Danny Morrison has been pushing the line that the IRA has to fade away, whatever the risks, for some time. Again in Daily Ireland, he argues that even if people see it as a gamble it’s the only way forward. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
A LIST of loyalist targets posted on shop and circulated in Coleraine appears to have included a number of Sinn Fein members, some of whom were petrol bombed last night in what looks like another pathetic attempt to ratchet up sectarian tension ahead of the marching season. Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com
Sinn Fein have issued a statement arguing that the McCartney case should be dealt by the courts alone. We entirely concur. So although we will continue to bring you news of any developments in the case, we’ll not be opening these for public comment, as it many lead to legal complications. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and …
Gerry Moriarty reports on some of the specifics (subs only) around the latest arrests of two suspects in the McCartney murder inquiry. He notes, “Both men were previously questioned and released without charge. What makes this arrest significant is that to detain suspects for a second time police must have additional grounds”. The PSNI confirmed two arrests but gave no other details. One of the problems facing investigating detectives was that some of those involved in the killing attempted to …
Stephen Dempster quotes an unnamed Republican source who fears a negative reaction from Unionists to an expected positive IRA response to Gerry Adams’ call for them to pursue a politics only route forward will be negative and sceptical. Dempster notes that “Unionists have treated this debate with scepticism, claiming that Mr Adams already knew the outcome”. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and …
Anthony McIntyre argues that the conditions that led to the killing of Robert McCartney were laid long before last January.He believes it’s the work of a ‘freelance’ element within the IRA: The Provisional Movement knew what it had in its ranks. Beatings, threats, intimidation were a way of life to what one Irish News letter writer termed the ‘do you know who I am gang?’ There was no republican objective associated with their activity, unless hanging out in bars a …
Further to Naoise’s early report of arrests in the McCartney case, there’s not much in the way of further detail. BBC Northern Ireland and Birmingham have published this report in the last hour. Tommie Gorman report on RTE this morning that this has the feel of something more substantial than the ten earlier arrests in this case, in which all were released after refusing to make statements. The dead man’s sisters remain determined that a proper investigation should centre on …
RTE is reporting that two men have been arrested. One in Belfast and one in Birmingham. Naoise Nunn
Tha Dail and the Senaid played host to some of the most gripping drama of the post Northern Bank raid period. Now the drama shifts to London and the House of Lords, where John Laird has been drawing attention to the silence of Bertie Ahern after his close association with Phil Flynn was became public in the wake of the robbery. More on the Broom of Anger Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the …
According to PA Tony Blair speaking in parliament today said: “Inclusiveness was a “far better” way forward, but not possible without an end to all criminal activity.” Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Several of the inquiries recommended by Canadian judge Peter Cory have already got underway. The team investigating the circumstances of the killing of Robert Hammill has already visited the murder scene in Portadown. And in the Republic a second inquest has been ordered into the death of Co Louth man Seamus Ludlow. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest …
As if to prove it’s not simply a one issue party, the Greens have just sent us this open address to the IRA at a time when it is reputed to be holding a historic internal consultation on Gerry Adams’ proposal that it consider a solely political route as the only viable way forward. They’ve even (helpfully) attached their own suggested wording for a future IRA statement.From the Green Party: An Open Letter to P. O’Neill The world waits with …
Though the media hysteria over the murder of Robert McCartney has cooled since St Patrick’s day, the issue hasn’t gone away. And as Dan McGinn reports, it’s not going to go away anytime soon. The IMC report accepts that it was not a planned operation, but hints that some of those involved may have believed they were acting under the direction of a senior IRA man:”After the event there was prompt PIRA intervention to protect its members and to obstruct …
Chris Thornton has a short preview of the contents of the next IMC report due to be released in Dublin and London today. It claims “the IRA has been continuing to train and recruit”. Bertie Ahern also claimed that the “crossover into criminal activity” has continued. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the …
Newton Emerson (who is not a Christian) wonders what effects good Christian people might have if they took direct action rather than relying on the power prayer alone in a conflict that is at least marked by the trappings of religion. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Suzanne Breen investigates an alleged cover up which has drawn silence from most of the Republic’s top politicians, except the Justice Minister Michael McDowell. When Dundalk man Seamus Ludlow was killed in 1977 the family was told the IRA by Gardai that he’d been shot as an informer by the IRA. The family later discovered that the weapon used was a .38 Smith and Wesson, a standard issue to the UDR. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has …
Petrol bombs, paint bombs and stones used in multiple attacks in North Belfast last night – as reported by Breaking News – Police appeal after sectarian attacks – a night when cars were burned and houses attacked in a number of what the police believe to be connected incidents. Ambrose Uprichard
An interesting piece covered by the beeb on a study analysing the reasons (mainly personal safety & political) why people left Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles and the social consequences. On the flip side. London-based Irish World looks includes a personal account and reflection on returning ‘home’ to Ireland after 20-30 years in Britain and the difficulties involved… Bloomsday Girl
Jim Cusack reports in the Sunday Independent on a case that bears such resemblance to the recent Short Strand Murder, including attempts to portray the victim in a negative light, that senior Gardai have labelled it “Robert McCartney Mark II”. Wall of silence in probe into killing of ‘an honest’ man GARDAI investigating the murder of a young man in west Dublin last month are encountering a “wall of silence” because witnesses have been intimidated by the IRA. Nine people …
Gerry Adams has denied that anyone in the Republican movement was involved in the arson threats to members of the McCartney family. The family believe their brother’s murderers are behind the threat. Nevertheless, the suspicions are unlikely to go away anytime soon. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: …
