Donaghmede, I hope to play a
small role in efforts to increase public knowledge about
both Amhran na bhFiann and the events of 1916.”
A week before the commemoration services for the 1916
Rising, Mr Brady said it was an appropriate time to remind
people of the sacrifices other people made for the freedoms
enjoyed today.
“Amhran na bhFiann was sung by the heroes of 1916 during
their darkest hour in the GPO, we owe it to their memory to
ensure the Anthem and its history is taught to future
generations,” he said.
*************************
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=685923
Play An Orange Card...Or Get Your Marching Orders!
By Steven Alexander
07 April 2006
A controversial new board game based on the violence
surrounding Drumcree parades allows participants to play
the Orange card for real.
Available to buy on the internet, Re-route: The Marching
Season Game is a black-humoured strategic battle between
loyalists, republicans and the RUC based on the parade
disputes of the late 1990s.
The republican and loyalist players each start with 'march'
or 'riot' cards, while the RUC has the advantage of being
able to re-route a parade.
The warring factions try to gain control of a map of
Northern Ireland by playing cards such as 'Confront RUC',
'Terrorist Outrage' or 'Ethnic Cleansing'. The RUC, stuck
in the middle as usual, can play moves such as 'Baton
Round', 'Tear Gas' or 'Internment'.
With mocking predictability, the winner at the end of the
10 'turns' - one for each week of the marching season - is
the player who controls the most territory in Northern
Ireland.
Game creator Dave Kershaw, originally from England, but now
living with a family in Belfast, said the game is not a
serious reflection of the parades situation.
Neither does it push a political agenda, with loyalists and
republicans ironically sharing a deck of cards.
He said: "The game was developed during one of the worst
Drumcree standoffs when roads were blocked, riots were
nightly, and it seemed that there was a symbiosis of
behaviour going on - the loyalists would march, the RUC
would block them and the loyalists would riot, or else the
RUC would let them through and the republicans would riot.
"That is what it seemed like at the time, and I thought it
would be interesting to see what it would be like making
the decisions of the three main protagonists - loyalist,
republican and the RUC.
"The game also tapped into a strong sense of black humour
that was evident at the time in those of us not directly
involved in the general lunacy. The game makes a heartfelt
appeal to the cynicism of people whose lives are made more
difficult by the behaviour of the protagonists."
Re-route is available at www.wargamedownloads.com
*************************
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2006/0407/breaking37.htm
Rossport Five Stay Free But Face Huge Legal Bill
Last updated: 07-04-06, 13:11
The High Court today decided not to return the Rossport
Five to prison but ordered them to pay the legal costs to
Shell following their contempt of court over their Corrib
gas pipeline protest.
High Court President Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan said that
although the court had the right to punish the men for
refusing to comply with a court order not to obstruct the
construction of the pipeline across their land in Co Mayo,
he had decided not to impose a jail sentence.
He said he taking into account the 94 days Willie Corduff,
Philip and Vincent McGrath, Brendan Philbin and Micheál Ó
Seighin had spent in prison and the disadvantages that
three of them continued to suffer while they were in
contempt.
But Mr Justice Finnegan said he was making an order for the
costs in the case, which could run into hundreds of
thousands of euro to be awarded to Shell.
The five men were jailed for 94 days last year over their
opposition to Shell E&P Ireland's laying of the gas
pipeline as part of the €900 million Corrib gas project.
Speaking outside the court the five men expressed a mixture
of relief that the threat of a further prison term had been
lifted, and frustration at the fact that the dispute had
not been resolved.
Micheal O'Seighin said that if Shell continued to insist on
constructing the gas pipeline through their land, he and
the other four men would be willing to go to jail again for
the sake of their protest.
"We still have to protect our houses and our families. When
this began, none of us opposed the project. But one thing
they will not do, they will not put our lives in danger
without us reacting the same way.
"As any dog will protect her pup, we'll do the same thing,"
he said.
He added that Shell were now engaging in a "Mayo-isation"
of the Corrib gas field project by hiring a former chief
superintendent in the county, as well as a retired local
journalist.
"It's a stunt that doesn't work. It means we have to be on
our guard all the time against being criminalised and
Mayoised," he said. "Nothing has changed except the tactics
being used against us."
His wife Caitlin said the men would not be able to pay the
massive legal costs. "You can't pay what you don't have,"
she said.
Independent TD for Mayo, Dr Jerry Cowley, called on Shell
not to pursue the men for its legal costs.
"Even after Shell putting them in jail for 94 days, they
now have to pay Shell. To me that's totally irregular and
it just doesn't seem right. I think Shell should do the
decent thing now and not look for costs," he said.
© 2006 ireland.com
----
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