Coiste na nIarchimí JANUARY - MARCH 2007 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

Muslim clerics from London meet with former republican prisoners »SEE PAGE 2 Learning from the republican experience

� JACKIE McMULLAN � POLITICAL TOURS Coiste.comm talks to Jackie about his new role as Meet the finve new staff members in the political advisor to Caitriona Ruane - PAGES 10-13 Political Tours initiative - PAGES 4+5

� UNITED IRISHMEN: Tour of 1798 sites of battle - PAGES 8+9 COISTE.COMM JANUARY - MARCH 2007 Learning from the republican experience

n Monday 2 April diverse groups in Belfast are Pages 10-13 for interview with In a year Coiste staff now coming together to find Jackie). Leaving aside former that has members met with lasting solutions to protect all prisoners who are now four visitors who within their communities from prominent in the political already had just arrived harm. We were very grateful for institutions countless others witnessed that morning from the time and insights offered by have played an invaluable role OEngland. The group included Laurence, Dominic and Rosena helping bring about the historic historic two Muslim community which will inform and help developments we are now events - and representatives, progress our partnership work witnessing. AbdurRahmaan Anderson who here in Lambeth.” Despite these realities and it's still only works for the prison service In a year that has already the significant achievements and is trustee of Brixton witnessed historic events - and and ground-breaking political April - this Mosque, and Toaha Qureshi it's still only April - this visit developments of recent times visit was chair of Stockwell Green was another first; republican legal and discriminatory Community Services and former prisoners strolling barriers still affect former another trustee of Stockwell Mosque. through West Belfast on a political prisoners on account first; They were accompanied by two sunny, spring afternoon in of them having a conviction. senior police officers from the conversation with senior police These range from accessing republican Metropolitan Police (Lambeth officers. employment to availing of former Borough), Martin Bridger, Chief Elsewhere, others were services that everyone else Superintendent and Mark getting on with the work of takes for granted. prisoners Rowland, Strategic Performance revamping the Assembly. New And this at a time when we Manager. Ministers have been named. have the unique situation strolling The group was on a visit to Two of them, Conor Murphy where the First Minister in the through Belfast to discover lessons and Gerry Kelly are former Assembly and the Deputy First about how communities can be political prisoners, as is Martin Minister are both former West Belfast alienated from a police service McGuiness, the incoming prisoners - Ian Paisley served on a sunny, and they were eager to learn Deputy First Minister. time in Crumlin Road Prison about the experiences of former Of the 25 other members of Belfast though later benefited spring republican prisoners. Sinn Féin elected to the from an amnesty. The situation Having shown them a little of Assembly 10 of them are also would be hilarious if it wasn't afternoon the Falls Road we then sat former prisoners - Martina so serious. in down in Tar Anall for a two- Anderson, Raymond McCartney Coiste has campaigned over hour discussion on our (Chair of Coiste), Fra McCann, many years to gain full conversation experiences of policing. Alex Maskey, Jennifer McCann, citizenship for former political with senior Following the meeting Martin Gerry Adams, Francie Brolly, prisoners. There has been much Bridger commented, Paul Butler, Caral Ní Chuilin lobbying and deliberation on police “As Metropolitan Police (Treasurer of Coiste and the issue and significant officers Borough Commander for formerly Coordinator of Tar consensus arrived at. However, Lambeth I'm committed to Anall) and Barry McElduff. as yet there has been no visible working alongside all sections Besides elected members, result. of our community to build a numerous other former If long time opponents can strong partnership that republican prisoners play reach agreement on a new way properly reflects our important advisory and support forward for the North of community's needs and allows positions in the Assembly Ireland and its people surely it that community to shape ways including Jackie McMullan, is now time for the British and to prevent violence. former staff member of Coiste Irish governments to walk the Having previously worked in and currently advisor to the walk as well as talk the talk. the Police Ombudsman's office (designated) Minister for in Belfast I was keen to see how Education, Caitriona Ruane (see Laurence McKeown

COISTE.COMM: � Editors: Rosie McCorley, Laurence McKeown � Layout: Gerry Morrison � Print: Novaprint, 5-7 Conway Street, Belfast

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Dominic Adams, Rosie McCorley, Rosena Brown and Laurence McKeown pictured with Yvonne Murphy of the Linen Hall Library An Glór Gafa/The Captive Voice compilation editions

n 1989 the first issue of An Glór 'The state is not sustained by force alone … Gafa/The Captive Voice was published The media, the education system, the by republican prisoners. The magazine churchmen and politicians all play their part was written and edited in its entirety in guarding against the dissemination of within the jails and printed and revolutionary ideas … Thus, the gaols have distributed on the outside by Sinn Féin's been the arena for a different struggle - the IPOW Department. Intended to be a quarterly it was struggle through education. Time and a never published more than three times in any one common purpose have enabled us to study year but over the course of its ten year history a the nature of the world in which we live and total of 26 editions was printed. to educate ourselves to become better able to The magazine contained a very diverse content, bring about change in the Ireland of today … including political analysis, short stories, poetry, art We hope our Captive Voice will be heard by work, satire, an update on prison campaigns, and all those who share our vision of freedom in a much more. Sensitive or controversial issues such socialist Republic.' as homosexuality and gay prisoners, and relationships between prisoners and their partners An Glór Gafa/The Captive Voice was published on the outside were never shied away from. over a ten year period - the last edition being Coiste na nIarchimí is currently involved in published just a few months before the closure of publishing a collected works of the material from Long Kesh in 2000 - and stands as an historical the 26 editions and on Wednesday 7 February record of the development within the prisons and presented Yvonne Murphy, Librarian of the Political the manner in which prisoners debated difficult Collection at the Linen Hall Library Belfast, with subjects and engaged with contemporary issues. copies of the first two volumes containing political Copies of the first two volumes of the collected articles relating to the conflict in Ireland. Later works entitled, 'Political Issues in Ireland' are publications will focus on other content - editorials, available from Coiste na nIarchimí, 10 Beechmount creative writings, a history of prison campaigns etc. Avenue, Belfast. Price £3 per volume or both volumes for £5 plus p&p. The editorial of the first edition of the magazine read; » 3 COISTE.COMM JANUARY - MARCH 2007

oiste, working alongside through its linguists to develop a vibrant multi-lingual 'Welcome Political Guide' and CD for future Tourism tour-guides to train with. Initiative, has The second phase of the training programme will Irish been hosting many see each of the outreach » C placed to build on GRÁINNE MASKEY education groups from around the world and areas rolling out an entire Caoimhin's success. The Training Co-ordinator indeed closer to home package of tourism Republican Ex-Prisoner I come from a republican ex- over a number of years. related courses. These Walking Tours are also prisoner family background Recently there has been a will include an NIOCN still ongoing in West and I am really happy to now change in funding for the accredited Political Belfast, as are the larger have the opportunity to work development of the Tourism course, designed group tours which can be for the interests of the ex- project and along with and delivered by Coiste's tailored to suit specific prisoner community, that a change and Political Tourism staff, interests. We can particularly in such an expansion of staff. Emergency First Aid and incorporate Belfast environment where we also Traditionally the project Customer Care training, (including the Shankill), get the opportunity to had two staff members web design training and Derry, South Armagh and educate both domestic and based in Belfast, marketing, and further afield into our international visitors about Caoimhin Mac Giolla merchandise training to group tours. Optional republican history and current Mhin and Ciara Adams, name but a few. extras on these group issues. but thanks to new We hope this targeted tours include; meetings Since leaving university I have funding from the training programme will with ex-prisoners, DVD's, worked in a community based Community Foundation produce a significant pool meals, accommodation environment and I have had the project now boasts a of tour guides throughout and transport. If you are extensive experience of staff of five dedicated workers who are spread throughout the North. In Belfast, Gráinne, » MEET THE FIVE STAFF FOR THE IRISH POLITICAL TOURS INITIATIVE Padraic and Seán are based in Coiste's main office; in Derry, Ruairí is based in Tar Abhaile offices; and in South Armagh, in the scenic surroundings of the Tí Chulainn Centre of Mullach Bán, is Ciara. The commencement of this project marks a very exciting time for Coiste's Political Tourism Initiative. Not only are the new staff members tasked with contributing to the development of Political Tourism in their respective areas but they also get the opportunity to contribute to increasing the levels of skills within the ex- prisoner community. This project is primarily a training focused project, aimed at building the capacity of the ex- Gráinne Maskey Pádraic McCotter Ciara Reel Ruairí O'Heara Sean Mac Bradaigh prisoner community to develop a professional the North to respond to interested in becoming a working in both the training Irish Political Tourism the growing demand for Political Tourist Guide or and tourism sectors. Through product. The training political tourism. have any queries about my role as Tourism Training project will be developed Throughout the lifetime booking a tour or a place Co-ordinator in Fáilte Feirste in two stages with the of the project the Trainee on our training Thiar I have become first stage seeing the Development Officers will programme, then please passionate about contributing Trainee Development also be working to do not hesitate to get in to the development of local Officers and five other ex- develop and market the touch with me on 028 tourism. Tourism is one of the prisoners completing the tourism product in their 9020 0770 or by e-mail at fastest growing industries in NVQ Level III in Tourist specific areas. The [email protected]. the world and people have a Guiding. project has been lucky to natural interest in areas of The Development Officers start off on a very positive Gráinne Maskey former political unrest. I am will also be tasked with footing and we are well Training Co-ordinator looking forward to the

4 COISTE.COMM JANUARY - MARCH 2007 Political Tours challenge of harnessing this potential that is there. well-established Coiste Tours Hunger Strikes. It has now potential and not only getting in Belfast. been transformed into a our republican message heard CIARA REEL modern, vibrant estate of by various audiences but Trainee Development Officer - RUAIRÍ O'HEARA major political interest to increasing the skills levels and South Armagh Trainee Development Officer - international and local people. helping to create employment I have worked with several Derry I am now happy to be opportunities within the community groups over the I began working with the working with Coiste Irish republican ex-prisoner years helping to foster good Foyle language centre in 1996 political tours. Through my community. community relations within as an activity co-ordinator for position with Coiste I hope to the South Armagh area. I foreign students. There I help connect all the political PÁDRAIC MCCOTTER have experience of organising began to deliver historical and tourism projects throughout Trainee Development Officer - talks, debates and educational political tours of the Bogside Ireland and create tourism- Belfast events for the area's youth and Free Derry area and training programmes for ex- As a former republican with leading figures from organise cultural and prisoners and their families. prisoner I have been doing within the community. educational trips to Donegal's This will generate much political tours for Coiste for 3 Within South Armagh I hope Gaeltacht areas. I also needed employment for years. Before that, as a the Coiste Project will worked with the famous Republican ex prisoners whilst member of Belfast National highlight the potential of this Paddy Wagon tours, bringing allowing Irish people to tell Graves, I was taking tours of small area, not only its large groups of back packers the story of how the conflict with Britain has affected their communities.

TICAL TOURS INITIATIVE SEAN Mac BRADAIGH Administrator I have been working with the Coiste political tours project for about three years. Initially I became involved as a tour guide and was drawn to the project because I see it as an essential educational tool for our local community and international guests. My family have, over the generations, felt the effects of British occupation with my Grandfather, Mother and Father and many of my extended family having been imprisoned for IRA activity and political activism which meant that raids and arrests were a common thing for me growing up. Therefore it was quite natural for me to become involved in political and community activism. I believe that the most important aspect of the tours is their ability to make people Ruairí O'Heara Sean Mac Bradaigh look at Irish history critically and not accept the Republican graves in Milltown political history but also its from around the world to the mainstream (often biased) Cemetery. I have a keen cultural history which was Bogside and Creggan areas, interpretation. I know that interest in Irish history and forgotten about through a organising political tours, and the tours can educate and politics and this complements negative media spin; that it facilitating talks by political open eyes as to the causes of my post as a tour guide. may break down the barriers activists and political ex- conflict in Ireland and can Because of the number of placed around it and allow prisoners. also further internationalise tourists coming to Belfast I people make up there own I then went on to help set up the struggle of the Irish think it is important that mind. and manage Free Derry Tours. people. I am looking forward Republicans give their view of I believe my role within Coiste The 'Free Derry' area has been to working with Coiste and the conflict and with my post is to build up the tourism directly involved in many of with others in our community as Trainee Development project in South Armagh and the key events of the troubles to see the Irish political tours Officer I believe I am in an also provide a link to offer including Bloody Sunday, the project acheive its full excellent position to fulfil the different things to the already Battle of the Bogside and the potential. Go n-éirí linn.

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The iving with Diversity' is perspectives an Laurence experiential shared were learning programme'L designed for for many those who have an interest in people developing leadership of common citizenship which powerful as speaks of open debate, they had no pluralism and equity, and concept of which breaks 'silence' about the unpalatable implications what of contested space. The happened programme creates during the opportunities for individuals to address personal, hunger community and societal strikes and issues relating to the the context Northern Ireland context. The programme is accredited of Northern through the Open College Network at level 3 with 9 Ireland Laurence pictured with Nicola during the tour of Long Kesh during that credits. time. His talk THE PURPOSE OF THE programme has been strikes and the context of challenged PROGRAMME IS TO: delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland during that • equip educationalists with the YMCA Ireland twice. time. His talk challenged many myths. skills, knowledge and This partnership secured many myths. values to support the participants from the As a result of talking to improvement of informal and formal Laurence he mentioned the community relations in education sector along with Maze/Long Kesh as a place their contexts. PSNI personnel which to visit. As soon as I heard • provide an opportunity for supported multi agency this I contacted OFMDFM personal development learning. and got dates to visit. while exploring issues and The programme focuses on Laurence agreed to concepts such as the concept of remembering, accompany us. inequality, posing questions to us in The visit itself was interdependence, diversity relation to what we amazing; the learning and and reconciliation. remember; focusing on our the ability to picture the • explore a range of selective histories. To this prison when it was being approaches and medias end, we invited Laurence used was easy to capture. It that contribute to the from Coiste to speak on his brought alive a huge chunk development of a shared experiences of the conflict of our history. The whole society. and his perspectives on experience with Laurence • reflect on themes that are remembering, forgiveness has been so worthwhile from relevant in a Northern and healing. He spoke a learning point. Ireland context e.g. honestly and for many His approach and the healing, democracy, members in the group they space developed created citizenship, political struggled to 'hear' fully what opportunities for prejudices discussion, conflict, was being said as their to be challenged and awareness of prejudice and selective histories were being knowledge to be gained and discrimination. challenged. The perspectives some shift in attitudes. Laurence shared were for Individuals had new lenses The programme has run many people powerful as to reflect on the society here. several times in the last 10 they had no concept of what years. More recently the happened during the hunger Nicola Lynagh

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» KINGS COLLEGE LONDON

ince 2002 the 'Northern background, his involvement in the Ireland Troubles' has H-Block struggle and hunger strike, been one of the most and to learn of recent developments heavily subscribed in the peace process. courses taught in the Dr Ian McBride had this to say of HistoryS department at King's the event. College London. Taught by Dr Ian “I constantly have to remind McBride, originally from Armagh, myself that the students who take the course examines the political, Dr Ian McBride with Laurence McKeown and this class were born around 1987. a number of students social and cultural dimensions of They have no real memory of IRA the Troubles in an attempt to has been a series of seminars with bombs in England, or even the understand the causes of the outside speakers, ranging from Good Friday Agreement, and they conflict and the failure of successive former Secretary of State for NI, come to the subject with very few governments to find a peaceful Peter Brooke; former leader of the preconceptions. They have a greater solution to the problem. Topics Ulster Unionist Party, David understanding of the Republican include the partition of Ireland, Trimble; and former republican Movement and a much more discrimination under the Stormont prisoner Patrick Magee. In detached, analytical appreciation of regime, the Civil Rights Movement, particular, students are keen to the IRA's campaign than would the Provisional IRA and the hear Republican perspectives on the have been possible ten or twenty emergence of the 'armed struggle', conflict, since these are poorly years ago. This understanding has popular loyalism, and the represented in the academic been deepened by Laurence's visit, development of the peace process. literature. On 1 March Dr Laurence and his willingness to provide them The students come from a range of McKeown from Coiste na nIarchimí with such an open, stimulating and social and ethnic backgrounds, and accepted an invite to discuss the good-humoured account of his own the department has been role of prisoners in the conflict and past. One email I received consistently ranked among the very their current role of helping to deal afterwards described the session as highest in the UK for both research with the legacy of the conflict. “absolutely fascinating as well as and teaching. Students were also keen to find out very challenging. I thought it a One innovation in recent years more about Laurence's personal great success.”

Pictured at one of the many memorials remembering the Irish who died in the first World War » YOUTH PROJECT n February, Coiste's PNB youth programme World War where Irish people died fighting for the embarked on a project with 16 young British army. Discussions also took place there round republicans from Fermanagh, Derry, Monaghan, the theme of Irishmen fighting for the British army Dublin and Belfast. The young people visited whilst their fellow citizens were involved in an uprising Kilmainham Gaol, Arbour Hill and the GPO in against British rule in Ireland. Dublin.I While there they engaged in discussions on the The participants will receive an accredited award 1916 Rising and, in particular, the views of James from the Open College Network for their participation Connolly in relation to the First World War. This was a in the project. precursor to a later trip to Messines in Belgium where the participants visited battle sites relating to the First Dominic Adams

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Tour of 1798 The Rebellion n Saturday revolutions and the another leading United 24th principles of Liberty, Equality Irishman, were indeed buried of 1798 February, as and Fraternity. Thomas in Clifton St Cemetery. Jack was heavily part of our Russell, one of the leaders of replied that Henry Joy was influenced ongoing the rebellion, saw this as a hanged at Cornmarket and engagements, worldwide struggle for buried in St George’s Church by the CoisOte hosted a tour of democracy. We were taken to at the corner of High Street. American historic sites relating to the the grave of William It was later claimed, however, and French rebellion of 1798. Our party Drennan, a Medical Doctor, that his body was re-buried at included members of the and another of the leaders of Clifton Street Cemetery with revolutions Unionist party, former the rebellion. The inscription his sister Mary Anne. He and the loyalist prisoners, various on his gravestone reads: added that more women than church groups and their Pure, just, benign thus filial appreciated took part in the principles friends. love would brace rising. of Liberty, The first place we visited The virtues hallowing this We then travelled to the Equality was Clifton Street Cemetery narrow space cemetery at Mallusk on the where Jack Duffin and Philip The Emerald Isle may grant a outskirts of Belfast to the and Orr, our tour guides for the wider claim grave of Jemmy Hope who Fraternity day, gave a short talk on the And link the patriot with his fought at the Battle of Antrim history of the rebellion country's name. and was the last to leave the informing us that over We then moved to the battlefield. He died in 1847 30,000 people were killed in grave of Rev. Steele Dickson, and what was interesting was one year. Jack told us how a Presbyterian Minister and a that he called his children the Planters struck to General of the United Robert Emmet and Henry Joy proclaim their Irishness and Irishmen who wrote the Hope. In 1968 his grave was independence from England scripture of politics and vandalised by loyalists during while still clinging to their ended up in prison for his the time of the Burntollet ancestry and English Roots. republican views. march. The rebellion of 1798 was At this point the question The next stop was at heavily influenced by the was asked if the remains of Craigargon Hill where, on the American and French Henry Joy McCracken, 7th June 1798, over 7,000

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Pictured at the tour of historic sites relating to the rebellion of 1798 which included members of the Unionist party, former loyalist prisoners, various church groups and their friends and which was hosted by Coiste sites of battle United Irishmen assembled All places of interest were Saintfield. Eleven occupants “I had a at 4am in the morning and pointed out and so detailed were killed in the cottage. For where the ‘tree of liberty’, was the account that we all this deed, twelve United marvellous which was planted at the felt we were in the middle of Irishmen were hanged. The time and time, is still standing. Then the battle itself. Battle of Ballinahinch learnt so we moved to Templepatrick After a hearty lunch we followed on from this but by and to the grave of William made our way to Saintfield, then the English army had many facts Orr who was hung in which according to our reinforced by thousands. The that I didn't Carrickfergus. As his body guides was a hotbed of United Irishmen were know about. was brought to Templepatrick United Irishmen. In 1792, the militarily defeated and the the funeral route was people had a large bonfire to English army invoked huge It was a 'policed' by Dragoons and celebrate Bastille Day of the punishments on the people of most Yeomanry. In the book French Revolution. The rebels Antrim by burning hundreds 'Remember Orr' he is were led by The Reverend of cottages and killing interesting reported as saying: “I am no Lesley Birch. A major battle thousands of people. and enjoyable traitor; I die a persecuted was won by the United The tour came to an end day and it man for a persecuted Irishmen but they suffered with people wanting more. country”. Our guide for this heavy casualties and the Some of the group forged has made me part of the tour was Martin graveyard at Saintfield new links and made new want to McManus who informed us contains a mass grave where friends. We have received know more.” that some of the monuments the dead from both sides are great feedback and there were erected by Antrim buried. There were also two encouraging correspondence. Council at the behest of a marked graves nearby of men Mary writes, “I had a former Unionist Mayor of involved in the battle who marvellous time and learnt so Antrim. Martin himself was died later of their wounds. many facts that I didn't know presented with a gold pike We went on to view about.” Michael says, “It was from the Mayor of Wexford. McKee's cottage which was a most interesting and Our tour then took us to attacked by the United enjoyable day and it has Antrim Town where we were Irishmen who believed that made me want to know given a great account of the McKee was an informer more.” battle which took place there. responsible for the attack at Rosena Brown

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» INTERVIEW WITH ...... » Jackie McMullan

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Jackie, what will your new role entail? Obviously I don't think anybody knows exactly what it will entail; it's a work in progress. Basically the I'll be shadowing Caitriona, attending experience ministerial functions with her, discussing the issues and trying to develop policy with her. that I had I 'll be providing primarily political advice in jail in and also acting as a bridge between her and the different party structures as well as the terms of » Sinn Fein Assembly team and other education Former members of the Executive. amongst republican prisoner Do you see a tie in between your new role political and your previous work with Coiste as prisoners Jackie McMullan political education officer? Is this in some sense a natural progression from your will stand involvement with the political education was born in Belfast in program in prison? by me. 1956. Arrested in That's interesting. I personally hadn't Also a lot thought about it but Caitriona mentioned it of the to me yesterday. We were at a teachers' May 1976 he served 16 conference in Cork and some people asked values and me if I had any background in education. I'd concepts years in the H Blocks answered, “No” that I didn't, assuming that of Long Kesh and was they were talking about the state education that I system. Caitriona asked me afterwards why learned did I not mention that I had experience in released in 1992. education in the jail? We had been speaking inside in about Paulo Freire before that and I'd that work In 1981 he spent 48 days mentioned to her that he had been very popular in the jail. I hadn't made the I think will on hunger strike connection between my experience in jail, be useful. my role as education officer in the Coiste, during which ten and this latest role. I had just seen it as a natural follow-on from my work within the of his comrades died. party. I've always been interested in education. I've always had a passion for it, For several years he the development of people, people reaching their full potential. Obviously the experience worked with Coiste as that I had in jail in terms of education amongst political prisoners will stand by me. Political Education Officer. Also a lot of the values and concepts that I learned inside with regard to education will Recently he was be useful. appointed Special Advisor What values specifically? Well, take Paulo Freire. One of the things I to Caitriona Ruane, learned from him was the fuller meaning of the word 'education'; that it isn't just about Minister for Education schooling; isn't about what Freire called the “banking concept” of education whereby in the NI Assembly. teachers 'impart' information which pupils ingest and 'store'. It's about the ongoing development of people's full potential. Education should be a two-way process with Mick Beyers spoke to learning involved for both teacher and Jackie for Coiste.comm. student. That changed my understanding of what education is about - it's not about learning things by rote, it's essentially about development. If you trace the word education back to its Latin roots that's what it tells you. Only a tiny minority of people from the area where I come from, Andersonstown, went » to university. When I was in prison though I came to see that 98% of people in prison were capable of university level education. That told me that society wasn't allowing or encouraging people to develop to their full educational potential. Another major lesson was equality. Equality,

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If we are for me, is at the heart of everything and I continue to destabilize this place with the can also trace that back to prison. Treating potential to plunge us back into conflict to do people as equals and knowing that there is because of the bitterness attached to what justice to no one better than yourself. I'm conscious of happened in our recent history. And if you the hierarchical nature of the civil service look at the experience of other societies, I the past and governmental structures. There is a lot believe it shows that unless you deal with it and to the of deference and importance attached to the it always will have the potential to lead to different grades that people have within further conflict. future we those structures. I don't buy into that. For many people the Good Friday Agreement need to Yesterday I was sitting in a meeting with represented the formal ending of armed the Minister of Education in Dublin, Mary conflict and the beginning of a new peaceful separate Hanafin. You could see a lot of people era. The actual written agreement (and its out our fawning over her, showing great deference follow up) however, contains very little responsib- towards her. It didn't impress me. I'm not about victims' issues or how the legacy of impressed by any of those structures or the conflict might be handled. In fact, there ilities hierarchies. I will treat everyone with is a view that achieving an agreement towards respect and will expect to be treated depended on the negotiating parties not respectfully. Equality applies both to the dealing with the past in any substantial way. the people I'll be working with and the people All that was agreed was that it is 'essential victims for whom we'll be working. to acknowledge and address the suffering of the victims of violence as a necessary of the You're also involved with Healing Through element of reconciliation'. Nine years on and conflict Remembering (HTR), serving on their sub- I don't think anyone would claim that this committee on truth recovery and has happened. from the acknowledgment processes. What does Over 3,700 families were bereaved during political that work involve? our war, tens of thousands of others were It involves looking at ways of dealing with injured and, for most of them, there are still struggle the past and the legacy of the past. I've many burning unresolved questions as to against been involved with this project for about 7 what happened and why. Because the issues years, from the time when I was political around truth recovery and dealing with the British education officer with Coiste. The sub-group past are complex and challenging, our rule in I'm on looks specifically at ways to instinct is to 'leave it till another day'. This acknowledge people's suffering, to was reflected by some people at a recent Ireland acknowledge what happened during the seminar when they asked, 'why open old course of the conflict, at the causes of wounds?' The reply that came back from conflict and whether there should be a many others was 'because the wounds are formal mechanism such as a truth badly closed and if you don't treat the commission for dealing with the past. There infection they will reopen themselves'. is a huge legacy; over 3,700 people killed and there are people living with that every What do you say to those (republicans) day… people for whom it is still the central who feel anxious about the implications of experience shaping their lives and who a truth recovery process? believe that to attain closure or healing they I realise that many republicans view our need to know the truth about what active participation in such a project as happened to their loved ones, why it 'making a rod to beat ourselves with' happened and also to ensure that as much is because they fear that our opponents would being done as possible to ensure it won't cynically use some victims in their efforts to happen again. halt the political march of Sinn Féin. That's fair enough, but it's not enough. We You obviously feel a particular affinity for shouldn't allow ourselves to become this kind of work. entranced by a notion of another 'site of I do feel an affinity for it. I didn't want to struggle' or to use the cynicism of others as get involved in the first place. I suppose, justification for doing nothing ourselves. If looking back on it, I didn't want to face up we are to do justice to the past and to the to the issues myself. I just wanted to get on future we need to separate out our with what I was doing, the political work. responsibilities towards the victims of the And I think that's the case for a lot of conflict from the political struggle against people. We're not comfortable with the past British rule in Ireland. When we hear the being 'raked up'. But when you look at it, you name Jean McConville, for example, we find that you can't close the door on the should think less about Michael McDowell past - it keeps coming up. If you look at the and more about Michael McConville, one of news over this past week for instance, you her ten children whose lives have been will find three or four incidents from the blighted by the horrific manner of her killing. past seeping into the main news items. The If our opponents want to make political past is dogging the present and the future, capital out of it then let's deal with that as a and it's going to continue doing that. It separate issue. It's too easy to lash out at destabilizes the politics of this place. I others when we need to be taking a hard personally believe that until we face up to it, look at ourselves. do something about it - decide to put it behind us and draw a line under it or And what of the role of the British confront it in some structured way - it will government in the war?

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The British Government has a strategy to have to set the standard in acknowledging There are minimise media coverage of its corporate and addressing the suffering of all those we responsibility for the conflict and to hurt during the conflict. We cannot undo the personal maximise allegations against republicans. It past or bring an end to their suffering, but and goes without saying that we need to counter by demonstrating courage and moral this. But working to expose Britain's dirty leadership we can engender hope for the political war doesn't absolve us from our own future. When the IRA issued its apology for challenges responsibilities. And, twelve years on from the deaths of all non-combatants in 2002 it the first cessation the question facing us is, had a powerful cathartic effect on some for us in do we have the moral courage to confront victims. Some others dismissed it, but it was this but the ghosts from our own past? still the right thing to do. If you genuinely progress believe in the integrity of the republican Do you feel others within the republican struggle then truth can only enhance it. only ever 'family' feel likewise? There are personal and political challenges comes For me the most memorable contribution to for us in this but progress only ever comes date on this issue came from a young about by taking on challenges. And, because about by woman at a seminar we organised on the republicans are seeking maximum change, taking on issue who dismissed all talk of strategy and we are the ones who have to take the politics with the simple point that "we biggest and boldest steps. challenges. should do the right thing." If we are a party If we bring courage and honesty to how we And, of the people, if we are about justice and deal with victims and truth recovery it about what's best for the people then that is might cut through some of the bitterness because what should guide us, whatever negative and anger which infects the politics on this republicans consequences we think there might be for island and transform the way that the past the party. As far back as 1999 Gerry Adams is accepted and understood. It might also are seeking said "In war all sides do terrible things. The help build bridges between the unionist maximum IRA has done terrible things. That is the community and ourselves. And it might help nature of war but it does not excuse the some people achieve some healing. None of change, we awfulness of some incident. The running those outcomes are guaranteed but we are the sores of this conflict have to be addressed in should not be seeking to reap political an honest and forthright fashion." When are advantage. As republicans we should do it ones who we going to address them? Do we have the because it is the right thing to do. have to courage to do what the ANC did when they acknowledged that even just causes can lead take the to abuses of power? I believe that we do biggest and and that we should. When I was in jail I met a young man whose boldest twin brother had been taken away and shot steps. dead as an informer by the IRA when he was 15 years old. Their father had been shot dead by the British army two years before that. In 2004 the IRA apologised to his family and I was delighted that they did. There have been other apologies from the IRA and each time they've offered one I've been glad and proud of the fact that they did. It requires courage to be self critical and in my eyes the IRA have enhanced the integrity of the republican struggle each time they have done so. I've been a republican all my life. I've had the privilege to know many people who, time after time, put their lives on the line for what they believed in. Like others I've had many good friends and comrades killed in the course of the struggle. I've attended a number of events recently to commemorate the 1981 Hunger Strike when ten men died in an act of bravery, which won admiration throughout the world. If the mourners who chased the loyalist gunman Michael Stone while he shot at them and threw hand grenades at them had been in any other country they would have been given medals. There are countless examples of republicans stepping up to the mark when courage was required. We have a different situation now, a different struggle, but courage is still needed. Republicans, in my opinion,

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» TAR ANALL'S HEALTH WEEK

Healthy outlook; (Back) Sinéad McLarnon, Maggie Donnelly, Jackie Brennan, Tommy Rocks, (Front) Anne Murray, Brenda Kelly, Rose McLarnon and Trish Boyd

Following on from the Clan Mór Surestart, the major success of their Maureen Sheehan Centre, Men's Health Day, Tar Shankill Women's Centre Anall, Belfast recently and Leisure Centre, played a major role in the Blackie Community West Belfast Health Week Centre, Conway Education March 12-16. Centre, Falls Leisure The Falls and Shankill Centre and local residents' wards are among the most associations. deprived in the North and During the Health Week a number of community the 'Big Bus' from Action organisation in the Falls, Cancer offered services Shankill, Clonard and including digital breast Beechmount areas joined screening and a skin forces to raise awareness scanner to test for signs of about men's and women's damage caused by the sun. health and well-being. Elizabeth Fisher from the Members of the group Ulster Cancer Foundation kick-started the health said that they want to alert drive by taking part in a people to the damage they health walk in could be causing to their Castlewellan to coincide skin and give information with International on how they can protect Women's Day. Rose the skin of both McLarnon from Tar Anall themselves and their said that the week of children. “We try to get the events had been organised message across that after a lot of discussion children really need to be between local protected from the sun. partnerships, evaluation A lot of people use sun- from previous health days screen on foreign holidays and feedback from the but we need to get the local community. message across that they “These events promote need to use it here too - at better working least Factor 15 from May relationships within the to September.” partnership, avoid In addition to the above, duplication of services, stress clinic therapists provide follow-up for those were available throughout who have been previously the week to offer referred to their GP and, aromatherapy, reflexology, more importantly, address Indian head massage, the needs of our people.” homeopathy and Other organisations acupuncture. involved in the health There was also beauty Reflexology with Carmel McGivern was one of the highlights of the events included Conway therapy and body day Mill, the Heart Project, composition analysis.

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» BELFAST FILM FESTIVAL Societies in Transition: Policing for the People

ABOVE: Rosie McCorley, Laurence McKeown, Tom Winstone, Dawn Purvis, Jim Auld, Claire Hackett and Raymond McCartney. BELOW: Rosena Brown from Coiste, pictured with Dawn Purvis and the director of the Belfast Film Festival Michelle Devlin

Coiste na nIarchimí in partnership with the Belfast Film Festival hosted a seminar in the Queen's Film Theatre as part of the 10-day festival. Entitled, 'Societies in Transition: Policing For The People' the event included an edited screening of 'Sinn Féin and Policing', (directed and produced by Barry Curran of Northern Visions) followed by a panel discussion which included; Jim Auld (Community Restorative Justice - Falls Road); Tom Winstone (Alternatives - Shankill Road); Dawn Purvis - (Leader of the PUP, MLA and member of the Policing Board); and Raymond McCartney (Sinn Féin MLA).

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CONTACTDETAILS

Coiste Head Office Contact persons; Mike Ritchie, Micheal Culbert, Angela McEvoy, Laurence McKeown, Rosie McCorley,Rosena Brown, Dominic Adams,Caoimhin MacGiolla Mhín, Grainne Maskey, Pádraic McCotter, Seán Mac Bradaigh Address- 10 Beechmount Avenue, Belfast BT 12 7NA Tel- (028) 90200770 Fax-(028) 90435445 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.coiste.ie

Abhaile Aris Portlaoise Prison Contact persons; Neil Gallagher Contact person; Niall Binead Address-65 Lower Main St, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Tel-00353 749128610 Fax-00353 749128609 Iar-Chimi Fhear Managh [email protected] Address; 5 Market St, Web-www.abhailearis.com Enniskillen BT 74 7DS Co Fermanagh Tel&Fax- 029 66324497 Ar Ais Aris, Dungannon Contact person; Sean McGuigan La Nua Address-60b Irish St, Dungannon Co Tyrone Contact persons; Adrian Barry, Padraig Fallon Tel & Fax- 028 87727128 Address; 7 Main St, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim Tel-003537196 45748 Fax 719645829 South Derry ex Prisoners Contact person: Ian Milne Marrowbone Ex-Prisoner Group Address-79 Quarry Road, Gulladuff, Contact persons; Christine Beattie, Patsy Godfrey Magherafelt, Co Derry, BT45 8 NT Address- 253 Oldpark Rd, Belfast BT146QR Tel-028-79644550 Fax- 028 79549659 Tel&Fax- 028 90741876

Cairde, Strabane Tar Abhaile, Derry Contact persons; Jarlath McNulty, Contact person; Joanne McDaid Donna McColgan Address- 1 Westend Park, Derry BT48 9JF Address-12a Bridge St, Strabane, Co Tyrone Tel&Fax- 028 71266675 Tel&Fax- 028 71886824 Tar Anall, Belfast Castlerea Prison Contact person: Caral Ni Chuilin Contact person; Kevin Walsh Address- Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway St, Belfast BT13 Address-Co Roscommon Tel- 028 90323631 Fax- 028 90323629

Cumann na Meirleach Tar Isteach, Belfast Contact persons; Fred Loye, Ewan Morgan, Sean Mathers Contact person; Tommy Quigley Address-Ti Chulainn, Bog Rd, An Mullach Ban, Co Armagh Address- 133 Hillman St, Belfast 15 2FX Tel-028 30886691 Fax- 028 30886692 Tel-028 90746664

Failte Abhaille Dundalk Video Tar Isteach, Dublin Contact person; Kevin Mulgrew Contact persons; Gay Cleary Address-79b Bridge St Dundalk, Co Louth Address- 40-42 Dominick St Dublin 1 Tel- 0035342 9352158 Fax-0035342 8352159 Tel- 00351 8782301

Failte Cluain Eois Tus Nua Sligo Contact person; Sharon Murphy Contact persons; Sean or Chris McManus Address- The Diamond Clones, Co Monaghan. Address- 50 Lower John St; Sligo Tel- 003534752540 Fax- 0035347 52541 Tel&Fax- 0035371 9141443

WORKING FOR THE REPUBLICAN EX-PRISONER COMMUNITY Coiste na n-Iarchimi is financially supported by the European Union Peace 11 Programme through the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Area Development Management/Combat Poverty Agency and Co-operation Ireland. It is also supported by the Department for Social & Community & Family Affairs, Dublin.

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