“It is a small element who were involved..”
An interesting convergence of stories in west Belfast where we had been told previously that “volunteers” had been “working in their communities on the streets” and “patrolling” Belfast neighbourhoods. A matter of days after Fr Aidan Troy highlighted a “suspected INLA extortion campaign” three men were reported to have been arrested in Poleglass and UTV noted that “Police say community representatives in the area had also reported a number of extortion attempts in recent days.” Meanwhile the Irish News front-page today carries a report of “community worker” Martin Kelly whose home was attacked by up to 40 people, his son assaulted, and his family “ordered [] to leave the district within 24 hours”. According to a BBC report [not included in their online version which adds, "One man who was arrested has been released on police bail"] this happened after an Andersonstown News article was printed about the St James Community Watch of which Mr Kelly is a member – Mark has noted that particular story here, “Who is watching the Community Watch?”. Adds My mistake, the BBC report didn’t refer to that previous article. It actually referred to the reaction when the Andersonstown News reported this incident. The background detail would seem to be relevant though. From the Irish News [subs for now]
The 48-year-old ran from work to his home at St James’ Road after a panicked phone call from his wife who told him that a gang had gathered outside and were chanting about burning the house down.
Mr Kelly is also quoted in the report
“This is a personal vendetta against me because every weekend I am out on the streets trying to keep the area safe.”
And from Sinn Féin councillor Marie Moore
“It is a small element who were involved in this antisocial behaviour and I would ask the community to stand by their own area and to give support to Martin and his family.”
RE stjames;
A number of points to come back at you on
My answer to point 22 is; Thankfully no members of C/W were murdered by loylists in the course of their “duties” I know the good work done over the years by locals in defending the area at great personal risk from the British/ loyalist front,but please dont insult these people by comparing what they done with what C/W are doing in the area today.
My answer to point 23 is;Im not here to justify what my parents did or did not do.
My answer to point 24 is; you sk silly question here
“would you rather your mother walked home past c/w or a bunch of scumbags who abuse anyone who has the misfortune to walk past them?”
C/W members or scumbags or anyone else who abuses any member of my family will find me at their front door and if you were to check the facts of what really happened last Sunday and the people involved you will understand what I mean
My answer to point 25 is; I answered some of this question already but have to take issue again with your obsession about what my parents were doing while you were keeping the area safe. well to answer you question, my father went to prison in 1979 where he remained until 1985.
As someone not from St James, but who was born and reared in the west, can I just add that it is depressing to see so many on here rush to defend the scummy lumpenproletariat that make life a hell for people living in their areas.
What would possess a so-called neighbour to do such a thing?
Andy Pandy?
At no point in any of my posts did I or will I defend the scumbags that torture our communities.
but I cannot support C/w in this area as they an unaccountable group of wannabes.
this area needs help from other areas to organise a proper C/w structure.