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What Really Happened in Rossport Yesterday?
Read more about: Energy, Mayo, Media
Following events in Rossport yesterday, a narrative has emerged of violent protests including the use of a car as a battering ram. Comments from contributors to this site have thrown accusations at Shell To Sea, accusing them of attacking ‘busloads of workers,’ ‘committing criminal damage,’ and possibly using a car as a ram to injure Gardai. If we stick to facts and evidence however, we find that the only violence came from Gardai and that supporters of Shell To Sea showed remarkable restraint by failing to retaliate against the violent and heavy-handed actions of our “Guardians of the Peace.”
These are links to RTÉs coverage of the event on radio and TV and are the primary sources for the rest of the piece. There’s not much, but it’s the only visual footage we have. This is just a snapshot of the way the media frames issues to sideline and demonise dissent:
[Unfortunately I can't link to the time-points so you'll have to fast-forward.]
One of the most interesting feature of RTÉ’s coverage by Western correspondent Jim Fahy is his claim that Maura Harrington tried to drive through Garda lines (One News, 40s). The claim caused confusion amongst contributors to this site because none of RTÉs video footage showed any attempt to ‘propel’ the car through Garda lines or to use it as a “battering ram”. Surely if this event occurred then RTE would have showed the footage of this crucial event. The reason for its absence is simple: it never happened. Cars have however previously been used to block road access. The car was rolled up to the Garda line to cause a blockage, not to propel it into Gardai or to use it as a battering ram, it was a wholly non-violent act. In today’s Irish Independent—which has traditionally been hostile towards S2S—Brian McDonald states that Maura Harrington drove her “her mini-van right up to the line of gardai.” (The incident fails to receive a mention in the Irish Times.) This stands in contrast to RTÉ’s and Jim Fahy’s claim that she tried to “drive through Garda lines.” The only time we do see the car in RTÉ’s footage is when it is stationary. Jim Fahy’s comments leads people to hypothesize and jump to their own worst conclusions about what possibly might have occurred, to fill in the gaps themselves. If Maura Harrington did attempt to drive through Gardai, she would have immediately been arrested, eventually charged and the whole campaign discredited in the process.
Throughout RTÉ’s coverage, there is reference to “violent protests.” A viewing of the news at 1, 6, and 9 shows absolutely no violence from protesters. Despite being baton-charged (or strolled, as it has been dismissed as here), Shell To Sea protesters refused to react violently and not one punch or kick can be seen to be thrown in any footage. On One News at 1:32, the order comes from Supt. Joe Gannon to baton-charge protesters. The scene at the time the order is given, is a peaceful one with Gardai on the left, a reasonably gap, and then the protesters on the right. The Gardai are under no threat and their is no violence coming from the S2S side. Despite this, the order is given and a Garda, dressed in all black beside Supt. Joe Gannon, proceeds to whip out his extendible metallic baton, a much crueller and harsher version of the baton used by rank-and-file Gardai. The Gardai then proceed to baton charge protesters. Jim Fahy on Morning Ireland (45s) states that blows were “mostly” to the legs and arms but this is purposely selective language to downplay to actions of the Gardai; there were numerous blows to the head—as evidenced by the photograph above—along with pointed blows to the stomach. On One News (1:58), we see cowardly Gardai striking the legs of people with their backs turned who are walking away from them. (Also see Sgt. Conor O’Reilly on Six One at 1:55.)
In another marvellous display of journalistic excellence, Fahy on Morning Ireland says that he saw protesters ‘fall’ into a ditch. On Six One News at 2:23, a protesters is dumped on the edge of the road and then kicked by a Garda down into ditch (taken out of the 9 o’clock news) while at 2:47 on the same broadcast, another protester is thrown over a fence into a ditch. There is a clear difference between falling and being kicked or thrown down.
In today’s Irish Times, Supt. Joe Gannon states that the Gardai were “very restrained” in the face of “extremely violent resistance.” The revisionism rife within the Gardai never ceases to amaze me. Not one person was charged with anything following yesterday’s protest. These are part in a long line of baseless claims against S2S, some of which have been posted here by the likes of cf, who go on about protesters “who commit criminal damage.” In fact, an injunction was successfully taken out against Corrib Cop Sgt. Conor O’Reilly for criminal damage of private property amongst other things. McDowell, of course, is leading a one-man provo witch-hunt, which basically only stops short of blaming S2S for the Omagh bombing and the Dublin Riots.
The actions of protesters on the blockade, while illegal, are wholly non-violent, standing in the long tradition of non-violent civil disobedience from Rosa Parks to Gandhi. Rather than being criticised for being violent, protesters should be congratulated on for remaining non-violent in the face of Garda aggression. If Gardai continue with these actions, it’s only likely that there will be more ugly scenes to come.
A very indymedia post indeed, you admit she drove up to the Garda line but somehow we should not believe she was driving into the Garda line because it was not shown on RTE. Perhaps, she never drove it at all and it just materialised at that spot.
The reports have all spoke of the Garda using the batons to clear the road not because of that threat to themselves so that whole argument you advance is pointless. And as for being thrown in a ditch, the Gardai were trying to clear the road and where would you suggest the people should have been placed?
I think the whole idea that this was some massive operation of oppression is voided when you see one protestor fall and instead of getting hit on the ground, the Garda stand back and let the person get up again, hardly demostrative of excessive force.
I’ve also noted the strange gender distinction that makes out that there is some great barrier crossed if women participating in such a protest are struck with batons. Unless they are pregnant we should offer female members of society the same opportunity to participate and bare the consequences as male protestors.
I’ve asked for it in posts, show us links to the science and then we can have a discussion. All I’ve seen raised on this issue so far has not been founded on science that is being made available to others.
If she did drive into the Garda line don’t you think that footage would comprimise the main part of the coverage? Surely footage of a protester driving into Gardai is pretty newsworthy stuff.Why does the Independent journalist she stopped infront of the lines rther than ‘driving into Garda lines’, why no mention in the Irish Times, why no footage on RtE..because it didn’t happen?
All Garda action should be proportional to the situation they are in. Striking people who have their backs turned and are walking away from you is hardly Guarding the Peace. You ask were protesters should have been placed. A protester at 2:23 in the footage from the Six One news was removed, out of the way to the edge of the road. He was was then kicked into a ditch.
If you want science the Accufacts report is here http://www.publicinquiry.ie/pdf/Accufacts_Report_low_res.pdf
you also should contact kevin moore of An Bord Pleanala for info on the effect on the local region - “From a strategic planning perspective this is the wrong site. From the perspective of government policy which seeks to foster regional development, this is the wrong site; from the perspective of minimising environmental impact, this is the wrong site; and consequently, from the perspective of sustainable development, this is the wrong site.”
If this so-called nonviolent protest is allowed to succeed then the whole country would grind to a halt because if we’re to follow your logic, people should be allowed to protest whenever and where they like with no policing of any kind.
Surely they could make their nonviolent protest by standing lawfully at the side of the road with their banners and let the workers and others passing by see that they are opposed to what is happening and let them judge the merits of their case for themselves but then they would not get the publicity that they have become addicted to, no more Liveline, no more leading the Six and Nine O Clock news and back to being the principal of a school who’s wages are paid by the state while out on “sick” days.
How dull and boring that would be for them and maybe the numbers of those protesting would fade away without the oxygen of publicity.
dan sullivan - are you the guy who failed to get a council seat for fine gael ?
I dont think the shell to sea protestors need your analysis of the details of that project at this late stage - i daresay they dont give a tuppenny damn what you think, they are up to their necks trying to make changes like having that project pushed into the sea where it belongs, for over six years and they are weary.
They have a huge amount of support not just in this country and have an amazing knowledge of disasters world wide, enough to frighten the bejasus out of them.
I think they are stunning people from such a beautiful part of the country Erris. They are educated articulate and feisty- and few politicians really like that.
Its a bit late to be having a discussion about it -i thought the cops were very heavy handed -the camera doesnt lie
This country is divided between people who question things and those who are too lazy and too selfish to bother their backsides. Its never been otherwise.
The mc dowell intervention slagging off the shinners was pathetic - how could anyone slag off the shinners for being involved in a local protest- isnt that what political parties should be about ?
As I see it, this is a classic case of the provisional movement doing what it does best - manipulate events and the selective use of violence to portray themselves as victims. The big problem for them here of course is that one of their volunteers is a subcontractor on the job! There’s nothing like a few bloodied noses to divert attention though…
Full marks to the Gardai.
Are you the Mollie Malone who wheeled her wheel barrow through streets broad and narrow crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!
Mollie Malone, what difference does it make whether Daniel Sullivan has been a candidate for FG or any other party, it is as irrelevant as me asking you whether you are the Mollie Malone of song and fable, his views on this or any other subject is as valid as yours or mine!
Gaz were you there.
Mollie, if you take the time to click on the link right in front of you you can see exactly who I am. I’m happy enough to stand by my views, what is it that you’re hiding?
As for the value of my analysis, that is for people reading this to judge. I prefer to judge issues on their merits. I’ve been asking in posts over the last 2/3 years when this issue is debated for links to technical data and have never gotten it. I thank the person who has supplied the above and I will read it over the coming days and respond to it.
Interesting to note that it was funded by the Centre for Public Inquiry, does that mean we should view it as ‘independent’ or not?
Simon - No, I was not at the protest. I have however seen video footage, taken by protesters of what happened(which will hopefully be put online). You may say that this is hardly a reliable source of information so if we solely concentrate on RTE footage (and Indo/Times coverage), what do we see (despite what is suggested by Jim Fahy)?. 1)There is no footage of any car going through Garda lines. Why would such footage be absent from RTEs coverage? 2)Despite claims of violent protests, we see no violence coming from protesters. We do however see violent aggresion coming from Gardai.
People who are pro the project have thrown accussations at S2S but completely glossed over the evidence because it fails to conform to their perception of violent protesters.
Re Limerick Lad: The protests are complteley peaceful (from protesters anyway). All Garda action should be proportionate to the situation they’re in. At previous protest people were simply hemmed-in from blocking road access. Attacking non-violent people is only going to lead to actual violent protests.
Meathman: you accuse provos (i am not even republican, if provos were running s2s people would leave) trying to “manipulate events and the selective use of violence to portray themselves as victims.” There is no selective use of violence. As can be seen from all of RTEs video footage, their was no violence from protesters. If you are going to make a comment like that could you provide us with evidence?
Dan Sullivan: The Centre For Public Inquirys report is the only one to be independent from Shell. The ‘independent’ Advantica report used a basis for the project is anything but. Shell has been a partner and a client of Advantica and its various associated companies on an international basis. The interconnected companies of Advantica have over the years been populated with former senior Shell managers/Directors. Steven Lucas, the current Group Finance Director of Advantica’s parent company, National Grid Transco Plc, formally held management positions at Shell International Petroleum Company.
Irish Times - “The first review commissioned by the Minister was carried out by BPA [British Pipeline Agency Limited], a company half-owned by Shell, and a second review, published on the Minister’s website last week, was written by AEA Technology, a company which does business with Shell.” - The Irish Times
Yesterday Shell appealed to “anyone who has genuine concerns about the Corrib project to come and talk to us”. However Shell and the government rejected s2s’ call for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry to bring all sides in the dispute together to try to find what it describes as ‘the optimum development concept’ for the Corrib Gas project.http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1106/mayo.html
Lack lack of independence in the safety repors is a major concern.
Despite claims of violence, intimidation and criminal damage no-one has been charged with anything. No-one provides any concrete evidence when they make allegations violence. Faced with footage that the only violence comes from Gardai people still contiue to make these baseless allegations.
i see the leader of fine gael is at it too
he wants the shinners to stop manipulating shell to sea - why cant people get into their heads that shell to sea are not manipulated by anyone ?
what an insult that is to those decent intelligent people in rossport
they can and do their own thinking ……
Gaz, blocking roads is an act of aggression in itself and therefore they reap what they sow! Any action to clear a road blocked by people will appear to be violent but what is the law to do if it takes no action anarchy will rule. Injunctions haven’t worked and so it is time to start putting financial constraints on these protesters. charge them the costs of policing their protests not the tax paying public.
Gaz you criticise Jim Fahy for been factually incorrect. Yet he was there and you were not. He was an eye witness and yes an Independent witness.
There is many reasons why video footage would not have shown it. Unless they were expecting it the camara men would not have the camera on the car.
Also the lady her self said that she was trying to drive on the public road. Which points more to Jim Fahy’s version of events then yours.
“otage. On One News at 1:32 the order comes from Supt. Joe Gannon to baton charge protesters. The scene at the time the order is given, is a peaceful one with Gardai on the left, a reasonably gap, and then the protesters on the right. The Gardai are under no threath and their is no violence coming from the S2S side. Despite this the order is given and the Garda, dressed in all black beside Supt Joe Gannon proceeds to whip out his extendable metallic baton, a much crueler and harsher version of the baton used by rank and file Gardai. The Gardai then proceed to baton charge protesters. ”
Surely it should be mentioned if the protestors were warned prior to the baton charge? Were they Gaz? Did the get mutliple warnings? Were those warnings explict? Were they informed under what legislation those actions would take place? Did they wilfully ignore such warnings (if given)?
“If Gardai continue with these actions it’s only likely that there will be more ugly scenes to come. ”
Of course, if the protestors were to desist from their illegal activities, those ugly scenese would also be avoided.
Well we know where this site comes down on the Rossport issue. Where will the Shell 2 Sea banner be going on this site. I think under the Search Blog Archive box would be about right.
Simon, I base my opinion on evidence, of which there is none.The absence of any footage of any car attempting to go trough Garda lines in any of the footage ive seen from people who were there, all of RTEs tv programs and Brian McDonalds piece in the Indo. Fahy said that he saw someone “fall” into a ditch. What he actually means (and can be seen in the videos) is that people were thrown or kiced into the ditch. He also claims the protest was “violent”. Again there is no evidence in any footage. The protester states she was trying to drive on the road, which is true because she wanted to block the convoy (which has to drive on the other side of the road). That is hardly an admission or evidence that she attempted to drive through or Gardai.
“Unless they were expecting it the camara men would not have the camera on the car.”
The car was being rolled by protesters - that hardly happens in the bink of an eye, any eejit would have plenty of time to film it. You stated in a previous post how much a van could weigh. An RTE camera-man who misses a car being slowly pushed through Garda lines should be sacked. Yet people still choose to believe in an event of which there is no real evidence.
Concentration on, and condemnation of unseen imaginary ‘violence’ from potesters while wholly ignoring the obvious evidence of Garda heavy-handidness because it doesn’t fit with the FG Law and Order stereotype of what protesters are like, is typical of the way campigns in Ireland are demonized.
Blocking a road is not aggression, no matter how you want to twist it, it is non-violent direct action. What is violent, is striking people on the head with batons, kicking them and throwing them in ditches.Yes, the protesters were given warnings. As can be seen in the footage above, people where still batoned in the legs, some with their backs turned, as they were moving back from Gardai.
Gaz
There are people who can argue about how many angels fit on the head of a pin but I for one, and I bet many others, havent the time.
Its been interesting reading the blogs over the weeks and amazing to see so many deeply conservative views, but for me they sound so disconnected to real life.
I for one have a huge amount of respect for the shell-to -sea campaign.
I attended a meeting in a union premises in Dublin last year when the men were in prison.
I also attended the march when the men were released from prison.
I realise the shell to sea campaign has held public meetings all over the west and beyond. To me they are real stalwarts, standing up for safety in their area and deeply aware of catastrophes in many parts of the world.
Its facinating to me that this is the part of Mayo known for the sliding bog phenomenon.
and we saw this on slides, heavy equipment lost in the bog !
Good luck Gaz in your work with shell to sea I will continue to read your website
but im not done yet reading blogs -just this one -im making the change to The Village magazine new one when its up and running, I have a funny feeling that it will be more amenable to my way of thinking - Im certain it will irritate me -lets hope so -but i expect it to be pertinent to whats going one - they are going to ask readers to set the issues for the general election -get stuck in Mayo !!!
It all becomes clearer now, The Centre for Public Inquiry headed by Frank Connelly brother of Niall Connelly one of the Columbia Three, former representative of Sinn Fein/IRA in Cuba and who at the very least used a false Irish passport to travel there, bringing Ireland and it’s passports into disrepute, a charge also leveled at Frank Connelly, this is the source of the only contrary report quoted here on the differences between Shell and the “Shell to the Sea” organisation, no wonder people are suspicious that “Shell to the Sea” could be under the influence of Sinn Fein, who wish to stir up civil unrest in the hope that their candidate in the region will sneak in and take a seat in that constituency.
So basically Mollie the website is too conservative and caz the site is too liberal.
Why are people afraid to read what they disagree with?
“It all becomes clearer now, The Centre for Public Inquiry headed by Frank Connelly brother of Niall Connelly one of the Columbia Three, former representative of Sinn Fein/IRA in Cuba and who at the very least used a false Irish passport to travel there, bringing Ireland and it’s passports into disrepute, a charge also leveled at Frank Connelly, this is the source of the only contrary report quoted here on the differences between Shell and the “Shell to the Sea” organisation, no wonder people are suspicious that “Shell to the Sea” could be under the influence of Sinn Fein, who wish to stir up civil unrest in the hope that their candidate in the region will sneak in and take a seat in that constituency.”
You could accuse the government of the time this agreement with shell of the same thing. They sold passports to businessmen. could that not be considered bringing our passports into disrepute.
Molly, What’s wrong with being consevative. Some misguided vocal liberals attempt to dismiss conservative beliefs as of no importance and automatically wrong. I believe the majority of this country are by nature conservative. It’s just that we live in a liberal dictatorship run by a minority of unelected self-appointed and self-important media types. These things run in cycles and sooner or later conservatism will return to dominance in the media and become the trendy badge that the D4 and blogging set pull on as the latest fashion. Then we will finally see some meaningful solutions to the problems of social disintegration and that have been evidenced by the actions of a small number of violent individuals from Moyross to Rossport supported by the inability of the liberal dictators to take meaningful action
Squid, is the argument that “Shell to the Sea” has with Shell the fact that a Government in the past made a very bad deal on behalf of the Irish people for the exploitation of our natural resources, please forgive my ignorance I thought that it was all about the location of the onshore base and facilities that were being constructed in Rossport and the length of the pipeline to that location.
So if there was a change of location “Shell to the Sea” would still not be satisfied because of the terrible deal done by the then Minister (Ray Bourke I believe, that “wonderful upstanding” former member of the Fianna Fail) and would continue to protest at a new location, so why should Shell even consider moving because the protesters would just move with them.
“no wonder people are suspicious that “Shell to the Sea” could be under the influence of Sinn Fein, who wish to stir up civil unrest in the hope that their candidate in the region will sneak in and take a seat in that constituency.”
And Michael McDowell, the Sunday Indo et al are gifting them just such an opportunity, by giving them full credit for a campaign of which they are only a part. Does nobody remember the aftermath of 1916?
Limerick Lad: The CPI report is the only one independent from Shell. If you want an independent look at the issues surrounding the project then you should support s2s’ call for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry to bring all sides in the dispute together to try to find what it describes as ‘the optimum development concept’ for the Corrib Gas project, which has been rejected by Shell and the Government. http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1106/mayo.html
Caz:”the problems of social disintegration and that have been evidenced by the actions of a small number of violent individuals from Moyross to Rossport”
Far from social disintegration the events in Rossport have united the locals in opposition to the onshore terminal.
united the locals in opposition to the onshore terminal.
Not quiet there is some locals who oppose the actions of Shell to sea. For instance there is was one guy on liveline (i think) on firday saying he suffered alot of intimidation from the S2S people due to his disagrement with them
If you want an independent look at the issues surrounding the project then you should support s2s’ call for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry to bring all sides in the dispute together to try to find what it describes as ‘the optimum development concept’ for the Corrib Gas project, which has been rejected by Shell and the Government.
I would agree. Personally I think there is serious problems with this project. My problem is with the way the protesters are acting and the way external forces are manipulating this for there own ends.
Lads, that a report was independent of Shell does not mean it was inherently independent. Sure in that case we could get BP to fund a report and ask that people view it as independent.
“there is was one guy on liveline ” - by united i didnt mean unanimous, I meant the majority of the people based on my experience in the area and polls done by MRBI rather than one guy on live-line. Some people are genuinely in favour of the onshore terminal (23%). Others such as local businesses and residents have taken cash payments from shell in return for their consent. http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1016/corrib.html .As for intimidation of locals, not one person has ever been charged with anything. By “external forces” manipulating events I assume you mean the likes Of Sinn Fein or the Socialist Party looking to make political capital off the issue. Can you point ot any examples? People always have this stereotype -1)protesters are violent 2)people are only involved with campaigns to make political capital rather than out of genuine conern.
Dan, it was independent from any financial interest in shell unlike Shells self-funded report, the government commissioned BPA and Advantica reports which can’t then be taken as independent. This leaves the Accufacts report commisioned by the CPI. Preumably people don’t regard this as independent because of the CPIs Frank Connollys links with Sinn Fein, who have members involved with s2s. If this invalidates indepence then by your logic, none of the governments actions can be considered to independent or neutral on the issue due to donations they recieved from EEI who were behind the project, nor could any report commissioned by the governemnt be considered independent.
again if people want independent info they (and those with FG links) should support s2s’ call for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry to bring all sides in the dispute together to try to find what it describes as ‘the optimum development concept’ for the Corrib Gas project.http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1106/mayo.html
It is a fact that the Rossport community is divided over the Shell terminal and Gaz’s attempts to claim otherwise undermine his whole argument. The “guy on liveline” is one of the few with the courage to speak up in opposition to the Shell to Sea mafia who are violently intimidating all opposition in their way, be they local workers, local businesses or local Gardai. Gaz seems to have become personally too close to the situation to be able to see that some of his friends and the provos advising them from the shadows are very dangerous individuals and seem to be growing more dangerous by the day.
The majority want it offshore with 23% wanting it onshore. (MRBI poll http://www.corribsos.com/uploads/nuachtmayopollrossport%5B1%5D.pdf). They polled various areas around Mayo. Those in areas closest to the project expreesed, in greater numbers, their preference for an offshore terminal.
“violently intimidating” - No one has been charged with anything, theres no solid evidence of any violence (from protesters anyway), if it was happenening it would be counterproductive.
As for Shadowy figures growing more dangerous by the day…totally basless and doesn’t deserve a response.
They polled various areas around Mayo. Those in areas closest to the project expreesed, in greater numbers, their preference for an offshore terminal.
Also a poll that you highlighted yourself.http://www.irishelection.com/10/corrib-project-to-become-an-election-issue-in-mayo/#comments showed that 40% of people in Mayo had no opinion on the subject. Which suggest that a lot of people in the area don’t really care about the issue.
theres no solid evidence of any violence (from protesters anyway), if it was happenening it would be counterproductive.
Well in fairness if the protestors were doing anything they are unlikely to admit it.(If I am reading your question right.) The thing is about all this is about who do you believe.
And this goes to all of us. If a protestor says they were hit by Gardai you will believe them based solely on there own testimony. Someone says that protestors were intimadating people you would not believe that on someone’s testimony. And vice versa for most people who disagree with you
And yes if it is happening it is counter productive. As is pushing cars at Garda lines.
By “external forces” manipulating events I assume you mean the likes Of Sinn Fein or the Socialist Party looking to make political capital off the issue. Can you point ot any examples?
Of what Sinn Fein or socalists trying to make political capital from S2S? The issue started as a onshore/offshore arguement. That is what the guys went to prison for. But it is beginning to turn for some into nationalising the reesources issue.
The fact that no one has been charged with anything does not prove whether there has been intimidation one way or the other. We have lots incidents in Irish life (fights at traveller funerals or weddings, concerts, sporting occasions) where no one ends up being charged, but it does not mean nothing at all happened.
Also, I’m wondering how the people suggesting that the protest was entirely peaceful reconcile that with the use of force inherent to actively resisting being moved. People seem to be quite handy at interchanging and counterpointing, non-violence, peaceful, use of force and direct action as if the all meant the same thing or that one was the exact opposite of the other. THe increase in agitation in the Terminal site would appear to be a response to how little reaction they are getting from the general public.
The level of apathy in that poll is perhaps understandable. The sample was taken from the seven electoral constituencies across Mayo. The level of support for an offshore terminal is naturally higher in those areas directly effected such as Rossport. Despite this, in the wider Mayo region, the largest section of people have expressed preference for an offshore terminal, this is also the finding of the MRBI poll. Shell have often claimed to have “the consent of the majority”. The polls contradict this with support levels for the current onshore terminal being put at 15% and 23%.
“theres no solid evidence of any violence (from protesters anyway)” -by this I meant that there is no evidence of ‘protester violence’ rather than protesters themselves providing self-incriminating evidence.
“If a protestor says they were hit by Gardai you will believe them based solely on there own testimony.” - Not solely on their testemony, there is evidence such as the photograph and video footage above.
“And yes if it is happening it is counter productive. As is pushing cars at Garda lines.” - If a car was pushed through gardai I personally would have expected all of the sections of the media who have thrown mud at the campaign (violent protesters etc) and the provo witch-hunters, to have run with it ad nauseum to descredit the campaign. People can come to their own conclusions for the absence of footage and moral outrage in the media - I’ve come to mine.
“But it is beginning to turn for some into nationalising the reesources issue.” - Safety and the preference for the offshore terminal has always been the primary aim of the campaign. The deal to give away gas has always been an issue in s2s’ material such leaflets, flyers, website etc. It is not a new issue.
As for allegations of violent intimidation - I would not build a case around allegations. At a meeting in UCD last Monday Michael O’Seighin alledged that gardai drink in the pub run by the brother of the Garda commisioner all night, turning up hung-over and smelling of alcohol. There are also similar reports on indymedia. Michael O’Seighin also claimed that one specific Garda (he named them, but I won’t) punches a 14 year old with an arm in a sling everytime she turns up at a protest. These are allegations without substantiative evidence. I purposely didn’t include them in the original piece specifically because of this. You can imagine the response I’d get if i did (looney leftie socialist/anti-police Provo etc).You should always build the case for your argument around evidence rather than pure allegations, or so my journalism lecturer says.
“I’m wondering how the people suggesting that the protest was entirely peaceful reconcile that with the use of force inherent to actively resisting being moved.” - Dan, show me were there is any violence from protesters in any footage. Non-violent resistance means refusing to co-operate without resorting to violence. Violent resistance would entail retaliating with force against Garda batoning - Its a very simple distinction. The differences between direct action and civil disobedience are linked below.
Civil Disobedience - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_disobedience
NVDA - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_action
another upcoming solidarity day - http://indymedia.ie/article/79651
Gaz, I said use of force, not violence, but then as I also said the words are selectively interchangeable for the supporters of the protest.
Frankly, if I wanted to wade about up to my knees in the stench of an Indy type ‘debate’ I’d head over there. I’m not interested in Indymedia and I’m not going to get further into that type of distortion here either.
i’m fed up with distortions like the Gardai stating that they faced “extreme violent resistance” and have no interest in replying to wild allegations here based on political prejudice rather than evidence. There has not been any footage of any violence or force (or whatever your semantic preference is) coming from protesters because it never happened. The only evidence of violence is that of Gardai violence. The protest itself was peaceful, the Garda reaction was obviously not.
I agree with meath Man above. Kevin Myers has it spot on in the Indo this morning.
You are all falling into the trap where the govt want you…. Think of this we have a great natural resource why was it “given away” what sort of deal was done by a corrupt goverment ray burke did the deal look where he ended up. In 20 years when thetre is a cold war in europe because of energy crisis, we will all be scratching our heads wondering why did we let these people do waht they are doing.. And then there is the safety issue if any of you have kids you will understand the rossport 5 If you dont and you think they are wrong ask a family friend who has kids what it is like for their kids to be in danger? and what lenghts they would go to if they could stop the danger?… then come back to this blogg.. Dont forget about Burke and the corrupt govt who have ripped us off…This will be a BIG election issue
Annraoí..
Buckfast For Breakfast: 15 Myths and Realities of the Corrib Gas Project