Today the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), released a report into the Kingsmill Massacre, which confirmed what everyone knew; the Provisional IRA were responsible for the murders of these ten innocent men returning from work for the day, representing yet another sectarian act carried out by the Provo murder machine. Although the Provo's were 'officially' on ceasefire at the time this horrible incident took place (5 January 1976) this report has confirmed one of the Provo's best kept secrets. Their so called "ceasefire" was no more real than the claim that the Provisonal IRA was not involved in sectarian killings during the troubles.
The incident takes its name from the place in which it happened; Kingsmill, Co. Armagh. The murder of ten men, and injuring of one other, took place at the side of the road when the minibus carrying initially sixteen men were doing nothing other than returning home from work for the day (their killers were none the less probably on benefits in addition to thieving). Unlike the animals who carried out this terrible atrocity those in the minibus, eleven Protestants' and five Catholics', were clearly unperturbed by the politics of such dissident, sectarian and narrow minded groups such as the Provisional IRA. Four of the Catholic workers were dropped off in Whitecross in Co. Armagh leaving the remaining twelve men of which one was the only Catholic on the bus
The van was stopped by someone standing in the middle of the road waving a torch. As the bus stopped eleven masked gunmen boarded the bus ordered the passengers to line up outside the bus. The sole Catholic passenger was then asked to step forward and told to "Get down on the road and don't look back". The remaining eleven men, all Protestants', were gunned down in one minute by the masked men. Ten of the men were killed outright while the other was left severely injured and survived. A police officer at the time said that the road was "an indescribable scene of carnage".
Despite the horrific nature of this attack and confirmation that this incident was carried out by the Provisional IRA it has had little coverage in comparison to other recent reports of atrocities. This time last year the Saville Report was published into the events that occurred on the streets of Londonderry in January 1972, the event widely believed to have puled the curtains on the Parliament of N.I. Earlier this year a Police Ombudsman Report was released on the horrific incident at McGurks Bar in North Belfast and less than a month ago the enquiry into the circumstances around the death of Rosemary Nelson was published. All of these created reams of Newspaper reports, hours and feature long news bulletins amongst much commenting and coverage given to members of Political Parties.
This highlights something very wrong on behalf of those tasked with reporting news in Northern Ireland. Perhaps the murders of one side of the community means more than the other. It has long been claimed that in N.I. a hierarchy of victims exists; perhaps the lack of interest by the media, to include the BBC and UTV, in such an atrocity, which was beyond all doubt purely sectarian given the fact that these eleven men, all Protestants', were hand picked by their murderers and gunned down on a public road, confirms this claim.
Over 3,000 people lost their lives in the period known as 'the troubles', the majority for which the Provisional IRA was responsible. Everyone who lost their lives, innocently, is no different; they all lost their lives at the hands of criminals poisoned by their own propaganda whilst ordinary people suffered.
If the Provo's really believe in moving our society beyond conflict perhaps they will then be quite happy to set the record straight regarding this incident amongst others and hand over the 'trigger men'; but then again the only truly accountable and transparent of the forces involved in 'the troubles' were the legitimate ones. How ironic; but one would expect nothing less in a democratic society.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Violence clearly pays
The decision to ban the Ligoniel True Blues LOL 1932 and Earl of Erne LOL 647, as reported in the News Letter, from passing the Ardoyne shops this year is clearly a demonstration that violence pays.
Last July protesters blocked the road for all the eyes of the world to see, and whilst the cameras caught these scenes the PSNI moved in to remove them (much to the surprise of many Orangemen back at the field at Shaws Bridge).
Nevertheless it appears as if we are in for a difficult summer as the Parades Commission has banned the lodges from Ligoniel Orange Hall from walking down a public road to meet the rest of their brethren.
The decision by the Parades Commission may come as no surprise. One just wonders why and how for so long the Ligoniel lodges were able to able to get down the road, albeit in small numbers and without music, in recent years. Nevertheless the wrath of the Parades Commission has once again been dealt; ever since the determination in Dunloy, Co. Antrim in the 1990s we have seen Orangemen been discriminated against by the state.
This decision is yet another example that the Parades Commission obeys those who engage in violence, especially if they are not Unionists'. The more violence the better it would seem. It would also be interesting to hear the view of the PSNI with regard to this issue. Last year millions of pounds was spent on policing this single parade and in dealing with the aftermath, including an incident involving a Spaniard when he decided to drop a breeze block on the head of a poor Policewoman. One thing is for certain is that the NIO is no longer willing to fund such policing events given the economic circumstances. This is clearly going to have a knock on effect on parading in Northern Ireland; a proud tradition for generations.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Cameron's Big Society
I have been meaning to write something about Cameron's BIG Society for sometime.
Firstly this is not a bad idea which seeks to roll back the errors of society for the last decades; namely state dependency. The problem with it is that Cameron has failed to sell it. Why? Because he is actually afraid to state the truth.
Society in the last number of decades has become so reliant on the state that we are failing to do much for ourselves. The best example that came to my mind while walking the streets recently was dog fouling. Being involved in a Residents' Group for sometime this is one of the most common complaints next to littering! It is a terrible thing but we usually complain to the council about it as it is their responsibility. First and foremost it is the responsibility of the individual who lets their dog foul the street or the individual who drops their litter on the road. They could do everyone a favour and not let it happen. However many people would rather let the dog crap lie there and complain about it when they could just save themselves the bother and pick it up themselves. Saving them the trouble of looking at it and being annoyed by it.
I think that they key word missing from Cameron's BIG Society is: LAZINESS. Society has become far to dependent on the state: "it's someone else's problem; not mine." What many people lack today is social responsibility. We must all learn the meaning of the word.
Firstly this is not a bad idea which seeks to roll back the errors of society for the last decades; namely state dependency. The problem with it is that Cameron has failed to sell it. Why? Because he is actually afraid to state the truth.
Society in the last number of decades has become so reliant on the state that we are failing to do much for ourselves. The best example that came to my mind while walking the streets recently was dog fouling. Being involved in a Residents' Group for sometime this is one of the most common complaints next to littering! It is a terrible thing but we usually complain to the council about it as it is their responsibility. First and foremost it is the responsibility of the individual who lets their dog foul the street or the individual who drops their litter on the road. They could do everyone a favour and not let it happen. However many people would rather let the dog crap lie there and complain about it when they could just save themselves the bother and pick it up themselves. Saving them the trouble of looking at it and being annoyed by it.
I think that they key word missing from Cameron's BIG Society is: LAZINESS. Society has become far to dependent on the state: "it's someone else's problem; not mine." What many people lack today is social responsibility. We must all learn the meaning of the word.
Smithwick observations
Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein have been hitting the news today after it emerged that three members of the IRA held discussions with the Smithwick Tribunal, which is investigating the circumstances around the deaths of two senior Policemen, Harry Breen and Bob Buchanan.
These two officers were murdered at the hands of the IRA in March 1989. The IRA said that it was in self-defence despite the fact that these Policemen were unarmed in accordance with Irish law. The two officers were meeting with Irish Gardi in Dundalk when on their way home they were ambushed by members of the IRA and murdered in cold blood. The purpose of the Inquiry is to investigate the circumstances around the deaths of these two officers and to see if in any way the Gardi colluded with the IRA.
Since 'going south' Gerry has been finding it difficult to get the attention he so desires hence this news today has been used as a publicity stunt to repeat the Sinn Fein call for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (which would only go to legitimate their grotty little sectarian campaign further and discredit the members of the legitimate security forces). Gerry is also trying to highlight another point which is that they are all for the truth. It is just a pity that Gerry and his war machine carried out these killings as well as the many thousands of others never mind the disappeared. Perhaps Gerry should consider being more frank and honest about his own background.
Gerry and Sinn Fein could also be attempting to save face here. Who is to say that these IRA men who participated in the Tribunal are telling the whole truth? Who says that they aren't protecting themselves?
I look forward to the findings of the Tribunal and hope that the Irish state fail in their attempt to close it pre-maturely.
These two officers were murdered at the hands of the IRA in March 1989. The IRA said that it was in self-defence despite the fact that these Policemen were unarmed in accordance with Irish law. The two officers were meeting with Irish Gardi in Dundalk when on their way home they were ambushed by members of the IRA and murdered in cold blood. The purpose of the Inquiry is to investigate the circumstances around the deaths of these two officers and to see if in any way the Gardi colluded with the IRA.
Since 'going south' Gerry has been finding it difficult to get the attention he so desires hence this news today has been used as a publicity stunt to repeat the Sinn Fein call for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (which would only go to legitimate their grotty little sectarian campaign further and discredit the members of the legitimate security forces). Gerry is also trying to highlight another point which is that they are all for the truth. It is just a pity that Gerry and his war machine carried out these killings as well as the many thousands of others never mind the disappeared. Perhaps Gerry should consider being more frank and honest about his own background.
Gerry and Sinn Fein could also be attempting to save face here. Who is to say that these IRA men who participated in the Tribunal are telling the whole truth? Who says that they aren't protecting themselves?
I look forward to the findings of the Tribunal and hope that the Irish state fail in their attempt to close it pre-maturely.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thoughts on Queen's visit to the Republic
You may have noticed that I am not a regular blogger! I always intend to blog more but life and it's trials get in the way!
Anyway I wanted to post some thoughts here on the Queen's visit to the Republic.
Whilst the BBC, UTV etc all sought to portray the symbolism of her visit to the Republic, and yes it was symbolic, their choice of commentators like Tim Pat Coogan and Sean Duffy offered more a story of controversy and negativity. The media continually played up the non-reality of her apologising for Britain's role in Ireland.
I am a non-repentant Unionist. Britain's role in Ireland, whilst hairy at times, was generally positive. The negativity portrayed was the result of a successful campaign played by the those who sought political power playing up the ideals of oppression, totalitarianism and victim hood (something that continues to be played by Northern Nationalism).
I have nothing against the Queen's visit as it simply cemented Britain's close relationship with the Republic and was a recognition of British identity and history in Ireland. I did however take exception to the visit to the Garden of Remembrance. A tribute paid to those who murdered and committed treason against the British state. I am told that this Garden is largely ignored in Dublin with the pond in the shape of a cross usually dirty and unclean, as well as being home to drunks. The images played out on the day of Her Majesties visit last week pictured a well preserved Garden remembering those who died in early attempts to over throw the Crown.
Her Majesties visit to Crooke Park highlighted a point that was largely ignored: the absence of many of the Ulster GAA teams.
Nevertheless the four day state visit presented a largely positive message: a recognition by the Irish state of Britain in its rich history and a representation and acknowledgement of British identity in Ireland.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Serious need to sort out parading
Today I attended the Whiterock parade in the North of the city. This parade is a public display of the divisions and tension that continue to exist in our society. As we approached the peace line separating the Shankill and Springfield Roads, nationalists on the Springfield Road climbed the peace line, a wall constructed to keep the two communities apart chanting and waving flags. This was like waving a red flag to a bull and sought only to anger their Protestant neighbours. Orangemen on the opposite side waited for one hour or more to be let through a gate into this part of Belfast to rejoin their brethren waiting on the grounds of the former Mackies factory site. The delay was caused by hoax devices on the Springfield and West Circular Roads. These devices were clearly set deliberately to delay and disturb the parade. It is also clear that dissident republicans were in attendance and were prepared to cause trouble.
Sinn Fein MLA Fra McCann told the BBC that the residents had wanted a peaceful protest.
"The longer the thing went on the more, the more possibilities there was of some type of trouble breaking out, but again only because of the good work of local residents and local stewards that they were able to keep that at bay," he said.
"Bottles and stones don't serve any purpose at all. There were children at 11 and 12 years of age were doing that."
As Mr McCann states missiles were thrown at the Orangemen, including bottles and stones.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds said the marchers had been attacked without provocation.
"The bomb hoaxes and devices that were left here is clearly an attack on Orange culture. It is absolutely disgraceful," he said.
"Once again we have seen the true face of republicanism on show here in west Belfast."
Northern Ireland cannot move forward if parades are going to continue to cause tension and division. Parading needs to get sorted and sorted now. The only way for this to work is through work and initiative taken from the ground up. However my only fear is that a minority would seek to continue in their crusade to destabilise and disrupt community relations as well as the peace process.
Parading, not just Orange parades, has been going on in our country for centuries as well as in many places across the world. There is no need for such disruption and a public display of sectarian bigotry.
Sinn Fein MLA Fra McCann told the BBC that the residents had wanted a peaceful protest.
"The longer the thing went on the more, the more possibilities there was of some type of trouble breaking out, but again only because of the good work of local residents and local stewards that they were able to keep that at bay," he said.
"Bottles and stones don't serve any purpose at all. There were children at 11 and 12 years of age were doing that."
As Mr McCann states missiles were thrown at the Orangemen, including bottles and stones.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds said the marchers had been attacked without provocation.
"The bomb hoaxes and devices that were left here is clearly an attack on Orange culture. It is absolutely disgraceful," he said.
"Once again we have seen the true face of republicanism on show here in west Belfast."
Northern Ireland cannot move forward if parades are going to continue to cause tension and division. Parading needs to get sorted and sorted now. The only way for this to work is through work and initiative taken from the ground up. However my only fear is that a minority would seek to continue in their crusade to destabilise and disrupt community relations as well as the peace process.
Parading, not just Orange parades, has been going on in our country for centuries as well as in many places across the world. There is no need for such disruption and a public display of sectarian bigotry.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Sinn Fein topping poll bad for Unionism
As Sinn Fein comfortably tops the NI Euro poll I have to say that this is very bad for Unionist morale. However it may be a wake up call for the many sleeping moderate Unionists.
The fact of the matter is is that such people need to come out and vote for moderate Unionist parties sooner rather than later otherwise we will see the NI Assembly put at threat. Sitting at home and moaning doesn't help matters, it makes things worse.
The DUP have not polled very well in this election and are likely to scrap through on the third seats after transfers. The party have lost their core voter base to Allister. Perhaps it is a one off, a referendum on things but one cannot take such an explanation for granted.
The fact of the matter is is that such people need to come out and vote for moderate Unionist parties sooner rather than later otherwise we will see the NI Assembly put at threat. Sitting at home and moaning doesn't help matters, it makes things worse.
The DUP have not polled very well in this election and are likely to scrap through on the third seats after transfers. The party have lost their core voter base to Allister. Perhaps it is a one off, a referendum on things but one cannot take such an explanation for granted.
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