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2nd Edition

Special points of interest:  Sean Murray responds to Un- Andy opens up ionist Voice and to challenge others, then surly analysis– Page 6 Welcome to our second about his own mental health there is an obligation upon us and 7 edition of Unionist Voice. It battles, and tells Unionist Voice to be brave enough to offer has been an eventful month about his hopes for the future. the same platform to those  Exclusive inter- and once again the magazine William Ennis is another view with Rang- that wish to come back at us is full of news, views and anal- contributor this month. As a left ers legend Andy and challenge our arguments? ysis of important events within wing Unionist, William articu- Goram– Page 10 If we cannot publically the unionist community. lates a different– but equally debate and stand over the  PCTF-Inequality This month saw Unionist legitimate– form of unionism. arguments we articulate, then under the law– Voice Policy Studies host a Again we feel it is important to what is the point in engaging Page 12 legacy consultation evening offer a platform to all reasona- at all? We can only advance and panel discussion. This ble viewpoints, and I certainly  PSNI issuing our own cause if we are pre- event brought together a wide believe that the contribution by invalid notices pared to have our arguments range of people to engage in a William is a positive one. following search stress-tested in the fires of robust, but respectful debate. As the magazine continues operations– public scrutiny. How can we The event was chaired by Irish to grow it is only natural that we Page 14 change minds if we don’t step News journalist Allison Morris will attract different contribu- outwards from within our own  Leaked bonfire and alongside myself also tors that the initial readership community and put forward report vindicates included Doug Beattie MLA, would not agree with. However, east Belfast our arguments and our con- Jeffrey Dudgeon and Mervyn as I outlined at the start of this loyalists– Page cerns? No one is going to go Gibson. There was a fantastic piece, if we are to build Unionist 15 into civic society, into the me- turnout and excellent audi- Voice into a credible and strong dia or into the public domain  Kate Hoey MP ence participation. This provid- platform for the grassroots PUL and make our arguments for visits East Bel- ed an often isolated and de- community, then there has to us, we must do it ourselves fast FC– Page monised section of the PUL be a space in that for all view- and be prepared for the de- 19 community the chance to points. There is never anything bate and challenges that flow have their voice heard, and I to fear from debate and dia- from that. believe it was one of the high- logue . This month we also place lights of UVPS’s work so far There is undoubtedly a ALSO INSIDE a heavy focus on the actions that we were able to provide change sweeping the grass- of the PSNI. It is imperative that platform for such a range roots unionist community, with Legacy event 3 that we, as unionists and loy- of people. Credit must go to all more and more young people alists, demand equality under those who played a role in and those previously disen- the law. If criminals are mas- making the night a success, gaged coming together in vari- End PSNI harass- 4 querading as loyalists, then no job was insignificant and ous forms of political, communi- ment who can object if the PSNI progress is impossible without ty and media activism. That is a pursue such persons? But it is everyone pulling together and positive trend, and one which Kingsmill killers 5 quite a different matter when doing their bit. we must continue to encourage named the law is applied different This month we have also and play our role in helping to because someone is a loyalist. published an article by Sean grow. William Ennis 8 The law must be applied Murray. We have been ex- Where there is injustice, we writes equally and fairly, regardless tremely critical of Mr Murray must challenge it. Where there of community background. It and elements of his film mak- is disrespect shown to our com- Paul Peterson 9 cannot be one standard of the ing and legacy activism, and munity and identity, we must law applied to loyalists, and he chose to respond to those challenge it. Where there is a quite a different standard for criticisms. It would be easy to false narrative or malicious Sectarian attack 11 others. That is unfair and of- have a platform that simply story designed to demonise our fends the very basic principles shuts down dissenting views community, we must challenge. of our legal system. and refusing to engage with We must challenge everything, Edward Cooke on 16 We also have an exclusive them, but if we are big enough we must fight for every column legacy and extensive interview with to express our views and use inch. We must stand up for Rangers legend Andy Goram. our platform in Unionist Voice ourselves. No one else will. Page 3

Huge Turnout for east Belfast legacy evening

There was a full house in the east Bel- legacy proposals Shankill bomber Sean Ian McLaughlin. fast Con Club as a wide range of people Kelly was viewed as every bit as much a There was a long discussion on the packed into the main room to participate victim as the families of those he mur- proposed oral history archive. Jamie in the legacy consultation and panel dered. Everyone agreed this was morally Bryson raised the case of Winston Rea discussion. reprehensible and untenable. who it has been alleged participated in Despite many hoping that the event Shankill loyalist Stephen Andrews made the Boston Tapes (this has yet to be would prove to be a failure, it turned out a passionate contribution from a loyalist established by a court of law). Jamie to be a fantastic evening providing a perspective. After outlining his experience said that whilst he could not speak to platform for the unionist and loyalist of being shot at in the 1970’s, he went on Winston’s mind-set and had no community. The very best of our com- knowledge of his motivations, he sur- munity was showcased as people from mised that he may have taken the view all sections of unionism, and those who in the context of the pro-peace process would not identify as unionists, came environment at the time of the Boston together for a respectful, courteous tapes that telling his story, warts and and articulate debate. all, was an important historical record. The evening began with a short However, Jamie also said that some video highlighting some of the atroci- others may take the view, in a general ties perpetrated against the unionist sense, that it would never be wise to community by the IRA, and this was an talk about matters for which you have emotional start to the evening. This never been convicted but regardless of was followed up by a presentation by this there was an important point in Alan Lewis of Families Research Policy that why would any loyalist want to Unit (FRPU), Pastor Barry Halliday and engage in story telling when it could William Frazer. to address the definition of a victim. Ste- later be used against them in a court of The evening was then handed over phen said that he felt loyalists should not law if the political context changed. to Irish News journalist Allison Morris to be equated with their victims and that it There was broad agreement with chair the main panel discussion. Allison was his opinion that loyalist paramilitaries this point and all panelists agreed that later tweeted her thanks to all those did not seek the victim mantle. unionism and loyalism needed to tell who took the time to speak to her and This view was supported by Rev Mervyn their story, but there had to be a safe welcome her to the Con Club. Gibson and George from the Shankill who and secure mechanism to do so. Rev The room then heard opening contri- both said they had yet to come across a Gibson said he supported community butions from the panel which included loyalist paramilitary that described them- archives. Rev Meryvn Gibson, Cllr Jeff Dudgeon, selves as a victim on a par with innocent In a debate that lasted well over 2 Unionist Voice editor Jamie Bryson and civilians that lost their lives. hours the aforementioned details are Doug Beattie MLA. All panelists spoke Jamie Bryson concurred with this, but just some points that came out of the out strongly against the proposed legacy highlighted that many of those he termed evening which included in-depth de- structures for various different reasons. ‘conflict generation’ loyalists had not had bates on the proposed bill and the Cllr Dudgeon had prepared a written the same type of support that republicans definition of a victim. We hope many speech which he has kindly provided, it had and as a result continued to suffer people will take the time to watch the can be read online on Unionist Voice. greatly from mental health difficulties and a full video once it is uploaded. Following this Allison posed a series lack of provision to assist them to play a Unionist Voice Policy Studies would of questions to the panelists, some of meaningful role within the new political like to thank all of those who attended which were difficult and challenging. dispensation. this night and made the evening so In the coming days clips from the Doug Beattie, as a former solider, successful. There is a clear energy event and the full debate will be upload- spoke out strongly against a statute of limi- within the grassroots unionist commu- ed to our You Tube page for everyone to tations and upon Allison Morris asking the nity with a broad coalition of people have the opportunity to watch the de- floor whether anyone present supported a coming together, bound by the com- bate. statute of limitations, no one in the audi- mon thread that we will not allow our- Questions from the floor were then ence raised their hands. selves to be treated as an underclass taken with some emotional contributions Among other contributions Billy Drum- or demonised. from victims, survivors, former members mond from Shankill Alternatives spoke out Special thanks were extended to of the security forces and loyalists. about the poor representation by the elect- journalists Rebecca Black and Yvette Victims, panelists and the entire ed unionist parties and questioned why Shapiro for attending the event, and to audience reacted with shock and revul- they had never organised such an event. Allison Morris for chairing the evening. sion at the revelation that under the This view was echoed by community worker Page 4

PSNI HARASSMENT OF THE UNIONIST COMMUNITY MUST END

hunt against former RUC officers and mem- gate all non-fatal incidents- such as IRA bers of our armed forces, but are also in- bombs that maimed civilians or mem- creasingly engaged in targeted political bers of the armed forces- instead only harassment against the unionist communi- focusing on fatalities. Even at this, 90% ty and specifically our marching bands, of fatalities were caused by non-state political activists, loyalists and peaceful groups, again the majority by the Provi- protestors. Let us never forget the war sional IRA, yet 30% of the PSNI’s case- waged on peaceful unionist bandsmen, the load focuses on the actions of the brutalisation and criminalisation of our state. This is very simple maths- the community during the flag protests and PSNI’s legacy investigations are imbal- There is growing anger within the more recently the invasion of east Belfast anced, partisan and disproportionately unionist community at the increasing to tear down bonfires whilst officers cele- targeting the brave men and women politicisation of the PSNI, including from brated with ‘bye bye bonfire’- all the while that served in defence of our communi- many former officers who served proudly masked republicans ran amok. ty in the face of a relentless PIRA ter- in the RUC. Let us also look to the so called rorist onslaught. Unionist disenchantment with the ‘Paramilitary Crime Task Force’, a political Many former RUC officers, and PSNI has been building for many years, invention at the heart of the fresh start members of the wider unionist and ever since the disgraceful Patton re- agreement. Their first big success was seiz- loyalist community, are disgusted and forms that appalled by the demolished partisan political the RUC, tar- agenda of the nished its lega- PSNI. They are cy and re- equally disgust- placed it with a ed and appalled ‘police service’ at the betrayal whose primary of all those that purpose was served in the not to solve RUC, the UDR crime or to and British Army keep people safe, but rather to win the ing entirely legal WW1 UVF memorabilia, in defence of Ulster. One former RUC support of the IRA and by extension the which they then broadcast to the media. officer remarked recently, in relation to wider nationalist community. They followed this up with a relentless the PSNI’s own ‘Elliott Ness’- namely The IRA- through their surrogates in stream of dubious house searches and ‘task force’ head Bobby Singleton- that Sinn Fein- eventually endorsed the PSNI. targeting of anyone deemed by former ACC when he was in the force they were too Let that sink in; the political wing of a Peter Sheridan’s ‘consortium’ to be politi- busy fighting against a relentless ter- terrorist group that murdered and cally inconvenient. How many raids have rorist campaign and checking under maimed RUC officers, our armed forces been carried out against the PIRA? I will their cars or looking over their shoul- and civilians within our community for help you with the answer to that; none. ders for the next IRA gunman, that they over 30 years now support the PSNI. Rather than pursuing republican crimi- had no time to be modelling for the What does it tell you about our ‘police nality, the Chief Constable is a regular pan- camera with a ‘how you doin?’ slogan. service’ when it can win the support and el guest at SF fronted events. It is an al- The RUC fought the IRA and had to endorsement of those who murdered most bi-monthly occurrence that the Chief endure awful events such as lifting and maimed its forerunner? Constable sits down with Sean ‘Spike’ Mur- children’s bodies out of the wreckage And of course the PSNI corporately ray. What ever happened to their investiga- of the latest terrorist bombing; officers endorse the division between the ‘bad’ tion into Mr Murray’s role in the IRA’s like Mr Singleton brief the media ‘off RUC and the republican endorsed PSNI peacetime gunrunning? I will help you with the record’ and pose for cute pictures by virtue of the fact that they have two the answer to that as well; nothing. as ‘eye candy’. The contrast could not remembrance gardens- one for the RUC Of course we also have the PSNI’s par- be greater. and one for the PSNI. ACC Stephen Mar- ticipation in recent years in the annual St We all want a police service that tin boasted on social media last week Patricks day New York parade- a parade can be supported by the entire commu- about the separate gardens. Why must that carries pro-IRA banners. Are you sur- nity, but such a police service must be there be separate gardens, unless of prised? bi-partisan, non-political and act within course it is to try and create clear blue Let us then turn to the persecution of the law. The PSNI do not, at this stage, water between the brave RUC and the our armed forces. Over 98% of troubles tick any of those boxes in the minds of republican endorsed PSNI? related incidents were carried out by non- many unionists, and indeed many for- The PSNI have not only led the witch state groups, the majority by the Provisional mer RUC officers. IRA. Despite this the PSNI refuse to investi- Page 5

PSNI SEEK TO CONCEAL THE IDENTITY OF THE KINGSMILL MURDERER KNOWN AS S54 – UNIONIST VOICE REVEALS IT

Despite the PSNI arguing strongly in an stolen documents have been used as the attempt to prevent the identity of the basis for republican legacy activists to republican terrorist referred to as S54 connection with mass murder. name former members of the security forc- being revealed, Unionist Voice believes it All of this continues in the context es and loyalists within numerous books and is strongly in the public interest to reveal of a live Police Ombudsman investiga- documentaries. Selective parts of the docu- the IRA man’s identity. tion into the fact that senior PSNI offic- ments have also been leaked to sections of ers have been leaking information to the media. We can reveal that he is Michael the media urging them to name loyal- The PSNI have taken no steps to pro- ‘Micksey’ Martin, ists and identifying persons arrested pictured below. and released without charge, in breach of protocol. During the The PSNI’s approach to legacy inquest into the must be fair, balanced and consistent. Kingsmill massa- In the context of their continued at- cre on Wednesday tempts to blacken loyalists, their failure (5 September), the to properly investigate stolen docu- PSNI desperately ments in the hands of republican law- sought to avoid yers and their witch hunt against our naming ‘Micksey’ brave veterans, Unionist Voice believes Martin as one of it is overwhelmingly in the public inter- the key partici- est to ensure that republicans are also pants in the brutal named in the public domain and ex- and sectarian IRA posed. murder. The PSNI It cannot be one rule for former argued that to members of the security forces and name the promi- loyalists, and another for republicans. nent IRA terrorist If republican legacy activists, aided and would place his life abetted by the PSNI, wish to continue in danger. to publically name and target loyalists Also deeply and former members of the security involved in the forces, then Unionist Voice will similarly Kingsmill massa- continue to name, shame and expose cre was notorious republicans- whether they have been IRA killer and suspected convicted or not. British agent, Colm Murphy. (Pictured right) *Unionist Voice is currently look- He was personally pre- ing into the theft of HET docu- sent on the night of the ments which it is understood was attack and one of the main handed to a Belfast based law gunmen. He has never been firm who then leaked the confi- convicted for his part in the dential material to journalists, attack, and the PSNI have writers and film makers– thus previously gone to the High passing on material they knew to Court in order to prevent a be stolen. We hope to provide Northern Ireland newspaper more detail next month. from naming the Co Louth republican in connection with the massacre. Whilst the PSNI relentlessly battle to tect former members of the security forces protect the identity of republican mur- or loyalists from being named in the public derers, they have yet to properly investi- domain on the basis of what are effectively gate or charge anyone in relation to sto- little more than intelligence documents, len HET documents which it is under- whilst simultaneously going to extreme stood are currently in the possession of lengths to protect the identities of republi- a republican leaning law firm. These can terrorists they have actually arrested in Page 6

Sean Murray responds to criticism of his ‘Glenanne Gang’ film—Unquiet Graves

taries, such as mine, are an attempt to re- they must be brought to the attention * In last month’s edition we ran an arti- write the past are effortlessly debunked of the PSNI immediately. However, I cle challenging and criticising the when presented with evidence to the con- won’t hold my breath. ‘Glenanne Gang’ film produced by Mr trary. When one makes the allegation that The film does, however, offer an Sean Murray. Mr Murray has submitted emerging stories that contest the hegemon- international audience context to the a response to Unionist Voice and in the ic view of the conflict are ‘re-writing’ the activities of the UDR and RUC. In doing interests of fairness we have published past, one must only conclude that this posi- so, it induces a sense of political and it in full along with a bio submitted. tion stems from a point of privilege that historical consciousness that disrupts

there is only one interpretation of our re- established discourse around the con- By Sean Murray cent history. As an observer, I feel this runs flict. Both organisations, whilst held in to the core of recent Unionist anger around high esteem within sections of Union- the current legacy debate. ism, are synonymous with repression Let’s take, for example, the recent and state murder within the broad statements at the Con Club debate (5th of nationalist community. These compet- September 2018) that there have been no ing interpretations are a microcosm for films made about La Mon, Enniskillen and the wider conflict. While we disagree the Shankill Bombing. If we are to research on these fundamental distinctions, we the Cain Website for conflict-related docu- must respect each other’s right to mentaries (http://cain.ulst.ac.uk), there those versions and beliefs, however

can be scores of representations around uncomfortable this may be. The issue IN RESPONSE to your recent article such atrocities at the click of a button, and of victims must not be sectarianized ‘Glenanne Gang film is another piece of rightly so. When researching further, the and any discussions must be victim- politically motivated republican propa- ‘Peter Heathwood Collection of Television centred. ganda’, I feel compelled to challenge a Programmes’ (http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/ For me, the ultimate arbiter of truth number of contentions that have been othelem/media/heathwood/ flows from personal testimony and the made within. index3.html#2004) we again see vast dis- stories from victims must not be con- This, along with other ad hominem proportional consideration given to main- strained or decried as invalid by the attacks in recent weeks, has unneces- taining the Unionist narrative. selfish interests of demagogues. sarily clouded the challenging debate From 1981 to 2005, where records While we reflect on the killings at around the role of filmmakers in bearing have yet to be updated, documentaries and La Mon, Ballymurphy, Enniskillen or witness to the stories of victims of state current affairs programmes upholding Un- McGurks Bar, we must recognise the violence. There is now general acknowl- ionist discourse around the conflict num- hurt our communities have inflicted on edgment that adequate government bered at 674, while representations that each other. My job as an activist support was seldom put in place to tack- could be considered to challenge these filmmaker is to disturb, challenge, pro- le issues of conflict-related trauma narratives (plastic bullets, shoot-to-kill, voke, inspire and disrupt the status across a broad spectrum of victims and- Bloody Sunday etc.) numbered at around quo; but with that comes responsibility survivors. In the absence of such sup- 22. to progress the process of conflict port, the work of filmmakers has in- Another allegation at the Con club was transformation. creasingly sought to address this phe- to state that a major theme within Unquiet Future generations will assess his- nomenon by highlighting issues concern- Graves was to create the impression that tory as they see fit; while none of us ing transitional justice; a task complicat- the film promoted the activities of the IRA, will hold the privilege of hindsight. The ed by contested interpretations of what while vilifying the actions of both the UDR art of storytelling will stand above the defines justice. and RUC. However, the activities of the IRA political maelstrom and we all have our For Unionism, emphasis on the appli- are highlighted only once within the film in part to play in creating that mosaic of cation of law, order and security tends to indicting their members as being responsi- narratives together. take precedence in these debates, while ble for the Kingsmills Massacre. Misleading nationalists invariably stress the require- accusations, such as these, are clear ef- Sean Murray is an award winning ment of parity and social justice. Such forts to spread disinformation about the filmmaker from Belfast. His recent film agreements are further complicated by film, and only lead to further undermine the ‘Fractured City’ won a Royal Television the role of the media, which for over Unionist case against my work. Society Award at the BFI in London’s thirty years has been far from an impar- Further to this, a Tweet by Mr Bryson South Bank. He has edited a number tial arbitrator between the political ideo- (7th of September) that the ‘Glenanne film of testiomony based documentaries logies of both traditions, habitually pre- is based on stolen documents from the dealing with legacy issues pertaining to senting a legacy of dominant narratives HET’ only serves to reinforce a serious dis- the recent conflict and his work has shaped by state censorship and control, regard for the genuine capacity to engage been screened at international film both north and south. with established criticisms around the doc- festivals. He is PHD candidate at QUB. The recent assertions that documen- umentary. If these allegations hold weight, Page 7

ANALYSIS– ‘Glenanne Gang’ article stands up to scrutiny, but right and fair that Sean Murray was given a platform to respond

By Jamie Bryson can community for engaging in such activ- general legacy debate, but neverthe- We, as unionists, must not be afraid ism to try and promote their legacy narra- less I believe valid questions have of debate or to engage with our political tive? No, we shouldn’t. Instead we should gone unanswered, especially around opponents. If we are to use our increas- be focusing more effort on trying to present the weight given to testimony provided ingly broad platform to criticise and chal- our view of the past, and become more by convicted murderer John Weir, and lenge then we must be brave enough to engaged in fighting back against what I the participation of some persons who accept the challenge when our oppo- continue to believe are attempts to re-write are themselves in receipt of OTR letters nents want to come back and criticise the past. in connection with IRA activity. Those us, otherwise we end up with an echo Is it legitimate to challenge republican issues go to the heart of the film's cred- chamber whereby our arguments are narratives that from a unionist point of view ibility in my mind. never stress-tested or presented to a attempt to rewrite the past? Yes, it is. Is it I should also deal with the refer- broader audience. Freedom of speech, equally legitimate for republicans to chal- ence to my recent tweet in connection and the freedom to challenge, criticise lenge our legacy narrative? Yes, it is. There- to stolen HET documents. It is reasona- and offend that comes with it, is at the in lies the crux of the legacy debate- two bly common knowledge that confiden- core of democracy. It is an ideal for opposing sides, two opposing narratives tial files were illegally stolen from the which our brave forefathers fought and and for either side a legacy concession is to HET by a former employee and handed died in foreign lands through two world provide justification to the actions of the to a Belfast law firm. These documents wars and various other conflicts both other. No unionist is ever going to passively were then selectively handed out foreign and domestic. accede to the rewriting of the past to justify around republican legacy activists and Ideas, political arguments and strat- the IRA, and whether we like it or not, it’s used as the basis for books, films and egies grow through robust debate, extremely unlikely that any republican is newspaper articles. This raises a key through challenge and by engaging with going to wake up and pronounce that they point; why when security force docu- our critics. If our arguments are so weak were wrong in their actions. ments end up in the hands of loyalists that we refuse to open them up to criti- Whilst Mr Murray will argue that his is it collusion, but when such stolen cism or to challenge, then is there any work is not an attempt to rewrite the past, I documents are handed to republicans benefit to them at all? argue that it is. That being said there are it is fair and in the public interest? There are, in my view, significant two reasons for this, one is that until re- It would be remiss of me not to concessions within Mr Murray’s re- cently unionism has been ineffective at draw attention to the fact that Mr Mur- sponse. The clear narrative running countering republican propaganda and ray does within his piece make refer- through his piece is that he, as a therefore republican storytelling often goes ence to atrocities perpetrated against filmmaker, is giving a voice to what he unchallenged, but secondly, by Mr Murray’s the unionist community such as La believes is a historically underrepresent- own admission he is focusing solely on one Mon and Enniskillen, and criticises the ed legacy view. That is a perfectly legiti- particular legacy narrative. How then is this actions of the IRA in carrying out the mate pursuit, no one should be denied not de-facto rewriting the past by airbrush- Kingsmill massacre. I believe that quite the opportunity to tell their stories or ing out the unionist viewpoint and placing proper criticism, and the fact Mr Mur- advance their viewpoint. However, the little or no scrutiny on the actions of the ray has felt compelled to enter the logical conclusion is therefore that Mr IRA? debate, is significant. It paves the way Murray’s filmmaking is activism, in the That brings me back to my core point, for a genuine debate on an issue Un- form of telling a particular political story namely that the issue isn’t with republicans ionist Voice has been raising for quite from only one side of the community. He seeking to promote their own legacy narra- some time, namely what many within himself concedes that he is an ‘activist’ tive, but rather with the presentation of the unionist community believe is in his filmmaking. such work as independent journalism or the one-sided nature of recent legacy During the Con Club legacy debate I filmmaking. The mainstream media have documentaries and attempts to rewrite said the following “I have no issue with provided platforms to films like ‘No Stone the past in books, film and media. republicans making films and telling Unturned’, ‘Unquiet Graves’ and books Credit to Mr Murray for submitting their stories, my issue is that often the such as Lethal Allies without any critical a piece, and opening himself up to mainstream media present such films analysis or appropriately making clear that challenge via a platform that would as independent, when they clearly they are one sided narratives that should undoubtedly be seen as hostile to re- aren’t.” I think Mr Murray makes my be viewed and analysed in that context. publicans. That is not an easy thing to point for me by virtue of the core theme In his piece I think Sean Murray also do. running throughout his article. The Un- fails to address some of the key tenets of In the same vein I think Unionist quiet Graves film, and other republican the argument I put forward in last month’s Voice has demonstrated our desire storytelling, is exactly that; republican Glenanne Gang piece. To be fair to Mr Mur- to use the platform to engage with not storytelling and activism. Should we as ray this may simply be due to the fact that only those with whom we agree, but unionists criticise or blame the republi- he wanted to focus his piece on a more also those with whom we disagree. Page 8

Unprecedented Confidence: The role of Unionism’s Progressive flank

By William Ennis straight-forward, because it will make that will persuade those who have IT WAS something that first oc- Unionism robust. swell its political ac- exited the unionist family to return, curred to me as I read Sinnerton’s tivism. Identify its strengths, weak- and bring others with them. David Ervine: Uncharted Waters and nesses, opportunities and indeed For the first time, many people was then confirmed when I read The threats. How can a room full of con- outside, and some inside, the Principles of Loyalism, by William servative unionists really be that confi- ‘unionist family’ are surprised to Mitchell. Something which made me dent in any decision taken, or conclu- find themselves listening willingly the unionist I am. A realisation that sion arrived at if there were no progres- and giving careful consideration to not only did my socio-economic poli- sive unionists present to test their ar- unionist arguments. (From David tics lie to the left-of-centre, but that guments? And likewise, any decision Ervine: Uncharted Waters, by Henry my unionism was all the stronger for taken by a group comprised entirely of Sinnerton, 2002) it. My advocation of our United King- progressives would itself be danger- A fuller unionist political family dom, and my faith in Northern Ire- ously unchecked, and therefore lacking incorporating, respecting and em- land’s role within it rests upon sever- in quality. Guaranteed freedom for a bracing a large and undeniable al over-riding principles. The idea unionist to speak plainly even when progressive flank will regenerate that our country is an historic mix of venturing beyond traditional (or per- for tomorrow’s electorate. Will pro- multiple peoples, countless cultures, haps perceived) unionist discourse will duce political avenues and mani- and the freedom to be the person provide above all else many more ac- festos which will by no means pull you are. A political Union which has tive unionists. punches on why the union is a the potential to be at least as bright As a Loyalist who believes firmly great thing, but will, through its as that of any other in the democrat- that Northern Ireland’s legislative as- new, much broader harvesting of ic world. In the context of the Union- sembly should have passed equal mar- ideas politicise with unprecedented ist family, I became a progressive. riage rights for same-sex couples a confidence. Citizenship for the British subject long time ago I argue that we Unionists When unionists have different is not about national identity or cul- must take our place within the pro- ideas it’s not division, it’s diversity. tural exclusiveness. It is about shar- equality movement. A role unionism’s It is not a weakness but potentially ing a political identity that trans- progressives must fully assume. One unionism’s greatest strength. It’s cends religion, culture, language of the reasons for this is that we must one thing to dwell on what the un- and ethnicity. In short, it is about improve this collection of debates by ion is, but let’s dare to dream of living in a multi-cultural and multi- highlighting the hypocrisy of others and what it can be. ethnic pluralist society… (From The scuppering their misrepresentation of In the spirit of this very subject Principles of Loyalism, by William the PUL community. To make Northern matter. I’d like to thank the Union- Mitchell, 2002) Ireland a place where equality prevails ist Voice for the opportunity to con- The Progressive flank of Union- we must progressively combat the tribute. ism, the adherents of which are to planted perception that to be a union- be found across many political par- ist is to be opposed to progress, or op- ties, institutions, and movements, is posed to public services, or opposed to William Ennis is a 38-year old elec- vital to the health of Unionism and the health service, or opposed to com- trical wholesale worker, and a so must be respected, and never bating homelessness, or opposed to member of the Progressive Union- dismissed. fairness. To make clear and optical ist Party. He lives in East Belfast There must be balance within the the true breadth of unionism is to with his wife, Charlotte. debates of unionism. This means a broaden the appeal of the union itself. fair hearing from both conservative A fuller unionism will challenge the and progressive voices. We must be falsehoods levelled against it on all willing to listen to the unionist who fronts. wishes to challenge our point of It is unionism’s progressive flank view. And the reason is quite Page 9

Paul Peterson writes on substance abuse with our prisons

IN A RECENT BBC UK News of drugs by visitors which prison swill by a large pharmaceuti- article an ‘Observer’ report ‘Governors’ glibly suggest have cal company which eventual- stated, “Hundreds of prison proved to be very effective, ly produced a well-known anti staff have been caught smug- “unless visitors are using other -psychotic drug, very much in gling drugs, weapons and mo- masking techniques.” use today under a new brand bile phones in jails. So, who is really benefitting name. 341 staff in England and from this trade? This drug was tested on Wales had been dismissed, Apart from the obvious indi- patients in ‘lunatic asy- excluded, convicted or cau- vidual prisoners or groups of lums’ (psychiatric hospitals) tioned by police.” (2/9/2018) prisoners, there may be others and proved extremely effec- The widespread use of psy- reaping benefits from such a tive in sedating patients in a choactive drugs have become lucrative trade. manner that kept them man- commonplace in prisons and Prison officers may indeed be ageable and controlled. cost the NHS millions of responsible for a large amount The endemic of drugs in pounds per year as paramed- of smuggling into our prisons our prisons may not neces- ics are called to intervene. and boost their salaries by re- sarily be as a result of indi- A 999 call goes out from ceiving ‘outside payments’ into viduals seeking to make their prisons in the UK every 40 their accounts once the illicit sentence pass in a drug in- minutes. goods have been received. duced blur; neither may it be Prisons in Northern Ireland Could this be possible? put down solely to others are not exempt from high level It would seem the Prison Au- seeking to make a profit from of drug misuse and abuse as thorities think so, as I’m led to people’s misery. both illicit and medically pre- believe they’ve decided to intro- In fact, the endemic drug scribed drugs are being sold duce new random stop and problem in our prisons may or exchanged on the internal search policies and drug testing perhaps be put down to black market at rates up to 10 for staff. some in authority who deem times the normal street value. Professional visitors, includ- it prudent to turn a blind eye Recent deaths and medical ing solicitors and those using to the drugs trade because it interventions inside our pris- ‘ecclesiastical privilege’ are also keeps the prisoners manage- ons highlight only a small per- subject to greater scrutiny as the able and controlled. centage of the problem. system seemingly seeks to ad- The prison authorities The drug problem in North- dress the deluge of drugs. have to be seen to be tack- ern Ireland prisons is endemic But could there be an even ling the problem with ‘drug- and prison authorities are al- greater benefit? free’ landings, sniffer dogs legedly seeking to tackle it, by I heard a story about a French and also ‘stop and search among other things, providing farmer in the 1940’s who fed his policies’, but are they really ‘drug-free’ landings with vari- pigs swill and noticed the ani- attempting to stem the flow ous incentives offered to in- mals seemed to behave strange- of drugs or could they be opt- mates to encourage them to ly. ing for or operating a ‘for an stay drug-free. Having called the vet, he ad- easier life policy?’ Sniffer dogs are used to vised the pigs were in a state of detect possible concealment semi-sedation. Tests were carried out on the Page 10

THE MAN KNOWN SIMPLY AS ‘THE GOALIE’ SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY TO UNIONIST VOICE

ANDY GORAM lived the cause he had a great wine dream as a mainstay cellar, but that’s another sto- of the Glasgow Rang- ry.” ers 9-in-row team. He When asked whether he is an Ibrox legend who would have swapped his time fulfilled his boyhood at Rangers to instead have dream ending his ca- been No 1 for Manchester reer playing for Sir Alex United during their reign of Ferguson at Manches- supremacy under Sir Alex ter United. The man, Ferguson, Goram has a one known affectionately word answer, “no”. He then as ‘The Goalie’, has went on to say “Walter Smith also had his fair share gave me the best 7 years of of troubles over the my life; I wouldn’t swap that years, but his enthusi- for anything. Sir Alex put the asm for life remains icing on the cake signing me undimmed. He is a man who still problems or addiction not to hide it, for Manchester United.” has much to offer the sport he loves but to seek help “There’s a lot of help Turning to the current situation so dearly. I started by asking him nowadays for players with mental at Rangers, Goram is cautiously what he is doing with himself now; “I health problems or addiction, more so optimistic “We have definitely im- speak at functions and do question than when I was playing. I’ve been proved and European football is and answer nights. I am not current- there as an alcoholic, if anyone- ex back at Ibrox which is fantastic. ly involved in coaching, I haven’t player or not- has a problem then But, we fell way short in the first been asked. I have so much to give speak to someone. Don’t be in denial.” Old Firm game of the season. It is a back, I belong on a football pitch Many books have been written and work in progress but we are defi- and I suppose I am just waiting for documentaries made about the special nitely going in the right direction.” the right opportunity to arise”. bond amongst the 9-in-a row team. The goalie isn’t a man to harbor I asked Goram whether he Goram says their bond wasn’t man- regrets; he lives life to the full and missed the buzz of his playing days ufactured, but that they genuinely makes no apologies for it. He does and how he coped now that part of loved and respected each other; “That however have one regret, when he his life was over. The Bury born man bond was real, genuine. It wasn’t man- let down the man he still calls gaf- was typically positive saying “I nearly ufactured and a lot of it was actually fer, died 15 years ago with Pericarditis. down to the gaffer (Walter Smith). He “I disrespected the gaffer once by That puts it all into perspective. I live brought in great players, but great not returning from Tenerife. That day to day and try to enjoy them all. players that would fit in our dressing was a big regret and disappoint- When I look at the likes of Fernando room” He continued “We loved and ment. He put me on the transfer (Ricksen), and more recently a respected each other, that was the list, and rightly so, but he got the young player who was at Ibrox with secret and we would shed blood and right reaction from me and I was me who has just been diagnosed tears for each other, in fact we often rewarded with a new contract” he with MND, I really have no right to did.” then added with a smile “he is a complain.” Judging the best player he played great man”. Andy has been open about his with was a difficult one for Goram. The It is evident that Goram is a battle with alcoholism, and I won- Rangers legend says he never had the man that lived the dream, made dered whether he felt there was privilege of playing with Davie Cooper some mistakes along the way but enough support and mental health and Jim Baxter, and singles out two 9- continues to enjoy life. His love for provision to help professional foot- in-a-row legends as the best players he Rangers is as strong as ever. I fin- ballers deal with the ‘come down’ at did play with. ished by asking how he would like the end of their career and to re- He said “I was lucky enough to play to be remembered, he said simp- integrate them into a normal, low with Brian (Laudrup) and Gazza. They ly… intensity lifestyle. He urged young were special with little to pick between “as a Rangers man”. players suffering mental health them. I have to go for Laudrup be- Page 11

Short Strand thugs launch sectarian attack on young Protestant

A young male and his girlfriend have near the Short Stand rather than diligently whilst there is camera footage of the been brutally assaulted in the Short pursuing the attackers. “You shouldn’t have suspects, there is no footage of the Strand, Middlepath Street, for no reason walked up this way,” the officer told the assault and have appealed for infor- other than they were Protestants. After victims – as if the blame lies with those mation on social media. leaving a concert in Customs House who had been mercilessly attacked. In Sectarianism is still rife at various Square both Glen and Faye, along with gathering statements, the officer also failed interfaces in Northern Ireland and this some friends, were chased and attacked to question Faye, a witness to the crime, incident demonstrates the risks by a group of around twelve adolescent and directed all of his questioning toward Protestants face simply walking past male’s intent on injuring them for their Glen, who was still very unstable after be- various Republican/Nationalist areas. own sport and pleasure. ing attacked. While what happened by no means The sectarian thugs began hurling Afterward Glen went straight to hospital represents the majority of the Short “sexual and sectarian abuse,” shouting, where he discovered he had suffered a Strand community, it still highlights the “you dirty huns,” at Glen and Faye as fractured jaw, damage in his neck and a potential dangers innocent people can they were walking past the Short Strand. suspected concussion. Faye, although not suffer when vicious unprovoked at- Moments later, without provocation or physically harmed, is suffering psychologi- tacks still take place because of retaliation, the thugs set upon them and cal harm and has been left traumatised by someone’s religion. It calls into ques- attacked Glen violently. the event - still “reliving it every day since.” tion the cross-community and integra- Faye heard something that “was so Their suffering was further compounded tion image often portrayed throughout loud it sounded like a slap,” in fact, it by the fact that their attackers took to so- society when on the ground vile occur- was Glen being punched by the attack- cial media to celebrate the assault. The rences like these still take place. How, ers which accumulated in him lying un- perpetrators revelled in their baselessness and why would any Protestant feel safe conscious on the path. The attackers posting comments like “out for the going into or past the Short Strand then repeatedly kicked Glen in the head count,”,“kill all huns,”, “he’s probably still after a vile attack like this, especially while he lay unable to defend himself lying down there,” “some snout got when a PSNI officer’s advice is to stay until he was “lifeless.” A friend knelt smacked down at the Strand,” and “I wish I away? down to help Glen and also was at- was there.” The PSNI must investigate this tacked. The attackers then fled the sce- When Unionist Voice asked Faye had incident thoroughly and apprehend the ne jesting and celebrating their violent she any message for the attackers she perpetrators for the sharp injustice that sectarian actions while Faye attended to said, “you may think it’s fun knocking has took place. Failure to do so only her boyfriend – fearing for his life. someone out, but it’s stupid, and you don’t proves that in events such as these, In an exclusive interview with Union- know the way this has affected me and my the PSNI are not in control and those ist Voice Faye said, “I was slapping him, boyfriend, all because I am a Protestant – desiring to get their “sectarian fix” can shaking him, shouting his name – I it’s not right.” conduct brutal assaults with no reper- couldn’t get him up, I thought he was Karen, Faye’s mum, is still in disbelief cussions. Glen and Faye must have dead.” The attackers then returned about the situation and shocked that this justice for this sectarian hate crime “throwing rocks and stones and bottles,” happened to her daughter. “How can some- directed against them. one of which “just skimmed passed my body do that to a person? To be honest, I The full interview with Faye and head.” Faye phoned her mum screaming didn’t think this stuff still happened. My Karen will be posted on Unionist and crying, telling her that they had daughter is reliving the attack every day Voice.com been attacked and she didn’t know if and I have to give her medication to get to Glen was going to be okay. sleep. How the hell can we expect to move After “about a minute,” Glen re- on when this sort of thing is still happen- gained consciousness but remained ing?” unsteady and delirious, still suffering the Questions must be asked of the PSNI’s aftermath of his brutal assault. The Po- handling of this case and what precedent lice arrived at the scene and began to they are setting toward sectarian assault. ask Glen questions about what had hap- When they came to do conduct a home pened. interview, which only took place due to the Faye and her mum explained how victim’s parents persistence, the victims the PSNI were unhelpful and failed to said they felt like the officers were “almost understand the seriousness of the situa- trying to persuade us from going to court.” tion. At one point, the officer at the sce- And repeatedly asked if they were sure they ne was making light remarks and more wanted to take legal action. surprised that Glen and Faye would walk The PSNI have told the victims that Page 12

How the PCTF are applying the law unequally– by Jamie Bryson

Let me begin this piece by very clear- involved in. The circumstantial material seized ly summarising the core point, lest any- I can however look beyond the spin of is used for tactical purposes, namely to one- either mistakenly or deliberately- Mr Singleton, and what I see are some very build a prima-facie case that will allow misinterprets the argument being ad- serious questions. If Mr Coleman is in- for a holding charge, which will place vanced. volved in crime, then the PCTF have singu- the suspect on stringent bail conditions If there is criminal activity taking larly failed to convict him of any such activi- and/or a lengthy period of remand. place, regardless of whom it is carried ty in of itself- beyond a dubious overarching Then, like the Coleman case, the PCTF out by or from which community it ema- membership charge under the terrorism bet on the suspect- who may often be a nates, then the perpetrators should be act. It is the view of almost every lawyer, person with a substantial criminal rec- rooted out and placed before the courts. and anyone that would take even a cursory ord- deciding it’s easier to take a plea I am unequivocal on that point. glance at the ‘case’ that the membership for effectively time served rather than However, the law must be applied charge was never sticking. Mr Coleman’s taking the risk of running a trial. And so equally and fairly. Everyone must be own lawyer told the court that the “majority the PCTF end up with a conviction equal under the law, and equally subject of the case was based upon circumstantial based upon a dubious and circumstan- to the law. That goes for loyalists, repub- and hearsay evidence.” So why then take a tial case which is unlikely to have sur- licans, businessmen, politicians, police plea? vived a trial. officers and everyone else living within Well, a look at time already spent on If Mr Singleton is placing so much our society. remand would indicate that Mr Coleman stock in material such as that present- That leads us to the so-called Para- will walk free in a matter of weeks. It is no ed to the media yesterday as crucial military Crime Task Force (PCTF), a politi- secret he has a substantial criminal record corroborating evidence, then when will cal creation flowing from the Fresh Start and if one takes the view that another con- the PCTF be raiding Sinn Fein’s Head- agreement. For those who may have viction, to add to a lengthy list, isn’t going to quarters, or their Falls Road museum? forgotten, the Fresh start agreement adversely impact your future career path, If the PCTF are going to build cases came about following the IRA murder of then it is logical that Mr Coleman may have upon what they say is ‘material indica- Kevin McGuigan in 2015. It was that concluded that he might as well take a plea tive of membership’, then why aren’t paramilitary murder that ultimately bargain rather than roll a dice- even one they building the same cases against spawned the PCTF. loaded in his favour- and risk even the republicans as they are against loyal- You would then be surprised to find smallest chance of a conviction after trial ists? that the PCTF has not carried out one and a substantially greater sentence. There was also reference by the single search, arrest or seizure against If we then look at the evidence the PCTF to ‘photographs beside murals’. the Provisional IRA. Only yesterday the PCTF presented to the media – none of the This is interesting, when will they be head of the PCTF, Superintendent Bobby items, in of themselves, are illegal. Even building cases against tourists, or more Singleton, shared a panel with a man taken cumulatively, they do not amount to importantly Sinn Fein members that under investigation for allegedly running enough evidence to secure a conviction. Mr regularly give press conferences in guns from Florida for the IRA. A man Singleton himself sought to address this front of IRA murals or memorials? widely regarded as being the IRA’s point, when he made reference to previous You see, herein lies the disparity. Northern Commander and a member of commentary and criticism around why the The PCTF will take one approach for the Army Council- which the Chief Con- PCTF were seizing such items which were loyalists and an entirely different ap- stable says remains in existence with not illegal. He argues they can be corrobo- proach to republicans. If memorabilia access to weapons. rating evidence. Mr Singleton did not of is indicative of membership, then that Take the PCTF’s kid-gloves treatment course have the courage to direct his com- must apply to membership of the Provi- of the Provisional IRA, and contrast it ments at the source of such commentary, sional IRA every bit as much as it ap- with their relentless pursuit of loyalists. namely a range of articles I have written on plies to membership of the UVF or UDA. And I say again, if loyalists are engaged this site, instead making a rather vague If not, why not? Perhaps if some mis- in crime then pursue that crime, but why reference. If Mr Singleton wishes to debate chievous soul was to make a criminal is the law being applied robustly- and the merits of the PCTF’s seizing of such complaint against the IRA museum on many would argue dubiously- against material, then I am happy to publicly do so the Falls Road then such disparity loyalists, and not being applied to the with him, he doesn’t need to throw sneaky could be flushed out. same degree against republicans? lines into his press briefings. We also then look at the PCTF Let us take the PCTF’s ‘big success’ On a rather irrelevant- but amusing- ‘communications’ strategy. One would yesterday with the conviction, after a point, I notice Belfast Live attributed Mr think they learnt nothing from the Cliff plea bargain, of David ‘Dee’ Coleman. I Singleton’s aforementioned comments – Richard judgement. They continue to do not know Mr Coleman, and have nev- which were recorded and published by the consider bringing the media for a ride er met him. I have no idea why he decid- Belfast Telegraph- as coming from a “police along to arrest operations, often lead- ed to take a plea bargain, and I have no source”. Contrary to his assertions, it ing to a person’s home being filmed idea what crime he was, or was not, wouldn’t be the first time Bobby Singleton and broadcast, and issue press has been an off the record police source. Page 13

statements that jig-saw ID suspects The pursuit of crime is a good thing. The and make irrelevant and fanciful allega- law is the social code that governs our soci- tions to spice it up a bit for the press. ety. Let us ensure however that the uphold- Regardless of who or what the suspect ing of the law is done fairly, and with due is, or is not, is everyone not entitled to process. fair and due process and the presump- Everyone equal under the law, and tion of innocence? equally subject to the law. All of this leads us to establishing our own prima-facie case that the PCTF are applying the law unequally, and of- ten unfairly. They bank on being able to get away with it because the majority of people couldn’t care less if the police bend the rules a little bit to lock up crimi- nals. I understand that, but is that the society we want to live in? Whereby the law is applied differently depending on who you are, or your past crimes or pub- lic profile? If someone is a criminal then build a case against them beyond all reasona- ble doubt, and then the PCTF will have good grounds to broadcast their suc- cess, which all sensible people would welcome in such circumstances. Confidence in policing is being rapid- ly eroded within working class unionist and loyalist communities. The PCTF yes- terday attended an event organised by the Falls Community council, and as previously mentioned sat on a panel with a man widely regarded as a mem- ber of the IRA Army Council, and faced questions from the audience. As you can imagine there were little or no difficult questions for Mr Singleton. If it is good enough to go to events run by the Falls Community council and engage with a predominately republican audience to explain the actions of the PCTF, then why are the same opportuni- ties to raise concerns not afforded to the loyalist community? There is, this Monday night (24th September) a public consultation on policing organised by the Policing Board being held in the Signal centre in Ban- gor. Will Mr Singleton, or a PCTF repre- sentative, come to this public event and engage in respectful debate and discus- sion with the unionist community? There may be very valid answers to many of the general points I have raised about the work of the PCTF, but how can such concerns be addressed if the PCTF refuse to openly and publically engage with the unionist community in the same manner they publically engage with the republican community? Page 14

EXCLUSIVE: PSNI providing citizens with invalid ‘Notice of rights’

In another huge embarrassment for the Police Property Regulations (NI) 1997. search of premises that the officer PSNI, it appears that the written notice The relevant power however effectively shall provide a notice which explains provided to a person whose home has resides within Section 31 of the Police (NI) the rights of the occupier, and the own- been searched and/or had property Order 1998 by virtue of the fact Sch 6 er of the property seized. In the case of seized contains reference to a piece of makes clear that particular piece of legisla- the PSNI the notices provided are legal- non-existent legislation. tion repealed the 1897 Act in Northern ly inaccurate and reference a non- Ireland. existent piece of legislation. This epic error- uncovered by Unionist Accordingly there could arguably be Voice- has went unchecked for a countless a case made that every single PSNI number of years, and indeed the false and legally illiterate notice of rights will have been handed to literally thousands upon thousands of citizens. The relevant portion of the notice advises that ‘any person claiming proper- ty seized by the police may apply to a Magistrates’ Court under the Police Prop- erty Act 1987 for its possession’. Except you can not make any such application, because there is no such legislation. The error is even more humiliating as FOIs the PSNI have themselves pub- Under the PACE Notice of Powers lished, and which can be easily found via a search under PACE has been in and Rights (above), legally required to google search, show that the PSNI have breach of Code B of the code of prac- be provided to the subject of a search or tice. seizure, the PSNI- at point 4- make refer- This issue will again raise serious ence to the Police Property Act 1987. No questions in relation to the compe- such legislation exists. tence of the PSNI, and indeed those The actual legislation they presuma- who have signed these legally inaccu- bly are seeking to refer is the Police rate warrants. Property Act 1897, as amended by the It is suspected the PSNI will argue this was simply a typographical error. That, however, does not change the fact that this false notice has been circulated for many years and not once has anyone spotted the glaring error been referring to the ‘Police Property Act contained within it. 1987’ and advised that the Police Property The fact that this ‘error’ has went Fund is set up under Section 2 of the afore- unnoticed for many years, and indeed mentioned non-existent legislation. over tens of thousands of searches, The PSNI’s own internal service proce- brings our legal system into disrepute. dures on the ‘seizure, retention and dispos- It proves, again, that just because the al of evidence related property’- which you system and the forces of law and order can read HERE- at page 4 sets out the legal should know what they are doing, it basis for the relevant procedures. Here the doesn’t mean that they actually do. PSNI refer to Police (Property) Regulations It is important to challenge every (NI) 1997, within which the interpretation line, every comment, every stop and notes make clear that references to the Act search and every attempt by the PSNI is a reference to the Police Property Act to infringe upon the lives of ordinary 1897. law-abiding citizens. Just because they However, they appear to have then wear a uniform does not gave them missed the fact that the Police (NI) Order any special status, nor any mythical 1998 repealed the 1897 Act, making their status. They are infallible and the more entire guidance a dogs dinner. you challenge them, the more you real- PACE Codes of Practice Code B (C) 6.7 ise how incompetent they often actual- (iii) also makes clear in relation to the ly are. Page 15

Leaked bonfire report vindicates East Belfast loyalists

A leaked report compiled by independ- has responded to the story with a state- “It is our view that this report raises ent mediators has vindicated east Bel- ment which urges the grassroots unionist very serious issues around the agenda fast loyalists in relation to the events of community to ‘pause’ any engagement with being pursued by the PSNI and specific July 2017, and raised serious issues for the PSNI. council officials, and it would certainly Belfast City Council officials and the A spokesperson on behalf of EBCI has be our view that a pause should be put PSNI. said; on any community engagement with The contents of the report substanti- “The contents of the report that has leaked the PSNI, until such times as they can ates the continued assertions put for- demonstrates the futile nature of any com- explain their duplicity and indeed their ward by east Belfast loyalists, namely munity based relationships with the PSNI. It growing harassment of the unionist that they had worked tirelessly for reveals their duplicity and how they tricked community.” peaceful solutions and this had been the unionist community, and respected undermined by the PSNI and officials in mediators. TUV Leader Jim Allister QC had written Belfast City Council. to the PSNI in relation to the dispropor- The explosive report contains the “They made a phone call, which was placed tionate policing deployed against east following key details: on speakerphone with the PSNI’s Belfast loyalists. Upon receipt of corre- •Belfast City Council officials and knowledge by an elected representative in spondence from ACC Todd, Mr Allister the PSNI were the driving force behind the presence of loyalists, and they told issued the following statement; the invasion of east Belfast to tear down unionist bonfires. •NIFRS and DFI both felt the bonfire “In my letter I advised how I was in was manageable, but the court action receipt of reports that over 40 Land was driven by a Belfast City Council offi- Rovers and 200 officers were deployed cial. Although unnamed in the report, in East Belfast to deal with a situation this official is Nigel Grimshaw, a former relating to a bonfire. I went on to con- senior PSNI officer. (Pictured Right) trast this with events in Londonderry •Community representatives had where Protestants had come under worked positively towards solutions, but attack from petrol bombers. I cited the this was undermined by PSNI and Bel- example of the night of the 8th July fast City Council, especially in relation to and pointed out that there is evidence Cluan Place. of thugs approaching the Fountain The report raises a number of very area in broad daylight in a repeat per- serious questions for Mr Grimshaw and formance of what had happened on the PSNI, whose covert agenda to target outright lies and gave their word there was previous nights and being able to the bonfires has been subtly exposed no planned action against the bonfire sites. stone the area without a police officer within the report, compiled by independ- in sight. ent mediators. “The report also fully vindicates everything It is also clear that there was an that EBCI said, including our last ditch at- “I went on to observe that there ap- agenda from the very start of the pro- tempts to find a solution. It is very clear peared to a clearly unequal response cess- by statutory agencies and the PSNI that DFI, the NIFRS and the mediators did by the PSNI and this was undermining - to target what is believed to be de- not want the aggressive invasion of the confidence in the police among many scribed in the report as ‘Inner East’ bon- bonfire sites. in the Unionist community. fires. The key political driving force work- “The report also states very clearly that the “To be advised more than two months ing alongside Mr Grimshaw in Belfast apocalyptic invasion of east Belfast was later that the PSNI deployed resources City Council was the Alliance Party. They, driven by the PSNI and Belfast City a Coun- in Londonderry in line with “policing even more so than Sinn Fein, manoeu- cil officials, not DFI. This is at variance with with the community ethos” while no vred in the background to force the ag- the public narrative PSNI and the council such comment is made about what gressive court action. tried to present. happened in East Belfast is extremely This included selective leaking, mis- telling. chief making and urging Council to take “You will also find buried deep in the report DFI to court in order that the blame for an incident whereby Belfast City Council “The PSNI – it would appear – did what the invasion of the bonfire sites would officials, believed to again be Mr Grimshaw, Sinn Fein and their front groups told be laid at the door of DFI, and Alliance tried to encourage the mediators to engage them to do when it came to policing could conceal their role in the targeting in secret maneuvers, and to their credit the attacks on the minority community in of the unionist community. mediators refused saying they wanted a Londonderry. What a contrast with East East Belfast Community Initiative transparent process. Belfast!”

Page 16

An extensive legacy submission by Dr Edward Cooke

Dr Edward Cooke has submitted a com- ‘definition’ of a victim’ is contained with logical arguments to their conclusion, prehensive legacy document to the part 4(2) below. However, I would like to my view is that the changing legal, Northern Ireland Office’s legacy consula- stress that numerically, today many individ- academic and political structures with- tion. We have reproduced Dr Cooke’s uals within NI have grown up in a period in NI have moved increasingly to mar- submission in full. post-1998 and importantly, the legacy mat- ginalise Unionists. If that is the case, 1-Introduction ters of the past also impact on this younger Unionists will have no confidence in population; a generation who grew up out- the ICIR, OHA, IRC and HIU if they mir- The legacy consultation meeting held at side the spectrum of ‘troubles’.The follow- ror other similar institutions / commis- the Constitutional Club (Newtownards ing submission is determined by the follow- sions set up under the Belfast Agree- Road, Belfast) on the 5 September ing factors: (1) historically, criminal justice ment. 2018 proved to be extremely illuminat- actions have never been undertaken in the ing. The depth of feeling that the current majority of legacy cases; (2) the NI inquest 3-Demographics, Legacy Structures legacy arrangements contained with the system previously in place was inadequate; and Unionist Marginalisation Bill are designed to facilitate Sinn Fein (3) the evidential burden of securing con- and are an attempt to re-write historical victions is such that any new criminal con- Since 1972, Direct Rule followed by events was mirrored by every panel victions are increasingly unlikely, and (4) devolution has witnessed the establish- speaker and all attendees. Seen in a minimal penalties will arise from any con- ment of numerous governance bodies wider political framework, the current victions.The current legacy Bill has at its created to rebalance power and eco- legacy proposals appear to be yet anoth- foundation a desire to bring about peace, nomic wealth within Northern Ireland. er process of Unionist / Loyalist margin- reconciliation and political stability to NI. The NIHE when created, was tasked alisation. The danger with this marginali- Twenty years after NI took its first tentative with ensuring that any under-provision sation process is that the depth of feel- steps towards peace, the paradox is that of social housing within Catholic / Na- ing of a growing number of Unionists / today the two main communities within NI tionalist neighbourhoods was ad- Loyalists to the inadequacies of their are even more polarised and increasingly dressed. Over a 45 year period, the political representatives, and to the one distrustful of each other. The danger is that rebalancing has been so successful, sided polemics of the institutions of the the Unionist / Loyalist community, feeling that private property prices within Na- state, is that, Northern Ireland is edging increasingly marginalised by the formation tionalist working class neighbourhoods itself slowly, but inevitably towards an- of other secondary governance bodies aris- outstrip those within (increasingly de- other period of public disorder. ing in the wake of the Belfast Agreement, prived) Unionist neighbourhoods. Within this submission I would like view any new institutions emerging from Whereas housing associations such as specifically to address the raison-d’être, the Legacy Bill as further attempts to mar- Tennant Street and District HA, structures and staffing of the secondary ginalise their community. Furthermore, the Connswater HA, Larne and District HA, institutions / mechanisms being sug- Legacy Bill is considered by many as an Donacloney HA. Willowfield HA, etc., gested under the current legacy Bill. The attempt to rewrite historical narratives to gave Unionist communities some small Independent Commission on Infor- suit Nationalist / Republican agendas. The degree of control over local housing mation Retrieval (ICIR), the Oral History NIO / Government should not underesti- matters, housing budgets were estab- Archive (OHA), the Implementation and mate the growing sense of alienation within lished elsewhere. In rural NI, smaller Reconciliation Group (IRCC) and the the Unionist / Loyalist community as legacy ‘state’ primary schools have increas- Historical Investigations Unit (HIU) all issues are considered. Increasingly the ingly been subject to closure despite require careful scrutiny, however, gener- danger is that disaffected Unionists will various NI government departments ally within primary legislation, the specif- reject the political process, will reject their being aware that under-representation ics of these bodies would not be careful- political parties and will abstain from forth- of Protestants / Unionists within the NI ly considered and the minutiae will be coming elections presenting even greater university sector has been increasing left to a secondary legislative process problems to both devolved and national annually. Traditional industries such as that will skirt around the issues elaborat- governments. At the legacy consultation shipbuilding and engineering have ed on below and panel discussion held at the Constitu- closed and as these trade-related in- tional Club, one speaker mentioned (obiter) dustries have passed unemployment 2-Determinants the imbalances that already exist within the rates within the Protestant / Unionist media in the making of films and the writ- workforce has increased. New techno- Importantly, I speak not as a ‘victim’ of ing of historical and political narratives logical industries have replaced tradi- historical political / criminal violence, about Northern Ireland. Another speaker tional engineering industries, however, but rather as member of the Unionist also noted that oral histories when con- these new industries require employ- community. I understand that individual ducted under institutionalised frameworks ees to have achieved third level educa- ‘victims’ of political violence will have a can become skewed depending upon the tional qualifications and yet again the different perspective on legacy issues design and staffing of the information re- Protestant / Unionist community be- than those of non-victims. My simplistic trieval and collating agency. Whilst these comes disenfranchised in the work speakers did not go on to develop their sector. Page 17

Rightly, or wrongly, the perception from versity sector has failed to be proactive in formation of any institutions arising working class Unionists is that the Pa- attracting and retaining Protestant / Union- from the Legacy Bill is dependent upon rades Commission, the Equality Commis- ist students / researchers. Moreover, as yet their being adequate capacity from the sion, the Arts Council, the Police Om- the institutions of the state appear reluc- NI Unionist / Protestant community to budsman’s Office, etc., are designed tant to address this failing. Unsurprisingly, participate within the legacy structures. and staffed by individuals who have no these S.75 screening failings and the fail- Three or four decades of dwindling empathy with Unionist culture and politi- ure of the NI university sector to promote numbers of Protestants / Unionists cal objectives. The significant religious Unionist culture now influences Unionist moving into and through the NI univer- imbalance in staffing of the Arts Council views on the legacy Bill. If NI legislation is sity sector questions whether or not and the Equality Commission coupled determined by policy advisers and if policy this capacity exists. with the imbalance in arts funding advisers are professionals, managers and The changing imbalance of NI’s awards and the legal support offered to academics coming increasingly from the research, academic and legal commu- claimants, has made Unionists wary of Nationalist / Republican community, then nities is such that any new organisa- governance / oversight institutions legis- Unionists have just cause for concern that tions / institutions set up under the lated to bring about community cohe- the policy input to the Legacy Bill is not in current Legacy Bill, will once more be sion. Community cohesion increasingly their best interests. Irrespective of the understaffed by members of the appears to be facilitated by a denigra- facts, Unionist perceptions about systemic Protestant / Unionist community and tion of Unionist culture. indirect discrimination within many differ- therefore they cannot be considered as Whilst NI Equality and Employment ent public sectors against Unionist / acceptable institutions to address lega- legislation does not directly discriminate Protestant interests, is becoming a major cy matters or to reassess historical against the Unionist / Protestant com- problem that the NIO needs to address. As narratives. munity, structural changes that have yet this subjugation of Unionist interests to occurred over the last five decades those of Nationalist / Republicans has not 4-Conclusion and Recommenda- when reinforced by employment / equal- been acknowledged by Government. Fail- tions ity law (which is based upon equal op- ure by Government to deal with the reality, portunities, fair competition and aca- or the widespread perception, of systemic Based upon my assertion that no demic excellence) indirectly sees NI’s marginalisation of Unionists will I suggest matter what institutions arise out of Protestant / Unionist community being lead to increasing counter-conduct actions the Legacy Bill, the design and struc- marginalised. This marginalisation is being taken. The Legacy Bill presents Gov- ture of the institutions will be dominat- apparent within the secondary govern- ernment with an opportunity to assuage ed by NI’s academic and legal commu- ance / oversight bodies that are Unionist concerns. nities and that these communities (paradoxically) designed to ensure trust Humanities and Social Sciences have increasingly an antipathy towards become both main communities. Fur- Schools at QUB / UU, schools that have Unionist / Protestant / Loyalist con- thermore, the marginalisation of previously prepared numerous government cerns, I suggest the following recom- Protestants / Unionists within various sponsored research projects over a wide mendations: commissioning bodies has been rein- range of subject issues (poverty, parades, (1) At the meeting at the Constitu- forced by marginalisation of Protestant / bonfires, emblems, flags, symbols, housing tional Club, the Chair, Allison Morris Unionist school children, students, re- etc.,) are increasingly presenting skewed put a very simplistic question to the searchers and academics within NI’s research because of the disproportionate audience – who, she asked, was in university sector. The ongoing threat of imbalance between Unionist and National- favour of a legacy amnesty? Not one another new commission being created ist academic researchers. Law schools are member of the 150+ audience raised that will have extensive legal and finan- increasingly providing much higher number their hands. However, the question was cial powers to further support Nationalist of Catholic / Nationalist law graduates who of itself very badly worded and did not culture (and indirectly discriminate then filter into legal practice, the judiciary give the necessary caveats and perlo- against Unionists), in the form of an Irish and the governance commissions, once cutionary information necessary to Language Act / Commission is further again marginalising the Protestant / Union- properly formulate a reply. evidence of Unionist alienation / margin- ist community. The University of Ulster (at My view (and I stress that my view alisation fears. Magee) provides such an imbalance of is that of a non-victim) is that the evi- The Equality Commission (as well as Nationalist / Catholic law graduates into dential burden of securing criminal the Secretary of State, the NIO and two the NI economy that the impact of this im- convictions has increased over the Westminster Parliamentary Committees) balance on the legal sector (and this in- years to the extent that no perpetrator were provided with detailed statistical cludes bodies such as the Public Sector (loyalist or republican paramilitary information in 2017 asserting that sys- Ombudsman’s Office and the Equality Com- member) will be brought to justice for tematic S.75 screening breaches and mission) requires examination. However, their criminal actions. As it stands, the monitoring failures by QUB, UU, DEL, despite much lobbying, the Equality Com- only group realistically at risk from Equality Commission and DfE has led to mission has rejected all calls for an investi- historical criminal prosecution or legal the situation were Protestant / Unionists gation into potential indirect discrimination action are the members of the security had been removed from key sectors of of Unionists / Protestants within the NI forces. The OTR letters provided the NI economy. Simply put, the NI uni- university sector. I suggests that the proper (without recourse to Parliament) to Page 18

to Republican paramilitary members and objectives difficult to achieve. If de- ture the NIO wish to combine some of the substantive reduction of criminal mographics and legislation make it impos- the individual archive findings this sentences previously agreed to Loyalist sible for new legacy bodies to have equal should only be done with the express and Republican paramilitary members, numbers of Protestants / Catholics em- consent of the two archival resources. enables an amnesty to be considered for ployed within them and taking up govern- Importantly, the institutions that all legacy cases. It is my view that de- ance positions, then all institutions should arise from the Legacy Bill should be facto there is already an unofficial am- be set up outside of NI and staffed by non- contained, they should have minimal nesty in place for paramilitary members. NI institutions to provide comfort to the legal powers, their funding should be Equity dictates that this unofficial am- Unionist community that the bodies will not tightly monitored and they should have nesty should be extended officially to be perceived as biased in the same way as a legal lifespan that cannot be in- embrace the members of the security the current Parades Commission / Equality creased. All those who voluntary agree forces (as well {unfortunately} to para- Commission / Arts Council. to sit on the various Boards of these military combatants). In addition, considering that in Norther institutions should be recompensed to (2) Innocent ‘victims’ (i.e., those Ireland, higher education is increasingly ensure that the Board Members are victims who were not engaged in acts of populated by Nationalists and that research accessible to the general public and violence or who were not perpetrators of output is skewed to favour Nationalist / that they cannot hide behind the veil of actions that would otherwise be deemed Republican researchers within disciplines the corporate body. The new bodies criminal, irrespective if those victims be such as Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, should not be seen as pension pots for members of the public, or members of Media Studies, Politics, History, etc., the UU retired civil servants and government the security forces) should be adequate- and QUB should be excluded for undertak- officials. ly recompensed for all The draft Leg- physical and psychologi- acy Bill should cal damage / injury be carefully arising from paramilitary considered by violence or from unlaw- Parliamentari- ful actions of the securi- ans in relation ty forces. All previous to the margin- compensation levels alisation of the should be reviewed, Unionist com- bands of compensation munity that should be fixed and has been on- anyone who has previ- going since ously been paid a com- the enactment pensatory amount lower of the Belfast than the band rate Agreement. should be provided The legacy Bill (quickly) with the top-up presents law level of compensation. makers with (3) Any governance / an opportunity oversight institutions of preparing arising from the Legacy important Bill should be staffed (at legislation that all managerial levels) on will engage the basis of a 50% / the Unionist 50% Protestant – Union- community ist / Catholic – National- and will give ist split. Moreover, all them a re- oversight institutions newed sense should include (a minimum of) 51% of ing any primary or secondary government of engagement. Should a Legacy Bill governance board members who were research into legacy issues. be enacted in a manner that establish- ‘victims’ (or whose family were associat- Should there be any need for a formal- es new institutions that once again ed with acts of paramilitary / state vio- ised, institutionalised, Oral History Archive indirectly discriminate against the Un- lence). Governance boards should have (and I have great reservations as to the ionist / Loyalist population, then the equal number of board members from need for such an archive), then there consequences of Unionist alienation both sections of the community. Once should not be one, singular archive, rather poses even more serious problems for again it is recognised that employment there should be two archives within which re-establishing Devolved Government legislation, equality legislation and the both nationalist and unionist communities within Northern Ireland? academic / educational demographics will take ownership and direction of the of Northern Ireland may make these archives. Should at some stage in the fu- Page 19

Kate Hoey MP visits East Belfast Football Club

Labour MP and former Sports Minister in around to supporting resources for the do not follow politics. the Blair Government, Kate Hoey MP, unionist community, and a small portacabin After the disgraceful behavior of visited East Belfast Football Club on 25 (self-funded) for East Belfast Football Club Naomi Long, the Alliance party corpo- September 2018 to show support for to develop mental health awareness and rately and their allies in Sinn Fein, Kate the club who have been consistently education. Sinn Fein reneged, and simply Hoey MP agreed to visit the club. Kate targeted by specific officials on Belfast laughed as they joined with the Alliance is one of the best known Westminster City Council, Sinn Fein and the Alliance party to deny all resources to the unionist MPs, who has previously been a Gov- party. community. ernment sports minister during Tony In the summer months Sinn Fein Cllr Ciaran Beattie made spurious, false Blair’s time in Government. It is a mas- sought to sive event for Kate use the Hoey to take the issue of time to visit the club, the and this reflected club’s extremely poorly on mental the Alliance party health and others who have and re- refused to even give source the club a fair oppor- hub as tunity to provide an leverage outline of their cur- over the rent work, and fu- loyalist ture plans. commu- Kate was shown nity in around the club by a relation management com- to bon- mittee delegation fires. In and the Vauxhall MP conjunc- took time to engage tion with with all the children others, and many of the Sinn Fein parents. It was re- sought to markable to see the do a deal which lead to the West Belfast and malicious remarks about a local con- time Kate took to speak with the young festival getting an astronomical amount sultancy company simply because it was people and hear their story and about of money. Loyalists in east Belfast re- run by Jamie Bryson. Belfast City Council their love for football. fused to do any deal with Sinn Fein and CEO Suzanne Wylie later had to provide a The young people responded by East Belfast Football Club strongly as- written undertaking to Mr Bryson to publicly presenting Kate with a bunch of flow- serted that they were non-political and clarify the record in relation to Cllr Beattie’s ers and gift from the club. This was a would not be dragged into issues which false and malicious remarks, both about fantastic moment and the young foot- have no relevance to football. Jamie Bryson and East Belfast Football ballers really enjoyed chatting with Despite this, funding for a communi- Club. Kate and telling her about their dreams ty festival and educational program was Given the Alliance party have relentless- of becoming professional footballers. promised to east Belfast, along with ly worked against the club, and the unionist After this tour Kate was provided support for the much needed community community, the East Belfast FC manage- with a substantial power point presen- hub and as a result of this the DUP vot- ment committee felt it would be appropri- tation by consultancy firm Copius. This ed through the funding for the West ate to extend an invite to the Alliance Party extensive overview outlined the clubs Belfast festival, which in the end turned leader, Naomi Long, to visit the club. This plans for the future and the Labour MP into a terrorfest of IRA flags and sectari- invite was not formally responded to, but asked a number of detailed questions an chanting. Sinn Fein had made all instead Ms Long took to social media with about the plans. these promises to unionist councilors in a stream of demonising comments about Following the event Kate Hoey de- an attempt to get unionist councilors to the club and those involved. This outra- scribed the actions of Belfast City vote for their funding for the West Bel- geous behavior is nothing new from Naomi Council as “ridiculous” and “lacking in fast festival. Long, whose nasty social media activity is common sense”. However, after Sinn Fein had got well documented, but it came as a shock to their funding approved, it then came many of the parents and young people who