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ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
 Posted: 05-08-2012 01:16 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Gardaí 'told of member's IRA links'
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0801/breaking40.html
TIM O'BRIEN
Wed, Aug 01, 2012
A former member of the Garda Síochána has told the Smithwick Tribunal he believes Garda headquarters was warned about his alleged links to the IRA, in advance of the murders of two RUC officers.
Former det sgt Owen Corrigan said the naming of him as a IRA mole who assisted in the murders of RUC officers chief supt Harry Breen and supt Bob Buchanan was part of a British security services plot to undermine him.
This morning, Mr Corrigan said the first part of this plot was that the RUC put pressure on the Garda and Government to upscale the detective facility in Dundalk by the addition of about 40 new officers after the Anglo Irish Agreement in 1985,
Mr Corrigan said it led to him being “excluded” from the station’s day-to-day activities by a new superior, Supt Tom Connolly.
Mr Corrigan said the second phase of this plot was to prompt Monaghan supt Tom Curran to travel to Dublin to speak to then assistant Garda commissioner Eugene Crowley, about fears allegedly expressed by Mr Buchanan that Mr Corrigan was inappropriately associating with the IRA.
"It is my contention that they went, that the next steps along the way, was that they wanted Mr Curran to go to Mr Crowley, "
Mr Corrigan told his counsel Jim O’Callaghan SC.
But he said he had been well known to Mr Crowley and Mr Crowley “was not going to doubt” his behaviour.
The tribunal has previously heard from retired chief supt Tom Curran that he had travelled to Dublin and told Mr Crowley about the concerns of Mr Buchanan and the RUC. However Mr Curran said Mr Crowley kept his head down throughout the warning, and never replied or spoke to him about the allegations.
Mr Curran has also told the tribunal he had been separately warned by a person he believed to be a member of the IRA that Mr Buchanan’s name was on a list of people the IRA had targeted for assassination.
Mr Buchanan and Mr Harry Breen were killed in an IRA ambush in south Armagh in 1989, minutes after leaving a meeting in Dundalk Garda station.
The tribunal is inquiring into allegations that a member or members of the Garda Síochána or other employees of the State colluded in the murders of the two officers.
Mr Corrigan this morning said British security services were behind the allegations against him as part of an effort to deflect attention from claims of collusion between the British services and loyalist murder gangs.
He said the evidence of British army undercover agent in the IRA Peter Keeley which also implicated him, was another part of the plot. Further elements included evidence Mr Keeley gave to a previous inquiry chaired by Canadian Judge Peter Cory.
Mr Keeley “fooled judge Cory. He led him a merry dance”, Mr Corrigan said.
Mr Corrigan also said the naming of him by DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson as an IRA mole, under House of Commons privilege, was a further part of the plot against him. |
| Quote: | Former garda says British agents plotted against him
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0802/1224321294215.html
TIM O'BRIEN
Thu, Aug 02, 2012
A former garda has told the Smithwick Tribunal he believes Garda headquarters was warned about his alleged links to the IRA in advance of the murders of two RUC officers.
But former detective sergeant Owen Corrigan said the naming of him as an IRA mole who assisted in the murders of RUC officers Chief Supt Harry Breen and Supt Bob Buchanan was part of a British security services plot to undermine him.
Mr Corrigan told the tribunal that the RUC put pressure on the Garda and government to upscale the detective facility in Dundalk by adding about 40 new officers after the Anglo Irish Agreement in 1985.
This led to his being “excluded” from the station’s day-to-day activities by a new superior, Supt Tom Connolly.
Mr Corrigan also said the naming of him by DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson as an IRA mole, under House of Commons privilege, was a further part of the plot against him.
The tribunal adjourned until the end of August. Mr Corrigan’s evidence is not expected to last more than one more day. |
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| Pietro_Mercurios Heuristically Challenged
Gender: Unknown |
| Posted: 04-09-2012 14:25 Post subject: |
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Anybody got any idea what's going on over in N.Ireland, at the moment?
| Quote: | http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/sep/04/belfast-rioters-police-officers
Belfast rioters 'tried to murder' police officers
Northern Ireland police federation chief hails 'bravery and courage' of officers after 60 injured in two nights of violence
guardian.co.uk, Henry McDonald, Ireland correspondent. 4 September 2012
Rioters attacking police lines over the past 48 hours were prepared to murder officers, the organisation representing Northern Ireland's rank and file policemen and women has claimed.
The Police Federation of Northern Ireland condemned those behind two nights' violent disorder in north Belfast, during which more than 60 police officers were injured. At least three police officers had to be hospitalised.
Terry Spence, the federation's chairman, said of the officers on the front line in the Carlisle Circus/Lower Shankill area: "Their bravery and courage is in stark contrast to that of the cowardly thugs responsible for trying to murder them."
Fifteen police officers were injured in Monday night's disturbances when the Police Service of Northern Ireland fired up to six plastic baton rounds and deployed water cannon to quell trouble from up to 300 loyalists who had gathered in the area following a teatime protest.
North Belfast Assembly member Alban Maginness of the nationalist SDLP claimed there was "nothing spontaneous" about the rioting.
"The bulk of the violence over the past two days has, I believe, been sustained by loyalist paramilitaries. I think this is an attempt to intimidate the lawful authorities," he said.
Loyalist sources told the Guardian the Ulster Volunteer Force and members of the Ulster Defence Association were involved in the trouble on both nights.
Hijacked vehicles were set alight and in some cases were driven into police lines while motorists were advised to stay away from the area.
As on Sunday night, loyalists near the Lower Shankill estate bombarded police officers with up to 15 petrol bombs, fireworks, bottles and bricks.
The violence at the weekend followed a parade by a republican flute band passing by nearby Clifton Street Orange Hall. Up to 47 officers were injured in 10 hours of disorder that lasted into the early hours of Monday morning. |
Know what's happening, but not any clearer as to why it's happening. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 04-09-2012 15:51 Post subject: |
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This started with an Orange band stopping outside an RC church on 12 July, marching in a circle playing sectarian tunes. The band was subsequently banded from a later parade and all bands were banned from playing tunes. The band took part anyway and all of the bands played.
Since the start of the marching season this year there have been 36 loyalist parades in the area.
There was then one republican parade. The latest outbreak of loyalist violence is in response to this.
Heres an article from a Socialist Republican who would be critical of the Good Friday Agreement but who would oppose any return to the "armed struggle".
| Quote: | The Orange Frankenstein marches forth again
by John McAnulty
Observers of the north of Ireland are from time to time caught by surprise when the reality of life here contradicts their belief in a steady progress towards normality. Such a moment came outside a Catholic church in Belfast. A 12th July demonstration by one band playing a hate song went viral on Facebook and led to restrictions on further band processions outside the church. The decision of Orange order bands to break the Parades Commission ruling about marching and playing outside the Church was accompanied by unrestrained expressions of sectarian hatred more or less unlimited in the depths of bigotry that were unleashed.
And that was the point of the demonstration. In the eyes of the loyal orders the Northern statelet exists to express orange supremacy. The role of the Orange marches is to ritually assert that supremacy. One minor news item in this year's marching season was a complaint by the Polish consul when a large number of Polish flags were burnt. But this racism is a minor key when all the bonfires burnt Irish flags and threats and insults aimed at Catholics are routinely displayed.
The activities of the sectarians cannot be mistaken. Where the observer goes wrong is in assuming that the British, the political parties and the peace process mechanisms are all at work attempting to outlaw the public displays of sectarianism and Orange supremacy. In fact the keystone of the peace process – "equality of the two traditions" guarantees the continuation of sectarianism and binds the nationalist parties to supporting it.
So the role of the unionist parties is to assert the common aim of domination with the Orange Order and the loyalist gangs. A minister in the local administration, Nelson McCausland, is to the forefront in advancing the "rights" of the bigots. Leading members of the local administration, including the First Minister, sign a public petition in support of the bigots.
This triumphalism is distributed across unionism. One of the most vicious of the sectarian killers commits suicide. Nelson McCausland is pictured on Facebook in close embrace with the killer. The local ASDA supermarket where he worked opens a book of condolence. Thousands of Loyalists mobilize to mourn his passing and the police close roads to traffic to facilitate the demonstration. A local council votes to offer the freedom of the city to the Orange Order, having previously awarded it to the prison warders who oversaw the torture and death of republican hunger strikers.
The mechanism of control used by the state is the Parades Commission. This completely undemocratic quango has two aims. One is to remove from the police the responsibility for enforcing public order laws in this area. The other is to coax and bribe the Loyalists to reduce the rawer aspects of their demonstrations and "dialogue" with Nationalist community groups. Now and again it makes timid attempts to restrict marches, usually followed by mass sectarian violence and rapid retreat. Loyalists hate the commission, but proposals to abolish it founder because the Orders will not accept even the most miniscule limitations on their rights to sectarian intimidation.
The Parades Commission today has a very simple response to Loyalist defiance. It advocates its own dissolution.
The role of the state in relation to loyalist sectarianism is best seen when contrasted with their attitude to republican oppositionists. A number, including former hunger striker Marian Price, are effectively interned. When republican protesters try to obstruct Orange marches this is an arrestable offence and the police respond with force. If the protesters fight back all are hunted down in a mass publicity campaign and the courts hand down maximum sentences.
On the other hand, when loyal orders break Parade Commission determinations, this is not an arrestable offence. It can be pursued quietly with the possibility of an eventual fine. The sectarian baying of supporters appears to be invisible to the police.
As time passes the sectarians are more and more triumphant, stepping up the violence to ensure their supremacy in a pattern that has been part of the Orange tradition for centuries. The strongest criticism they have faced comes from a minority of Protestant Church leaders. The dog that sternly refuses to bark is Sinn Fein. Under the policy of "equality of the two traditions" they support the marches, calling on the Orders to be more polite and understanding. Their bile, and the bile of Nationalism generally, is focused much more sharply on those opposing the marches - last year's protesters in Ardoyne were the subject of a witch hunt, with the nationalist press filled with photographs of suspects and calls to inform the police of their identity.
On the other hand Sinn Fein was mobilized on the 12th of July across the North to police flashpoints and suppress nationalist response. Where the provocation proved extreme the Shinners staged "protests" which consisted of hand-picked supporters looking sad and asking for respect for the Nationalist tradition.
True to form, leading Sinn Fein figures led the "protest" at St Patrick's cathedral. Even under a tide of vitriol their slogan was not for the repudiation of sectarian hatred but for dialogue. This commitment to dialogue with bigotry recently led a Sinn Fein MP to sponsor a funding application from a sectarian marching band.
There will be dialogue. All agree, including the sectarian provocateurs and their spokespeople, hardly able to keep the smirk from their faces. The dialogue is not to prevent sectarianism but to make it more acceptable.
The end of September will see massive Loyalist demonstrations commemorating the centenary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant, the act which led to the partition of Ireland and the establishment of a sectarian state in the North. The British and nationalists will work overtime to reduce the most overt and direct forms of threat and insult, while the loyalists ensure by any maens necessary that public demonstrations of supremacy remain unrestricted. The mobilization will spell out to Irish workers in letters of fire the outcome of the peace process - a statelet ruled by Britain and dominated by sectarian hatred.
Related Link: http://www.socialistdemocracy.org/ |
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| Cavynaut Skoumed!
Usually tired. Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Total posts: 1976 Location: Crouch Wailing. UK. Age: 56 Gender: Male |
| Posted: 04-09-2012 16:33 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | The end of September will see massive Loyalist demonstrations commemorating the centenary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant, the act which led to the partition of Ireland and the establishment of a sectarian state in the North. |
That spells trouble.  |
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| chockfullahate hc for life Joined: 29 Oct 2001 Total posts: 429 Location: liverpool Age: 36 Gender: Male |
| Posted: 17-09-2012 16:21 Post subject: |
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| The was a ban on orange order marche from 1849, anyone know when it was rescinded? |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 19-09-2012 20:19 Post subject: |
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Things will drag on for a while yet.
| Quote: | New material for Smithwick tribunal
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0919/breaking31.html
TIM O'BRIEN
Wed, Sep 19, 2012
Twelve new pieces of intelligence relating to allegations of Garda/IRA collusion during the Troubles have been sent to the Smithwick Tribunal by the PSNI.
The new material follows five new pieces of intelligence that caused consternation among parties at the tribunal when they were revealed by the PSNI in July.
The tribunal is investigating allegations of Garda/IRA collusion in the murders of two RUC officers, Chief Supt Harry Breen and Supt Bob Buchanan, who were ambushed minutes after they left a meeting in Dundalk Garda station in 1989. The tribunal was established in March 2005 and began investigating in early 2006, with public hearings beginning in June 2011.
The revelation of a combined total of 17 new pieces of intelligence will now severely test the tribunal’s ability to meet is revised deadline to present its findings to the Oireachtas by October 31st.
As the tribunal resumed public hearings after the summer break this morning, tribunal lead counsel Mary Laverty SC said assistant chief constable of the PSNI Drew Harris would be taking the stand to give evidence.
However, Diarmaid McGuinness SC, for an Garda, asked “how it came to pass that the tribunal was apparently misled” by the PSNI in relation to its earlier assertions that it had presented all evidence in relation to collusion.
Mr McGuinness said recent months had seen 17 pieces of evidence emerge after the tribunal was in existence for seven years.
He said the tribunal had “pursued diligently” one piece of intelligence provided by the PSNI, and known as an SB50, in public hearings over the last year. Mr McGuinness said it was unknown if Mr Harris would address the SB50, the five intelligence documents revealed in July or the latest 12.
Solicitor James McGuill for Finbarr Hickey, one of three former members of Dundalk gardai represented at the tribunal, said the tribunal “may have to embark on a re-hearing of the entire evidence in the case” due to the late arrival of intelligence.
Jim O’Callaghan SC, for former detective sergeant Owen Corrigan, said the tribunal was “placed in an impossible position”. He recalled PSNI officer Roy McComb had told the tribunal in May that if there was any further information the tribunal would have been given it.
Mr O’Callaghan said Mr McComb came back and told the tribunal in July that there was a further five pieces of information that were credible and reliable and exculpatory of his client. Now, he said the PSNI had revealed a further 12 pieces of information.
“The tribunal can not be prolonged indefinitely by the PSNI coming in at the 11th hour," he said.
On an application from Mark Robinson, for the PSNI, Judge Smithwick agreed to hear the evidence of Mr Harris in private session, and he asked the media and public to leave the chamber. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 19-09-2012 20:30 Post subject: |
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Not looking good.
| Quote: | Concerns mount over loyalist parade in Belfast
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0919/1224324160059.html
GERRY MORIARTY, Northern Editor
Wed, Sep 19, 2012
CONCERNS OVER Saturday week’s massive Ulster Covenant parade in Belfast are mounting due to an impasse between the Orange Order and a nationalist residents group in the city centre.
The order, which is organising the parade commemorating the centenary of the signing of the anti-Irish Home Rule covenant, said it will only play hymns when passing St Patrick’s Catholic church, but to date has not agreed to formally talk to the local Carrick Hill Concerned Residents’ Association. It has met local Catholic clergy and parishioners.
Sinn Féin and the SDLP say the controversy cannot be properly resolved until the order agrees to meet the residents group.
The two yesterday met the Parades Commission to discuss the controversial event. Some 20,000 Orangemen and 100 bands are due to take part in the main parade from Belfast City Hall to Stormont, with tens of thousands of supporters watching.
The concerns follow two loyal order parades past the church in the summer. In the first, a loyalist band allegedly played sectarian music outside the church and in the second, commission rulings banning that band from playing and insisting other bands not play music at the church were breached. The tensions further resulted in sectarian violence at Carlisle Circus in north Belfast, which loyalists were accused of orchestrating.
It was confirmed yesterday the band at the centre of the initial sectarian row on July 12th, the Young Conway Volunteers Flute Band, will not participate in the feeder parade past St Patrick’s Church on Saturday week.
The Orange Order also said it would only play hymns at St Patrick’s.
The order said it took that decision after meeting clergy and parishioners from St Patrick’s.
Sinn Féin and the SDLP said the order should agree to discuss the matter with members of the Carrick Hill residents group. “There needs to be face-to-face dialogue,” said Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly. He was not issuing an ultimatum, but appealing to the order to talk to the residents, he said. “Let’s not talk about ultimatums, let’s have dialogue,” he added.
SDLP MLA Alban Maginness said: “Carrick Hill residents are ordinary people who are simply demanding respect for themselves and for their church. They have been the victims and they should be contacted by the Orange Order.”
Fr Michael Sheehan, parish priest of St Patrick’s, welcomed the order’s commitment to playing hymns only but said there should be talks with residents.
Orange Order chaplain Rev Mervyn Gibson said Orangemen were willing to have further talks with Fr Sheehan and parishioners of Carrick Hill. He said the order had already met the priest and parishioners and queried why talks with the residents group were required. “How many hoops do we have to jump through?” he asked.
The SDLP plans to press ahead with a no confidence motion in the Assembly regarding DUP Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland over his refusal to condemn breaches of Parades Commission rulings by the loyal orders last month. The motion has Sinn Féin backing but is virtually certain to fall as it will not have the necessary cross-party support. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 27-09-2012 15:21 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | McKearney murders - RUC 'did not do enough to stop shootings'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19741103
Kevin and Jack McKearney were shot by a UVF gunman at their butchers shop in Moy village
A new report into the murders of two men shot by loyalist paramiltaries 20 years ago has concluded the RUC did not do enough to prevent their murders.
Kevin McKearney and his elderly uncle Jack McKearney were shot at their family shop in County Tyrone in 1992 by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).
Their family has welcomed the report by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET).
The HET found no evidence of security force collusion but also said it could not allay the family's suspicions.
The report has identified eight areas of concern about the security force operation, both in the lead up to and the aftermath of the murders.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
Kevin and Jack were not members of any paramilitary groups. They were both completely innocent victims."”
HET report
'Unexplained'
The McKearney family were well-known in Republican circles and felt they were particularly vulnerable to attack.
Days before the murders, Kevin's mother Maura had received a telephone call threatening that three men "in white coats" would be killed in Moy Square.
The family, several of whom wore white coats while working at the butchers shop they owned in the centre of the County Tyrone village, reported the call to police through a local councillor.
The HET report has concluded that the RUC "did not formally record or investigate the reported death threat".
It stated that the McKearney family were given no police advice about their personal security after they were threatened.
The inquiries team also said that the loss of forensic material during the RUC investigation, and the "fact that a special branch officer was aware of the getaway car three minutes after the murders" remained unexplained.
Kevin McKearney, a father of four, was working behind the counter of the butcher shop on 3 January 1992 when a gunman walked in a shot him several times.
Kevin McKearney's parents always insisted he had no paramilitary links
The 32 year old died at the scene.
His 68-year-old uncle John McKearney - known as Jack - was shot and seriously wounded in the attack.
He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries three months later on 4 April 1992.
'Tit-for-tat'
The murders took place two weeks after a Protestant man was shot dead by Republican paramilitaries at his family's shop in the same village.
Robin Farmer, the 19-year-old son of a policeman, was murdered on 21 December 1991 by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA).
The HET report stated Mr Farmer's murder had "raised fears among the Catholic community in Moy of a retaliatory attack because of the history of tit-for-tat sectarian murders in mid-Ulster throughout the Troubles".
Mrs McKearney received the death threat from anonymous caller just six days after the teenager was killed.
The butcher shop murders were not the first time the Troubles had affected the McKearney family.
Three of Kevin's brothers had joined the IRA.
In May 1974, his older brother Sean McKearney died when a bomb he was planting at a petrol station outside Dungannon exploded prematurely
In May 1987, his brother Patrick McKearney was one of eight IRA men killed by the SAS when they tried to attack Loughall police station in County Armagh.
Last year, a HET report into that incident concluded that the IRA opened fire first.
'Innocent victims'
A third brother, Tommy McKearney, was jailed for his involvement in the killing of a part-time UDR soldier in 1976.
Tommy McKearney spent 53 days on hunger strike in the Maze Prison, and now works as an author and freelance journalist.
At the time of Kevin's death, his parents insisted that he had no paramilitary links.
He had worked at the butchers shop since leaving school.
Among its conclusions, the HET report stated: "Kevin and Jack were not members of any paramilitary groups. They were both completely innocent victims."
The HET is a specialist police team set up in 2005 to re-examine 3,269 murders which took place during the Troubles. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 09-10-2012 13:57 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | IRA supergrass Raymond Gilmour 'abandoned' by MI5
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19829532
By Colin Campbell
BBC South East Home Affairs Correspondent
Raymond Gilmour was a member of both the INLA and IRA during the Troubles
Related Stories
IRA 'supergrass' returns to city
Supergrasses - cost of betrayal
IRA 'supergrass' wants to return
A secret agent who infiltrated the IRA for the British security services has said he has been abandoned by MI5 and left with mental health problems.
Raymond Gilmour, who now lives in south-east England, was the only witness in a trial of 35 IRA suspects which collapsed in 1984.
The "supergrass" claims responsibility for saving many lives, but said he lives in constant fear of being killed.
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said it could not comment on any individual.
Mr Gilmour, who is from Londonderry and has lived under a false identity for 30 years, claims his MI5 handlers promised him £500,000, a new home, psychiatric support and a pension.
Raymond Gilmour says he has been left unable to work and in fear for his life
However, he said he was provided with modest accommodation and £600 a month for three years and was not provided with employment. He also said his false identity does not stand up to scrutiny.
He also claims to have suffered alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his work and has been left destitute.
With the assistance of his MP, who the BBC has decided not to name, he is now taking his case to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) - a body which examines complaints against the intelligence services.
Continue reading the main story
Liam Clarke, Belfast Telegraph political editor
I would imagine, given this publicity, the security services will probably want to do something to satisfy him, because obviously they have agents working now in Ireland and in Britain in Islamist organisations.
I would imagine if I was an agent now I'd be asking my handler 'how will I be looked after if this all goes sour in a year or two?'.
I believe there are contracts now which there weren't in his time.
According to the handbook on investigatory powers, there are contracts available to agents, so I suppose that will be explored by the tribunal - should he have been offered one?
The IPT said it would never confirm or deny whether it had received a complaint, even if an individual was claiming widely in the media that they had submitted a complaint to it.
Mr Gilmour said he was 17 when he joined the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) in 1976 as a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) special branch agent.
'Saved countless lives'
He said he then moved to the IRA in 1980 before his cover was blown two years later when police used information he supplied to recover a machine gun.
"I brought the INLA to their knees in Derry, I brought the IRA to their knees in Derry and I saved countless lives," he said.
"If I'm being treated like this after so many years, what do you think people down the chain are being treated like?
"I am living on a knife edge because of my mental health, I have no financial stability, which I was promised - I have nothing."
His decision to testify in the early 1980s led to the arrest of 35 republicans in his native city of Londonderry.
However, the case collapsed when the then Lord Chief Justice dismissed Mr Gilmour's evidence as being "unworthy of belief".
Ian Paisley Jr said an agent who worked for the government should be protected
He said he was "heartbroken and disgusted" by the judge's comments.
"I knew I was telling the truth, I was told there were deals struck by RUC men behind the scenes that decisions had to be made that wouldn't be palatable for me, so I was going to be the fall guy," he said.
'Totally paranoid'
After Mr Gilmour's testimony, graffiti appeared around Derry saying he would "be got, sooner or later".
He said he continued to be "totally paranoid" that he would be discovered and keeps a gun by his bed.
For some, Mr Gilmour is still remembered as a traitor who was guilty of betrayal.
Former Sinn Fein publicity director Danny Morrison said: "There will be no love lost for him, no sympathy for him and it doesn't come unexpected that when MI5 are finished with people they discard them."
Ian Paisley Jr, the Democratic Unionist Party MP for North Antrim, said he had sympathy for anyone who had risked their life and the government had failed to protect them.
"An agent - that's who we're talking about - who worked for the government in the dirtiest war ever this side of Kosovo should be protected and given his contractual obligations," he said.
Senior Irish republican Danny Morrison said what had happened to Mr Gilmour was not a surprise
The NIO said it had been the policy of successive governments not to comment on whether or not a particular individual was or had been an agent.
"Anyone who has a complaint about the conduct or proposed conduct by or on behalf of any of the intelligence services can lodge a complaint with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal," said a spokesperson.
"If a complaint falls within their jurisdiction, they will investigate and respond to the claimant."
Watch the full report on BBC South East Today at 18:30 BST on Tuesday or on Sky Channel 963, or catch up on BBC iPlayer. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 10-10-2012 21:00 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Smithwick Tribunal: Doctor says witness too sick to appear
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19889950
By Jennifer O'Leary
Dublin reporter
The Smithwick Tribunal has been told it could be five months before a key witness will be well enough to complete giving his evidence.
Former garda Det Sgt Owen Corrigan was recently admitted to hospital.
The inquiry is investigating garda collusion in the IRA murders of two senior RUC officers.
It is thought tribunal chairman Judge Peter Smithwick will seek an extension from the Irish government to complete its investigation.
It is examining the murders of Ch Supt Harry Breen and Supt Bob Buchanan in 1989 in south Armagh.
Cardiologist Dr Niamh Murphy was given consent by Mr Corrigan to brief the tribunal on his health.
The retired officer is one of three former Irish police sergeants under the spotlight at the tribunal.
Dr Murphy said that Mr Corrigan urgently required a heart bypass operation but will need to wait two months before undergoing surgery on account of an infection arising from diabetes complications.
"I don't think he is in a position to attend the tribunal before his bypass operation," said Dr Murphy.
"He is at risk of developing a heart attack in stressful conditions."
Cross-examination
The consultant cardiologist said the recovery period post-surgery is usually three months.
Counsel for the tribunal, Justin Dillon, said that any stress levels should "not be too acute" for Mr Corrigan who is due back to be cross-examined by his own counsel along with counsel for the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan.
Mr Dillon said the tribunal could be "in suspended animation" waiting for Mr Corrigan to return to finish giving evidence.
Jim O'Callaghan, counsel for Mr Corrigan, said the former officer had given "the lion's share of his evidence" and suggested that he make submissions to the tribunal.
"I think we should reflect on that position" said Mr Dillon.
The tribunal counsel told Judge Smithwick that he did need to hear what Mr Corrigan had to say "on a number of issues".
"It is open to you, in certain instances, to draw inferences if Mr Corrigan does not have the opportunity to be cross-examined."
The tribunal was established in 2005 and has been hearing evidence in public since June of last year.
It had been due to issue its final report last November but was given an extension to early 2012.
A second extension was approved earlier this summer by the Republic's Justice Minister Alan Shatter.
A new deadline of 31 October was set for the tribunal to complete its investigation.
Judge Smithwick is now expected to write to the clerk of the Dail (Irish parliament) to seek a third extension of which the time-scale has not yet been confirmed. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 17-10-2012 00:16 Post subject: |
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Poor Judge Smithwick, hes a retired Judge and instead of enjoying his retirement he'll probably die in office presiding over this Tribunal.
| Quote: | Smithwick Tribunal extension motions to go before Irish Parliament
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19967956
The Irish government has approved a proposal by the Irish justice minister which could amend the terms of reference of the Smithwick Tribunal.
The tribunal chairman had asked the government to extend the deadline for his final report to July 2013.
Judge Peter Smithwick said it was due to the medical condition of a key witness.
He also wants to examine "highly relevant intelligence material from security agencies in Northern Ireland".
Irish Justice Minister Alan Shatter said it was important that the work of the tribunal was "completed fully".
He said he would "shortly put before the Dáil and Seanad, motions to extend the conclusion date for the tribunal to 31 July, 2013".
He said the motions would also require the tribunal to submit interim reports by 31 January and 30 April, 2013.
The tribunal is investigating allegations of garda collusion in the IRA murders of two senior RUC officers.
Chief Supt Harry Breen and Supt Bob Buchanan were killed in an IRA ambush in South Armagh only minutes after leaving a meeting in Dundalk garda station on 20 March 1989.
The Dublin-based tribunal was established in 2005 and has been hearing evidence in public since June of last year.
It had been due to issue its final report last November but was given an extension to early 2012.
A second extension was approved earlier this summer by Mr Shatter, with a deadline of 31 October.
The tribunal was last week told that a key witness, Owen Corrigan, will not be medically fit to give evidence for up to five months.
Mr Corrigan, a retired detective garda sergeant, is one of three former Dundalk-based sergeants who have been granted legal representation at the tribunal.
The others are Finbarr Hickey and Leo Colton. All three deny allegations of collusion.
In his letter to the Irish government, the tribunal chairman also cited new PSNI intelligence material as grounds for an extension of the deadline for his final report to 31 July, 2013.
The intelligence, which was given to the tribunal in July and August of this year, claimed that an Irish police officer did pass information about the meeting involving the RUC officers to the IRA but that officer was not one of the three being examined by the tribunal.
It also claimed that the ''fourth garda'' received a substantial amount of money from the IRA and passed intelligence to them for years.
The tribunal chairman said he anticipated that any hearings arising from the new intelligence would be concluded by the end of this year. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 19-10-2012 01:16 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Smithwick Tribunal: Senior gardai 'passed information to IRA'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19993392
By Jennifer O'Leary
Dublin reporter
The Smithwick Tribunal has been told of PSNI intelligence suggesting that senior gardai, at a rank more senior than detective sergeant, were passing information to the IRA.
The Dublin tribunal is investigating allegations of garda collusion in the murders of two senior RUC officers.
Twelve strands of PSNI intelligence, previously disclosed in private, has been read into the public record.
The intelligence is graded as "accurate and reliable".
Among the intelligence is the suggestion that a senior IRA figure "had several" garda officers passing information to the IRA.
It is suggested that the garda officers were at a rank more senior than detective sergeant.
The tribunal also heard that the information that led to the 1987 IRA murder of Lord Justice Gibson "emanated from" a Garda officer.
The intelligence also suggests
That the IRA "traditionally obtained extremely good intelligence from Dundalk Garda Station"
The double agent Kevin Fulton received information regarding the murders of the RUC officers "from a PIRA member linked to a senior PIRA figure".
The convicted IRA bomb maker Patrick 'Mooch' Blair "stated he was actually engaged in a separate operation at the time of the murders", and he "confirmed that there was a Garda spy" involved.
In 2011 a "senior PIRA member confided to an associate their personal fears" concerning the tribunal, "particularly that Garda personnel that were previously under PIRA's control would potentially highlight the level of co-operation previously provided".
The intelligence also suggests that in late 2011 "a senior member of the PIRA, Patsy O'Callaghan, commented to his knowledge" that the former detective garda sergeant Owen Corrigan "had no time for the IRA but was a gangster who was out for money".
Owen Corrigan is one of three former garda officers under the spotlight at the tribunal.
Mr Corrigan denies all allegations of collusion.
Continue reading the main story
At the tribunal, Jennfier O'Leary
There are very few public forums where it's possible to hear what's described as "live intelligence", graded as accurate and reliable, read aloud into the public record.
But that's what happened in a corner of Dublin on Thursday.
The PSNI intelligence, redacted in parts, was sourced from informants or 'chatter' within dissident republican groups.
The PSNI only flagged this intelligence to the tribunal in July and September and denied that any decision was made not share it with the tribunal.
It is now a matter for Judge Peter Smithwick to assess the new information and decide what strands of the intelligence, if any, are relevant to the inquiry.
One of the intelligence items disclosed suggests that Mr Corrigan enagaged in corrupt activity targeting criminals and was motivated by greed. The intelligence also suggests that he did provide sensitive information to PIRA and that he did so "for reasons of self preservation".
The intelligence also suggests
That a senior PIRA member revealed he was responsible for the murder of John McNulty in 1989 after someone informed the IRA that Mr McNulty was meeting with RUC officers.
"Sinn Fein/PIRA members remain concerned that the Smithwick Tribunal continues to disclose possible damaging information" relating to the murder of Tom Oliver.
"Intelligence indicates that a senior PIRA Army Council member was directly involved in ordering the murder of Tom Oliver. The senior PAC (provisional army council) member had been approached by several PIRA members and others requesting that Tom Oliver not be killed. Despite these requests the senior PAC member directed that Tom Oliver be executed."
Tom Oliver, a County Louth farmer, was murdered by the IRA in 1991.
The tribunal heard that the "live intelligence" is a direct result of investigations into dissident republican groups. ?
During cross-examination, Mr Harris acknowledged the PSNI had not passed the intelligence onto gardai but denied a decision was made by the PSNI or MI5 not to share the information with the tribunal.
Diarmaid McGuinness SC, for the garda commissioner, admitted that the Garda commissioner was "shocked" to learn that the intelligence had not been shared.
The assistant chief constable was asked if he was aware of the allegation that a former RUC Catholic officer may have been involved in setting up his colleagues.
Mr Harris said there was "no intelligence whatsoever to substantiate that allegation".
The tribunal chairman, Judge Peter Smithwick, has adjourned public hearings in order for the tribunal to resume its investigative work.
The new intelligence was unexpectedly presented to the tribunal in July and September. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 19-10-2012 21:57 Post subject: |
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This doesn't stop. They're not just historical cases though, one killing was as recent as 2010.
| Quote: | Police Ombudsman investigation into UVF collusion claims
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20003541
By Vincent Kearney
BBC NI home affairs correspondent
Bobby Moffett, a former loyalist prisoner, was shot dead on the Shankill Road in May 2010
Related Stories
PUP backs UVF disbandment appeal
Purvis quits PUP over shooting
UVF sanctioning of murder probed
The police ombudsman in Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into allegations of collusion between the police and senior members of the UVF in the Shankill Road area of Belfast.
A special team has been set up to examine why there have not been charges or convictions in a number of high-profile murders.
The most recent killing being investigated was that of Bobby Moffett.
He was shot dead in May 2010.
This followed a dispute with a senior figure within the UVF.
The International Monitoring Commission said the murder of the former loyalist prisoner was sanctioned by UVF leaders.
The Shankill Road is home to the leadership of the UVF.
It has been claimed for a number of years that senior figures within the organisation have been immune from prosecution because they were police informers.
In a statement to the BBC, the ombudsman confirmed he is examining allegations that police failed to properly investigate a series of fatal shootings in north and west Belfast between 1989 and 2010.
It is understood investigators will examine claims that no one has been charged or convicted in connection with the murders because informers were being protected.
In a statement, the police said: "PSNI are involved in a major investigation into criminality in north and west Belfast involving the UVF which stretches back over a considerable period of time and which runs parallel to the ombudsman investigation Operation Stafford.
"With regard to the investigation into the murder of Bobby Moffett, this remains a live investigation into which police have committed very considerable resources and gone to substantial length to bring charges.
"PSNI has left no stone unturned in the Moffett investigation and is greatly frustrated that it has not been able, thus far, to bring charges of murder against those involved."
Operation Ballast
The deaths being reviewed by the ombudsman are believed to include that of Jackie Coulter, a UDA leader shot dead by the UVF during a loyalist feud in August 2000.
The investigation into the killing of Mr Moffett is also understood to be under review.
Jackie Coulter was shot dead in August 2000
This is the second major investigation by the ombudsman's office into allegations that UVF informers have been protected by the police.
Five years ago, Nuala O'Loan published a report called Operation Ballast.
It said Special Branch officers had protected informers who were part of a gang based in the Mount Vernon area of north Belfast which was linked to 16 murders.
The report was hugely damaging for the police and was strongly criticised by a number of former senior special branch officers.
This investigation is potentially even more damaging. In the past, there have been allegations of collusion involving members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
However, Bobby Moffett was killed just two years ago, so this investigation is examining allegations that his killers were protected by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
If the ombudsman substantiates that claim, it will have serious implications for the police. |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 06-11-2012 01:44 Post subject: |
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| Quote: | éirígí to highlight MI5 activities in the Six Counties at Belfast meeting
03/11/12
The socialist republican party éirígí are to hold a public meeting in Conway Mill, Belfast at 7pm on Thursday evening, November 8th, at which the party will formally launch an information and guidance leaflet aimed at advising people who have been or who may be subject to harassment by MI5.
Speaking ahead of the meeting and leaflet launch, éirígí spokesperson Padraic Mac Coitir said, “An increasing and disturbing trend has emerged in the Six Counties where undercover MI5 agents have been involved in numerous attempts to recruit various individuals to ‘work’ for them.
“It is clear that MI5 operatives, based at their headquarters in Palace Barracks, Hollywood, are engaged in a massive intelligence gathering trawl right across the Six Counties. It is also clear, from the cases reported to us, that they doing so in total collusion with the PSNI.
“Many of those targeted by MI5 and who contacted the party in recent months are not republicans, but are community workers, trade union activists and ordinary members of the public.”
Mac Coitir explained, “The circumstances in which people have been approached by MI5 vary from case to case.
“Cases that have been reported to the party include:
- Individuals being stopped at what appeared to be normal ‘run-of-the-mill’ PSNI traffic checkpoints. In these cases, PSNI personnel then stood aside as well-dressed civilians approached the person stopped, introduced themselves as ‘X’ or ‘Y’, and then proceeded to attempt to recruit the person stopped
- Telephone calls being made to people by individuals who have identified themselves using various pseudonyms such as ‘Ian’, ‘Mark’ ‘John’, etc. During these calls people have been asked to meet with MI5. Monetary incentives and jobs have been offered to people if they will assist them in gathering information
- Individuals being approached while travelling through airports on way to a family holiday or as a journey connected to their work
- Individuals being approached in person at their place of work
- Individuals being approached while shopping in town centres
“Incidents have been reported to the party from across each of the Six Counties and it is clear that the frequency of such incidents is increasing.”
Mac Coitir continued, “In response to this increased activity by MI5, éirígí is launching a comprehensive information leaflet advising people what to do if they find themselves approached by MI5. Earlier this year, the party published a ‘know your rights’ card detailing a person’s rights when stopped or questioned by the PSNI. That received a very positive response in our communities, and we believe that this initiative regarding MI5 will be equally responded to.”
The meeting in Conway Mill on November 8th will be addressed by éirígí’s Breandán Mac Cionnaith and Belfast solicitor Padraigin Drinan.
Mac Coitir also said that the party would also be showing a short video at the meeting on the activities of MI5.
http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest031112.html |
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| ramonmercado Psycho Punk
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Total posts: 17931 Location: Dublin Gender: Male |
| Posted: 12-11-2012 14:03 Post subject: |
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There may be factions of the RIRA not involved in this group, there are 2 CIRAs and Óglaigh Na hÉireann as well.
| Quote: | David Black murder: New 'IRA' group claims it murdered prison officer
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20296702
Mr Black was shot as he drove to work at Maghaberry Prison
e
A group calling itself "the IRA" has claimed it murdered the Northern Ireland prison officer David Black.
He was shot as he drove to work on the M1 in County Armagh on 1 November.
The new terrorist group is believed to have been formed from an amalgamation of previously disparate dissident republican organisations.
In a statement issued to the Belfast-based newspaper, the Irish News, the group said it killed him "to protect and defend" republican prisoners.
Mr Black was driving to work at Maghaberry Prison, Northern Ireland's high security jail, when he was attacked and killed.
There is an on-going dispute at the prison, where 41 dissident republican prisoners are detained.
Many of them are refusing to wash in protest at strip searches, and in a bid to secure political status.
Mr Black, a 52-year-old father of two, was the first prison officer to be murdered in Northern Ireland in almost 20 years.
A new organisation calling itself the IRA was formed during the summer, bringing together the Real IRA, Republican Action Against Drugs, and a group of non-aligned republicans - a number of whom are believed to be based in the Craigavon area of County Armagh. |
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