IG-Calibre
comhalta
+226|7047|Tír Eoghan, Tuaisceart Éireann
With the Parades Commission delaying a ruling on the British military parade through Belfast, now to include a bomber and fighter fly past [of course it isn’t military triumphalism - ed ], and the Sinn Féin counter-demonstration. Unionist politicians have been raising the spectre of associated violence if either SF or éirígí are allowed to protest while both have responded with their intentions to hold peaceful protests (eirigi statement, not online as yet, is below the fold). So just who is going to kick off these violent incidents?
Well Loyalists are calling for their minions to bring their weapons onto the streets to make sure the soldiers can parade & also the Film "Hunger" opens a few days before the parade which will be a republican catalyst, looks like we could have scenes like bloody Sunday again on our streets the start of November - there is fierce opposition from within Republicanism circles, could be the proverbial straw with the current impass over Policing and Justice and other issues like the Irish language


éirígí Defends the Right to Protest
________________________________________
éirígí spokesperson Seán MacBrádaigh has said that unionist scaremongering
around next week’s demonstration against the British military parade in Belfast
city centre undermines the right to peaceful protest.

Seán said: “Much has been made of the fact that éirígí has not applied to the
Parades Commission in the Six Counties for permission to hold a demonstration.

“It would be ludicrous for an Irish republican organisation to apply to the
British occupying authorities for permission to protest against the British
occupation.”

“The Irish people’s right to oppose the British occupation of Ireland is a
fundamental right that cannot be left to the whims of a British Government
appointed commission to adjudicate upon.”

Seán continued: “Certain unionist politicians have also irresponsibly raised the
spectre of violence in Belfast on Sunday week. This is a reprehensible tactic
that is deliberately intended to undermine the right of the nationalist
population of Belfast to engage in peaceful protest.

“It is ironic that the same politicians who invited one of the most vicious regiments
in the British army to coat-trail through the streets of Belfast are now
attributing the threat of violence to those who are committed to peaceful
protest.

“How did unionist politicians think nationalist Belfast was going to react once
it was announced that the RIR, an organisation that terrorised nationalist
communities for years, was going to be paraded through our city centre?

“How did unionist politicians think that the tens of thousands of people who
marched through Belfast city centre to oppose Britain’s imperialist wars would
react once it was announced that the RIR, the Royal Air Force and the Royal
Navy were to walk through those same streets?”

Seán concluded: “In a further insult, it was announced today that two RAF bomber
jets and three military helicopters are expected to stage a flyover during this
already provocative parade. It now appears that the British government are
intent on a provocative and triumphalist display of British military might on
the doorsteps of tens of thousands of Irish republicans and nationalists.

“Unionism needs to get real – it is the British army and their supporters who will
be bringing the weapons of war into Belfast city centre on November 2, not
Irish republicans.

“We are calling on all republicans, socialists and democrats to join us on
November 2 to expose the violent ones as those wearing the uniform of British
imperialism.”
http://sluggerotoole.com/index.php/webl … -violence/

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Commis … 4617619.jp
I'm Jamesey
Do a Research Noob
+506|6437|Scotland!
fight, fight, fight, fight

the bombers and helicopter sound very tacky
CameronPoe
Member
+2,925|6860
Brilliant, I love a good scrap. I was in Belfast today actually on bizniz, not a very nice place tbh.
Braddock
Agitator
+916|6595|Éire

CameronPoe wrote:

Brilliant, I love a good scrap. I was in Belfast today actually on bizniz, not a very nice place tbh.
That's just coz I turned the place upside down at the weekend to teach them prods a lesson!

...just kidding, I did throw some dirty looks at people from the top of the open-top tour bus on the way through the Shankill though.
Mekstizzle
WALKER
+3,611|6926|London, England
They have their right to protest peacefully, but I don't see why the Unionists need to feel that they need to bring weapons. Unless it really isn't going to be some sort of peaceful non-interfering protest
CameronPoe
Member
+2,925|6860

Mek-Stizzle wrote:

They have their right to protest peacefully, but I don't see why the Unionists need to feel that they need to bring weapons. Unless it really isn't going to be some sort of peaceful non-interfering protest
Because Loyalists just want to revel in triumphalism and have the Irish 'subjects' sit there meekly in their houses while their rightful 'masters' march by them... How insolent of the Irish to express opposition to a force they detest!
FatherTed
xD
+3,936|6805|so randum

CameronPoe wrote:

Brilliant, I love a good scrap. I was in Belfast today actually on bizniz, not a very nice place tbh.
Shoulda come seen me for a few tbh
Small hourglass island
Always raining and foggy
Use an umbrella
CameronPoe
Member
+2,925|6860

FatherTed wrote:

CameronPoe wrote:

Brilliant, I love a good scrap. I was in Belfast today actually on bizniz, not a very nice place tbh.
Shoulda come seen me for a few tbh
What part you in? I basically hop up on the train occasionally and pop into my electrical brethren north of the border in Castlereagh...
FatherTed
xD
+3,936|6805|so randum

CameronPoe wrote:

FatherTed wrote:

CameronPoe wrote:

Brilliant, I love a good scrap. I was in Belfast today actually on bizniz, not a very nice place tbh.
Shoulda come seen me for a few tbh
What part you in? I basically hop up on the train occasionally and pop into my electrical brethren north of the border in Castlereagh...
Im in elms, off malone road.

but srs, hit me up for a few pints next time your up and some good sports on in the bot
Small hourglass island
Always raining and foggy
Use an umbrella
Mekstizzle
WALKER
+3,611|6926|London, England

CameronPoe wrote:

Mek-Stizzle wrote:

They have their right to protest peacefully, but I don't see why the Unionists need to feel that they need to bring weapons. Unless it really isn't going to be some sort of peaceful non-interfering protest
Because Loyalists just want to revel in triumphalism and have the Irish 'subjects' sit there meekly in their houses while their rightful 'masters' march by them... How insolent of the Irish to express opposition to a force they detest!
Yeah but if they're going to express opposition in a way where the Loyalists would feel the need to defend themselves with weapons, then that ain't right
Braddock
Agitator
+916|6595|Éire

Mek-Stizzle wrote:

CameronPoe wrote:

Mek-Stizzle wrote:

They have their right to protest peacefully, but I don't see why the Unionists need to feel that they need to bring weapons. Unless it really isn't going to be some sort of peaceful non-interfering protest
Because Loyalists just want to revel in triumphalism and have the Irish 'subjects' sit there meekly in their houses while their rightful 'masters' march by them... How insolent of the Irish to express opposition to a force they detest!
Yeah but if they're going to express opposition in a way where the Loyalists would feel the need to defend themselves with weapons, then that ain't right
You're getting into chicken and egg territory there... but then that's not new in Northern Irish politics.
FatherTed
xD
+3,936|6805|so randum

Mek-Stizzle wrote:

CameronPoe wrote:

Mek-Stizzle wrote:

They have their right to protest peacefully, but I don't see why the Unionists need to feel that they need to bring weapons. Unless it really isn't going to be some sort of peaceful non-interfering protest
Because Loyalists just want to revel in triumphalism and have the Irish 'subjects' sit there meekly in their houses while their rightful 'masters' march by them... How insolent of the Irish to express opposition to a force they detest!
Yeah but if they're going to express opposition in a way where the Loyalists would feel the need to defend themselves with weapons, then that ain't right
What kinda hardware do i get to see next week?
Small hourglass island
Always raining and foggy
Use an umbrella
IG-Calibre
comhalta
+226|7047|Tír Eoghan, Tuaisceart Éireann
interesting editorial in the Andytown news tonight, as the plot thickens with Riots in Lurgan last night, buses and vehicles burnt out, shots fired at the police.

https://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr349/stanthony2/Andytownopinion0004.jpg
M.O.A.B
'Light 'em up!'
+1,220|6528|Escea

whoosh!

https://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/images/camm_tornado_500.jpg
Braddock
Agitator
+916|6595|Éire
On what day are they having the IRA military parade?

Last edited by Braddock (2008-10-24 08:09:02)

FatherTed
xD
+3,936|6805|so randum
Small hourglass island
Always raining and foggy
Use an umbrella
jord
Member
+2,382|6983|The North, beyond the wall.

CameronPoe wrote:

Mek-Stizzle wrote:

They have their right to protest peacefully, but I don't see why the Unionists need to feel that they need to bring weapons. Unless it really isn't going to be some sort of peaceful non-interfering protest
Because Loyalists just want to revel in triumphalism and have the Irish 'subjects' sit there meekly in their houses while their rightful 'masters' march by them... How insolent of the Irish to express opposition to a force they detest!
Exactly...
IG-Calibre
comhalta
+226|7047|Tír Eoghan, Tuaisceart Éireann
In England there was a self imposed moratorium by the British Army on homecoming parades because of anti-war protests.


In Ireland the British Army is responsible for the use of lethal force, shoot-to-kill, the use of rubber and plastic bullets, collusion, internment and torture — all with official impunity.

In Belfast we do not have to look to Iraq or Afghanistan. We have Ballymurphy, Springhill, and New Lodge massacres among a litany of events that claimed several hundred lives across the city yet there is to be a march in Belfast. This defies all logic, given the last 40 years, including this past decade seeking to move beyond conflict — unless the objective is otherwise.

If we are real about having a shared future with genuine respect for the views of all citizens, then unionists need to reflect upon the real implications of what this march means beyond political point scoring, given the legacy of unresolved hurt. The irony — the clear contradiction and double standard — is that it was the same unionists who sponsored this motion who reacted most when Casement Park was used to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the hunger strike — an event in the heart of west Belfast that in no way infringed upon unionists, civic space or used ratepayers’ money.

This is not to deny that there exists a section of unionism that is genuine in their views concerning this event. Rather, it is the intention of a significant element that is more about the domination of nationalists, at the heart of which lies a campaign to thwart equality and rights in which extremism is intertwined and indistinguishable from.

A cabal of unionists, the same people who, on a regular basis, ridicule, belittle and undermine our Irish identity, culture and language, now want to parade through our city the British Army that unsuccessfully sought to subjugate us, killing our loved ones in the process. For them the primary objective is not about celebration but rather a guise for the continued attempt to humiliate. This is totally unacceptable.

Unionists need to fully understand the level of hurt and pain inflicted within the nationalist and republican community at the hands of the British Army which resonates deeply if they are to appreciate the import of this event. For the majority of Belfast citizens, and those bereaved by the British Army, the parade is crass and offensive. Is this the message unionism really wants to promote?

For example, would it be acceptable to unionists for former republican prisoners to march through the city centre, never mind receive a civic reception?

This issue goes to the heart of the truth about our past and the role the British Army played as we inclusively seek a way to address the actions of all actors to the conflict. The march is divisive and sectarian and will attract hangers-on who simply want to cheerlead in a triumphalist way. Those shops promoting loyalist paramilitary regalia across Belfast which during early summer were selling the Irish tricolour to be burned at Twelfth bonfires are now selling RIR welcome home union flags.

The relationship in particular between this regiment of the British Army, loyalist paramilitarism, collusion, sectarianism and criminality are well documented, which make this all the more unacceptable for the majority of citizens within Belfast who look on in horror at the antics of unionists in both putting forward this motion and those who supported it.

If it is the intention of those who sponsored the motion to maintain division and prevent change then they may succeed. If it is the will of those who genuinely want to foster better relations and understanding then they can find a better way of marking this event which is not contentious or provocative. The choice is theirs. They can put forward a motion suspending the parade and create a space where we can have positive dialogue about what is acceptable and unacceptable in celebrating such events. And which can contribute towards better understanding, assisting in dealing with our past constructively, and in creating a united city. However, they need to demonstrate leadership.

Last week the RUC George Cross Foundation held a service at St Anne’s Cathedral. This was a dignified and fitting event for all those involved without controversy and one which the overwhelming majority of citizens across the city would have no objection to. Surely this is the type of event those who genuinely want to celebrate the return of the RIR can participate in without provocation and to which others, especially those affected by the actions of the British Army, are not insulted or their views made irrelevant.

Unionists, particularly the Alliance Party, need to reflect and weigh up the overall view and not the failed agendas of sectarian politics at Halla na Cathair.

Mark Thompson is director of Relatives for Justice
JahManRed
wank
+646|6933|IRELAND

I'm a republican. But in the interests of moving forward I think they should have their parade if they wish. After all, the solders are probably so young they don't know shit about the troubles. Plus ppl from Northern Ireland didn't serve here so if they are from here they wouldn't have been here in the troubles. This is to thank the military for doing a job. They shouldn't be in Iraqi or Afghanistan but at the end of the day they were doing a job, sent there by politicians. This shouldn't be a republican issue. It should be an anti war issue and they should be demonstrating at the doors of Whitehall about it. This has been hijacked by the Unionists and some of them see it as a glorified orange march stamping their authority over republicans. If it goes ahead the police should arrest anyone waving a paramilitary flag(of which their will be many) or any other methods of hijacking as that will shit on the misdirected young men who gave their lives for the Neo Con/Blair agenda.
Braddock
Agitator
+916|6595|Éire

JahManRed wrote:

I'm a republican. But in the interests of moving forward I think they should have their parade if they wish. After all, the solders are probably so young they don't know shit about the troubles. Plus ppl from Northern Ireland didn't serve here so if they are from here they wouldn't have been here in the troubles. This is to thank the military for doing a job. They shouldn't be in Iraqi or Afghanistan but at the end of the day they were doing a job, sent there by politicians. This shouldn't be a republican issue. It should be an anti war issue and they should be demonstrating at the doors of Whitehall about it. This has been hijacked by the Unionists and some of them see it as a glorified orange march stamping their authority over republicans. If it goes ahead the police should arrest anyone waving a paramilitary flag(of which their will be many) or any other methods of hijacking as that will shit on the misdirected young men who gave their lives for the Neo Con/Blair agenda.
I agree, seems like a military parade that has been hijacked by the Unionists and the Republicans have taken the bait. I mean on a superficial level it is about the troops in the Middle East but let's face it, it has now become a proxy Union rule vs. Nationalism rally.
IG-Calibre
comhalta
+226|7047|Tír Eoghan, Tuaisceart Éireann
Brian Feeney writing in todays Irishnews

In Liverpool in November 2006, a group of marines were asked to leave a bar because they were in uniform. They’d been attending the funeral of a colleague killed in Basra.

At Birmingham airport earlier this year, 200 soldiers returning from Afghanistan were asked to change into civilian clothes after their flight had been diverted from RAF Brize Norton.

In March this year, it emerged that the commanding officer at RAF Wittering had an order in force banning air force personnel from wearing uniform in nearby Peterborough.

In each of these examples an angry reaction from local people to the role of the British armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan was the reason the soldiers were advised not to wear uniform.

Soldiers in uniform and their wives have been subjected to a torrent of abuse. In one case in Peterborough two men kicked the car of the wife of a RAF officer because they saw his mess uniform hanging in the back of the car.

It’s not just in Belfast that people object to the British army. The deployment of British forces in an illegal invasion of Iraq and the questionable motives for supporting the Americans in Afghanistan have raised hackles all over the world.

In Belfast however there’s the added dimension of the legacy of British forces in the north.

Unionist councillors in Belfast knew full well what they were doing when they proposed a parade through the city centre.

Past experience shows it’s impossible to underestimate the stupidity and sheer bloody-mindedness of unionist councillors. Their real motivation in demanding such a parade is only made more obvious in every specious, dishonest and disingenuous interview you listen to.

They knew perfectly well that insisting on such a parade against the wishes of half the population of Belfast meant making a political football out of the men and women marching. They knew perfectly well that it is a divisive proposal and proposed it because it is.

They knew that there would be protest demonstrations. They knew there would be counter-demonstrations leading to potential trouble. Some unionist councillors are now actively encouraging such counter-demonstrations.

There are posters all over loyalist districts in east, west and north Belfast urging people to ‘Support our Troops’. It is widely believed that the UDA (Loyalist terrorist organisation) are involved in this poster campaign.

You might think that before the motion got to council someone in authority in the DUP would have had a word with one of his eejits in Belfast city council and said “don’t even think about this. You’re going to cause trouble on the streets and in the city centre”.

No chance. That might have been acting responsibly. Unionist councillors of all shades are only too delighted to have a chance to claim ownership of the British army and reinforce its identification with loyalism.

The insistence on a march past in Belfast and the poster campaign are open invitations for every loyalist yahoo in Belfast to come out and strike a blow in the name of loyalty.

Unionists who pressed ahead in the full knowledge of these consequences also knew that such a provocative parade in a divided city would inevitably produce an outraged response from groups like Eirigi who see a glorious opportunity to bring out any fenian yahoo available to strike a blow for republicanism.

Some guys will travel a good distance to have their chance. Better still, they have a chance to upstage Sinn Fein who intend to obey the law in their parade.

Unionist councillors have succeeded in creating the circumstances for potentially the most serious confrontation in Belfast for years. They must be delighted because that was exactly what they had in mind.

Voting through a march past was like what you do with a firework – light the blue touch paper and retire. Nothing to do with me guv. The yahoos on each side will do the job for you.

Sit back now and listen to the nauseating excuses and pretexts from these same unionists who set the scene for what will happen at the weekend.

Bear in mind that major cities across Britain have deemed it too controversial to have parades and the soldiers really are ‘their’ soldiers instead of being identified with one community.
JahManRed
wank
+646|6933|IRELAND

Just watched footage of a para homecoming. The company lost 15 ppl on their tour, the highest by any regiment. There was little or no crowd lining the streets clapping them.
I can guarantee this Belfast parade will be the biggest crowd to any home coming parade in the UK as the majority of ppl there will be there to stick it to the republicans over any genuine reason for being there.
Braddock
Agitator
+916|6595|Éire
This appears to be a serious case of bad timing. We have yet another Governmental impasse, the release of a highly charged movie about the hunger strikers and now a huge military parade in the centre of Belfast. Even here in free Dublin a triumphalist march was considered intolerable when the 'Love Ulster' parade came to town a couple of years back. I believe there will be riots, there will be trouble and it may result in the collapse of the power sharing system currently in place.
IG-Calibre
comhalta
+226|7047|Tír Eoghan, Tuaisceart Éireann
As controversy rages over Sunday's planned British Army parade through Belfast and a Sinn Fein protest against it, the Orange Order said it was calling for thousands to come out and welcome home the troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.


The British Army, meanwhile, is asking all those who attend to recognise the parade does not have undivided support and has reminded them it will not be a celebration of war.

The Orange Order said it delights in showing its support for the returning heroes and it will ignore the Sinn Fein protest.

The Parades Commission has appealed for all sides to redouble their efforts to reduce tension.

Major General Chris Brown, General Officer Commanding the British Army in Northern Ireland, said the parade should not be an excuse for deepening friction and weapons would not be carried.

The SDLP has appealed to people not to join the protest while the DUP said the police must ensure Sinn Fein protesters are kept well back.

Jean McBride, the mother of a Catholic teenager shot dead by British soldiers, said she was outraged his killers may march two miles from her home.
jord
Member
+2,382|6983|The North, beyond the wall.

IG-Calibre wrote:

Jean McBride, the mother of a Catholic teenager shot dead by British soldiers, said she was outraged his killers may march two miles from her home.
Stupid whore. Obviously aint the same soldiers, just the same reg.

Wish she'd get shot.

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