IrosApril/May 1998 hConnoll y AssociationOemociu: campaigning for a united and independent Ireland c Responding to Irish labour Berresford Ellis's the needs of Irish leader's 'rambling illegal 'arms' find: prisoners remarks' the sequel EHUTPage 5 TConnolly Column:SETBAC Page 6 Page 12 K As the peace process reaches a critical stage, Irish Democrat editor David Granville reports on the reaction to British government proposals published in a government White Paper in March and aimed at rooting out discrimination and tackling disadvantage in the six counties

he recent publication of a White However, SACHR expressed disap- Commission for Racial Equality and respected independent human rights stream of government, she said. Paper detailing government pointment that "its recommendation the Disability Council, SACHR campaigning organisation the "While much of ihc language in the proposals for promoting on fair employment legislation, that stressed that although it "had previ- Committee on the Administration of While Paper is very positive, it is not employment equality in the affirmative action, fair participation ously warned about the danger of a Justice (CAJ). at all clear how the proposals will be North has been given a luke- and indirect discrimination should be hierarchy of discriminations which is Maggie Beirne of the CAJ claimed put into practice." warm reception by human defined by law, appear not to have unacceptable from a human rights that the government's response to There was also little evidence to Irights and campaigning organisations. been accepted". point of view", it would need to con- SACHR's recommendations had been suggest that the overarching Equality The government proposals On the question of establishing an sult the existing bodies before com- "far from positive". Experience in Commission, which would continue include: a new statutory obligation to Equality Commission to replace the menting in detail. Northern Ireland had demonstrated to police equality measures from out- promote equality of opportunity in the Fair Employment Commission, the Concern over the government's that the question of equal opportunity side, rather than inside, government, public sector, with a new Equality Equal Opportunities Commission, the proposals has also came from the well- needed to be brought into the main- would strengthen the powers already Commission to police its implementa- available to the individual equality tion; an extension of fair-employment I bodies. What was needed, she insisted, law; measures to combat the unem- * was lor the guidelines need to be put ployment 'differential' between 5 on a legislative looting in order to give Protestant and Catholics, and a boost i them the necessary teeth, for existing initiatives to combat dis- r The CAJ was also expressed con crimination and unemployment. ~ cern that the government had not Launching the government's pro- = acted on SACHR's recommendations gramme on March 11, Secretary of on affirmative action, contract compli- State Mo Mowlam said that Labour ance and Section 42, which currentlv had been elected with a clear commit- allows discrimination on national ment to act on the party's principles of security grounds. fairness, justice and equality of oppor- Delivering a slinging criticism oi tunity. "We wanted to take action not the government's plans, leading acad- just to ensure that employment is fair- emic Christopher McCrudden, Reader ly shared but also to promote equality in Law at Oxford University and a for- of opportunity across a broad front in mer member of SACHR, argued thai the employment and unemployment the new Equality Commission would fields," she said. be marginal to the central-policy mak- The current White Paper is the ing within government. "The new government's response to detailed rec- commission will not, you can be sure, ommendations made by the Standing silling in on the weekly meetings of Advisory Committee on Human ihe inner circle of permanent secre- Rights (SACHR) in its report taries. But lhai is where ihe power Employment Equality: Building For The within ihe civil service really lies," he Future, published in June 1997. wrote in ihe Sunday liuumss 1'nst SACHR, an independent statutory Responding on behall of l lie body which advises the Secretary of Connolly Association, general secre- State on human rights issues in the tary linda l inlay warned that unless North. changes were made to the While Paper However, while the current propos- proposals, ihe British government als go some way towards implement- looked sel to miss a golden opportuni- ing SACHR's recommendations, there ty lo create a new climate ol equal is concern that a number have either opportunity in the Nlorih. been omitted or lack the necessary Warning of the detrimental effect legal teeth to make them effective. thai lhis could have on the peace Giving an initial response, SACHR process, he said: "Without the neces- welcomed the government's commit- sary legislative controls to ensure ment to introducing a statutory oblig- enforcement, we could easily find ation to promote equality in the public these proposals ending up alongside sector and proposals to enhance the many ol their predecessors in a existing Targeting Social Need pro- bulging file marked 'well-meaning but gramme by combating unemploy- ineffectual'. Discrimination and ment; tackling discrimination in Sheffield Irish Festival director Chrissy Meleady is joined by local Irish children and piper Brian Howard for the unveiling inequality continue to be an enormous health, housing and education, and of a memorial in Crookes cemetary commemorating the deaths of Irish navvies in the Totley tunnel disaster towards the problem in the North and it's going to dealing with forms of'multiple depri- end of the last century. Exact details of the incident remain shrouded in mystery and the local Irish community is mount- lake a lot more than fine-sounding vation'. ing a campaign to discover the truth about one of the worst railway-building disasters of the era. words to tackle the problem." Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Irish Democrat April /May 1998 Page 3 News News mish OemocBAC NEWS IN BRIEF Sheffield Irish Parliamentary first NEWS IN BRIEF founded 1919 \1111j111 c >3, No ? Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington Collusion bombshells explode over peace talks Jim Connell memorial festival first John McDonnell is to be congratulat- Trade unionists, town councillors and ed for initiating what appears to be PARADES COMMISSION to his murder. local history and community organisa- COMMUNITY FESTIVALS the first ever recorded parliamen- Democrat reporter SACHR is among those who have tions in London and Co. Meaih have Democrat reporter tary debate on the Irish in Britain. welcomed the report and its recom- launched a £40,000 appeal to cover the ramatic new evidence exposing THE TRAIN APPROACHING Addressing MPs on March 5, he mendation of sweeping changes to ihe cost ol a commemorative sculpture lo he organisers of Sheffield's British military and RUC . said that it was astounding that emergency regime in Northern the Irish labour movement activist tirsi ever Irish Festival have involvement in the work loyal- PLATFORM 4 IS THE DELAYED... no debate had taken place Ireland. Jim Connell to be erected at his birth declared the event a ist murder gangs has erupted before, given that "Irish migration A recently published book bv place in Ireland. Writing one week before the British and Irish government target resounding success and are dramatically onto the political to Britain goes back as far as the first investigative lournalist Scan Although an active trade unionist date ol April 9 lor reaehing a settlement which can be put to the alreadv getting down to the scene in recent weeks, causing forays by Irish chieftains to Wales, McPhilemy, also links senior RUC throughout his life. Council is hard work of preparing next maximum embarrassment to the gov- people of the six and 2ft counties, it would be foolish to predict the during which they kidnapped a small D and Ulster Defence Regiment'Royal ptobably best known as the author ihe year's festival, which they hope will be ernment and its security forces. eventual outcome. All of the participants have been involved in T boy who grew up to become our Irish Ranger officers and prominent 'Red Flag' which, despite ihe adveni of even bigger and better. Although the latest revela- patron saint, Saint Patrick." unionists from all walks of life with New Labour, remains ihe favoured intense negotiations over the past weeks - although not necessari- l he festival, which included events tions, which come at a particu- Referring to the recently published loyalist murder gangs. anthem ol the labour and trade union ly with each other, as the Ulster Unionist Party has maintained its at venues throughout the city in the Frain Family, Leeds Comhaltas, larly delicate stage of the CRE report, which highlighted the The Committee, by Scan movement, in Britain. March, was organised by the Sheffield Chris Sherbourne and Denny Barclay peace talks, will come as no boycott of any direct dealings with Sinn Fein. Despite high levels continuing existence of anti-Irish McPhilemy, which is currently Born in Kilskvre, Co. Mcalh, in Irish Forum and the city's library ser- were among the musical acts, many of surprise to informed of sceptisism at grass-roots level, and open disagreement between racism in Britain, he gave his full unavailable in Britain for legal rea- 1852, Council moved to Dublin .11 lin- vices, and was sponsored by Guinness. them local, who performed through- observers, the quality and backing to its call for the ethnic mon- sons, details how the sixty members age ot 19, and from there, a lew vcars the parties involved over a number of key issues, including the In addition to a wide range of out the festival. credibility of the information itoring systems throughout public ser- covert Ulster Loyalist Central Co- later, to England w here he worked .n powers to be given to north/south bodies, all those directly music events and workshops, the festi- The grand finale involved a one- will boost calls for independent There have been renewed calls vices, including the establishment of a ordinating Committee (ULCCC) various nines as dock labourer, navvy, val also featured dance, theatre, story- day celebration of the Irish contribu- inquiries into collusion and for an inquiry into the UFF murder involved have remained positive about reaching agreement. separate Irish category. This was nec- selected republican and nationalist railwayman, draper and journalist. Ik- telling, Gaelic sports, a major one-day tion to Sheffield in a part of the city police intimidation in the North of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane essary because "strong resistance in targets, and recruited and assisted loy- died in 1929 aged 7S. While it may well be true that Bertie Ahern's newly found conference on discrimination and the known locally as 'Little Ireland'. Ex- Devastating new evidence claim is contradicted by docu- Dubliner Ronnie Drew, Mike central government bureaucracies, in alist death squads. In addition lo There is already a plaque for resolve has more to do with political self-preservation than any Irish community, a lecture commemo- surfaced, somewhat bizarrely, sections of local government and in ments obtained by the Sunday senior RUC and UDR/RIR officers, Connell at Slondon l'ark. Forest rating the Great Hunger, a report back Hanrahan of Stockton's Wing and the 12 real desire to stand up to attempts by the British government and in the pro-unionist Sunday Telegraph which reveal that only two ever popular Toss the Feathers round- government-appointed agencies to the McPhilemy says he has uncovered evi- Hill in South East London, however, from a women's delegation to the Telegraph. Its March 29 edi- unionists to brow beat republicans and nationalists into an unsat- acceptance of a distinctive Irish expe- assassination attempts were prevent- dence of the direct involvement of growing numbers have also fell ihe North, and a family day at the local ed off a successful week of events. tion included extracts from ed, one being the Sinn Fein leader, isfactory agreement, it is nevertheless important that he maintains It is to be hoped that the festival rience in Britain has meant that the members of ihe business community, need for a suitable tribute in Ireland Irish Centre on the theme of 'Thirty official documents detailing links Irish needs are generally not accepted Gerry Adams. the legal profession, the clergy and at Years of Troubles and the Craic', will go from strength to strength. A The campaign has got off to a living his position. This is especially true if the Irish government , as between a clandestine British mili- Equally damaging is the publi- host of new ideas, including an Irish or specifically catered for," he said. least one senior unionist politician. start thanks to a 110,000 donation organised by the Sheffield Irish Peace tary unit and loyalist paramilitaries. appears to be the case, is prepared to make concessions over cation of a United Nations report com- Solicitor Pat Finucane; Sinn Fein from the London region of the GMB group film season at the city's recently The documents provide details of piled by the special envoy to the UN Articles 2 & 3 of the Irish constitution. It must be hoped that cor- expanded independent Showroom Rofsm inquiry call councillors Eddie Fullerton and union. The organisers ol ihe project The Ryan Airs, Galway Guzzlers, how a British military intelligence The Britain and Ireland Human secretary general, Dr Data Param Bernard O'Hagen; Craigavon are now appealing to organisations responding amendments are also made to key British legislation, Crazy Crow, David Duffy and the cinema and a major Irish book fair, are unit known as the Force Research According to the documents, the Cumaraswamy. The report, which being considered by the organisers. Rights Centre has urged the Northern Catholics Eileen Duffy, Catriona and individuals throughout Britain including the Government of Ireland Act and the Northern Duffy Brothers, The Pat Walker Band, Unit (FRU) passed information about British army knew in advance of over Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam to examines the independence of judges Rennie and Brian Frizell; and Belfast and Ireland lor lunher donations lo suspected republicans to the 90 murders planned by the UDA. At Ireland Constitution Act. If not, another dangerous imbalance will OBITUARIES mount an urgent inquiry into the cir- and lawyers in the six counties, con- newsagent James Carson are among cover the cost of ihe project. UDA/UFF with the full knowledge have been inserted into the equation. least 15 assassinations were carried out cludes that republicans' legal repre- those listed by McPhilemy as having All donations to: Mi: Jim liutler, linn The Irish Democrat was saddened to part of the TGWU. cumstances of Roisin McAliskey's that it would be used by the loyalists by the organisation. A number of sentatives are regularly subjected to Joan Maynard was one of the small arrest and detention at the Castlereagh been murdered on the instructions of .Secretary, Jim Council Memorial However, the unpleasant fact remains that British sovereignty hear of the deaths of two outstanding carry out assassinations. Over the those murdered by the UDA were not serious harassment, intimidation, the Committee between 1989 and Committee, 'linen Hull, Ki lls Co. Mcalh, supporters whose commitment to handful of MPs who voted against the holding centre in the North. The call over the six counties will continue until such time as the forces of years the unit has also operated under involved in republican politics. surveillance, and even death threats, 1991. The book lists a further 31 mur- Ireland. socialism and anti-imperialism Prevention of Terrorism Act from the follows Home Secretary Jack Straw's various names, including the Military Nelson's involvement eventually by the RUC. der victims between October 1991 and Irish national democracy are able to force a change favourable to unequivocally embraced the cause of very beginning. decision to stop extradition proceed- Reaction Force (MRF) and the Force came to light after loyalists publicised Presented in Geneva at the UN their agenda - or the British parliament voluntarily agrees to hand ings against Ms McAliskey who was July 1996. RUC guilty of assault Irish unity and independence. Reaction Unit (FRU). Barbara Haq never charged with any uoffence official security documents to counter Commission for Human Rights at the Commenting on the latest revela- The High Court in Belfast has award- it over to all-Ireland or north/south institutions. No wishful think- The FRU was supposedly disband- accusations that they were targeting Joan Maynard Barbara Haq, a committed commu- throughout her 16 month detention. beginning of April, it also also tions of collusion between the security ed a cousin of the Sinn Fein leader ing or simple reiteration of just demands can alter this. ed in 1990 in the wake of the Stevens 'innocent Catholics'. includes details of links between the Joan Maynard, who was both a mem- nist, will be remembered by many of The group is also calling for Jack forces and loyalist paramilitaries, Gerry £30,000 damages againsl the inquiry into collusion between British Nelson was eventually persuaded to RUC and loyalist paramilitaries and In the meantime, given the prospect of a new northern assem- ber of the Connolly Association, the the paper's older readers for her work Straw to investigate the oppressive Connolly Association general secre- RUC following a bruial assauli by- security forces and loyalists paramili- plead guilty to five charges of conspir- calls for a full judicial inquiry into the tary Enda Finlay said: "The recent blv and the creation of meaningful north/south bodies, it is desir- Troops Out Movement and a former with the Movement for Colonial conditions of her imprisonment at police officers during an arresi opera- taries. However, it is thought to acy to murder and sentenced to ten murder of the Belfast solicitor Pat president of the LCI, was the Labour Freedom, the precursor of present day Belmarsh and Holloway and in partic- revelations are a damning indictment tion and later ai ihe Castlereagh hold- able that Britain should agree in principle to handing over as remain in existence under yet another years imprisonment in 1992, although Finucane, who was killed by the UFF MP for Sheffield Brightside between Liberation. She became the organisa- ular to investigate evidence of medical of the murderous relationship ing centre. many functions and responsibilities as possible to them. Such a name and to have been involved in the there was no trial. He was released last four weeks after former Tory Home 1974 and her retirement in 1987. For tion's general secretary in the late neglect during her incarceration. The between the various wings of the secu- David Adams, who is currently in mysterious shooting of an RUC officer year and is thought to be living in Office minister Douglas Hogg told move could significantly boost the Irish dimension and reduce the fifteen years she was also a member of 1950s and worked closely with the centre also wants the German authori- rity forces and the loyalist death the Maze serving a 25 year sentence in Belfast on January 15. England under an assumed identity, MPs that there were a number of solic- squads. They undoubtedly offer the role of Westminster. This could lead to future benefits, provided Labour's ruling national executive Connolly Association on a variety of ties to examine the anomalies and for conspiracy lo murder a senior Much of the information revealed and at the army's expense. No military itors in the six counties "who were and was a former vice-president of the issues throughout the following discrepancies in the case and with- most compelling arguments yet for an detective - a charge which he contin- nationalists and republicans continue to work constructively in the Sunday Telegraph concerns the personnel were ever charged and army unduly sympathetic to the... IRA". Agricultural Workers' Union, now decade. draw their outstanding arrest warrant. independent inquiry into collusion at ues lo deny, suffered a broken leg, frac- together. A new assembly may be far from ideal, but, with the nec- British army intelligence's infiltration officials have have continued to lie Information which has recently come all levels, and for the abolition of the tured ribs, a punctured lung and mul- of Brian Nelson, a former army about collaboration with loyalists, to light confirms that British military essary checks and balances to prevent unionists from abusing their Readers' Ads Donations to the Connolly Association and the Irish Democrat RUC and its replacement with a police tiple cuts and bruises during and alter employee with a background of vio- insisting that information obtained intelligence knew of plans to assassi- force which both reflects, and is able to his arrest. majority position, it should not be seen as a return to Stormont. 17 January to 26 March 1998 May Day Cards: a celebration of work- lent sectarianism, into the ranks of the from Nelson helped to prevent 217 nate Pat Finucane several weeks prior I. Arnold £5; G. Logan £8; E Lappin K. Flannery £10; K. Mathews £15; command the respect and loyally of, * A new report entitled Religious and Whatever politicians say about the outcome of the current ing-class solidarity. One of a range of UDA. UDA assassination attempts. This £5; M. McGuire £10; A. Morton £5; H. Bennett £10; J. Rawlings £10; both communities in the North." Political Harassment and Discrimination cards produced on a non-profit basis process, it will be, in practice, an interim settlement, to be built on Leicester CPB £50; T. Mathews £15; I Mulazzani £25; A. Higgins £10; in the RUC published bv the Pat by Northampton Connolly Association, was chaired by Nuala Kelly of the in future years as Irish democratic forces mobilise support for the PW. White £10; E Farrington; A. Dickinson £28; F. Jennings £10; the Canadian government and its Finucane Centre on iis internet web- price £4.50 per pack of ten (overseas Irish Commission for Prisoners M. Guinan £20; P Williams £15; E. Hyland £8; B. Farrington £10 (in CA support for powerful asbestos industry. Canada is site reveals lhai a third of all Catholic only logical long-term solution to the Irish crisis, reunification. rates on request). For further details Overseas. M. Murphy £10; K. Foley £10; memory of Desmond Greaves); the main producer of this deadly sub- members of the force have experi- contact. Northampton CA, 5 Woodland US support: New York State legis- The job of the Irish in Britain and their progressive friends, J. Fleming; J. Mulrennan £2; D. Flynn H. Kelsey £10; S. O'Cearnaigh £7; Cearta stance, Britain's biggest industrial enced sectarian harassment. The Avenue, Abington, Northampton lature, Pittsburgh City Council and killer, which continues to be used must be to continue to support the forces of Irish national democ- £5; J. Logan £5 (in memory of Paddy J. Dempsey £10, and various anony- report, the resull of a confidential sur- NN3 2BY (tel. 01604 715793) CHARTER FOR CHANGE the Ancient Order of Hibernians in widely in the construction industry vey, suggests thai most of the sectarian racy and to work harder than ever at convincing the British gov- Bond); A. Lenagh £5; J. & E. Leech mous donations £66.82. America have recently joined New harassment is carried oul bv fellow £10; P Evans £5; Y. Boydell £5; Democrat reporter Despite Labour's previous whole- ernment of the benefits of Irish unity. Changes under the leader- Holidays in Ireland: B&B magnificent York City Council in backing motions Protestant officers. J Doyle £10 (in memory of Paddy Bankers orders (2 months) £307.95 hearted endorsement of a total ban, setting, Comeragh Mountains. The Connolly Association has become supporting the campaign (see ship of Tony Blair suggest that our first task is to get Labour to Bond); D. McLaughlin £10; Total: £766.77 following recommendations from ihe- The full reporl can he found at: Excellent food, good wines, en-suite the first British-based campaigning February/March Democrat). declare a simple interest in Irish unity. We also need to build Health and Safety Executive in h 11 p: //www. serve. com /pi c/survev rooms, wheelchair access. Easy reach organisation to sign up to the recently Support for the Charter has been February 1997, government ministers greater links with the national democratic movement in Ireland Rosslare & Cork. Contact Pauline launched human rights and social jus- particularly strong among trade announced a change of heart four days Connolly Association on the web and to continue to campaign for social, political and economic jus- Humphrys & Ken Keable, tice Charter for Change (Cearta). unions with recent backing coming before the Health and Safety I he Connolly Association has recent- Coumshingaun Lodge, Kilclooney, Cearta, which was launched in the tice. Unionist politicians are are unlikely to go agree to coming Imsti demcmc from Joint Council 7 of the Teamsters, Commission was due to consider a ly updaled and re-launched iis web Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. Tel 00 six counties at the end of last year has representing 60,000 workers in north- draft consultation document calling changes willingly, and will do everything in their power to thwart page, making a wide range of ihe 35351 646238. also been endorsed by the Labour New asbestos For a united and independent Ireland ern California, the Union of for a UK ban. This followed publica- organisation's material available on any progressive developments which undermine their current Committee on Ireland. Recent six Needletrades Industrial and Textile tion of an EC paper which claimed Cluttered shelves, moving Published continuously since 1939, the Irish Democrat is the bi-monthly ihe iniernet. position. It must also be made clear to the British government that Wanted: county signatories have included the Employees and local 1199 National ban promise that current levels safety controls were house? Don't throw out those unwant- journal of the Connolly Association which campaigns for a united and The website includes a short histo- it is their duty to face unionism down if it either attempts to wreck Belfast newspaper the Andersonstown Health and Human Services Union, adequate, despite admitting lhai there- ed books on Ireland, donate them to independent Ireland and the rights of the Irish in Britain. ry of the Connolly Association, key News. representing 120,000 mostly black and HEALTH AND SAFETY is no identifiable threshold for the safe the progress made to date or to reassert supremacist attitudes. the Four Provinces Bookshop. Irish articles from the Irish Democrat, receni The Connolly Association is cur- latino workers. Supporting motions Democrat reporter use of while asbestos. history, politics, biography, literature, Annual Subscription Rates (six issues) publications, details of various cam- The settlement train has left the station. It remains to be seen rently working with Cearta over the have also been Dassed by unions in Environment minister Angela Eagle Irish language books. Contact Four Campaigners insist thai ihe argu paigns supported by ihe CA, informa- £5.50 Britain I enclose a cheque staging of a number public meetings New York, Connecticut, has promised that the Government whether it will reach its destination on time, or if it will yet fall Provinces Bookshop, 244 Gray's Inn menis contained in the report are tion about the Four Provinces Book- £10.00 Solidarity subscription (payable to "Connolly in the various cities in England and Massachusetts, Washington DC, foul of that most invidious of faults - Orange leaves on the line! Road, London WC1X 8JR (tel. 0171 will work towards getting an F.U-wide remarkably similar to those which shop and links to oiher organisations. £8.00 Europe (airmail) Publications Ltd")/postal Scotland over the coming months. Pennsylvania, Michigan and 833 3022) agreement on the banning of deadly have surfaced as part of what Hazards "It is a very useful and accessible- £11.00 USA/Canada (airmail) order for £ Growing interest and support in California. white asbestos before Britain ends its magazine describes as "a Canadian resource. The iniernet allows us to £12.00 Australia (airmail) the twenty six counties was witnessed At the time of going to press asbestos industry and Canadian Readers' ads: Would you like to buy, presidency on June 30. reach a potentially massive audience. IrtishOtmociuc in Dublin recently where around 350 motions of support were about to be government charm offensive". sell or exchange? Advertise in the Irish Name.... The announcement, made at the It will be interesting to sec how ii ben- lii-nwnthlv Newspaper ol the Connolly Association |(I people attended a packed public meet- discussed by the Hotel and Restaurant Democrat. Forty words maximum (No end of March, came just three weeks There are also worries that efits our campaign over time," said CA Address. ing in the city. Speakers included Employees, Service Employees Editorial Board: personal contact ads.) Tel 0114 after the campaigning health and safe- Downing Street and the Environment general secretary Enda Finlay. Conor Lenihan (Fianna Fail), Tommy I Iclcn Benni;u, ( nr.iril I urran, David Granville (editor); Jonaihan Hardy, 2738182 for further details. (There is International Union, American ty journal Hazards revealed that the Department applied pressure to the The site was developed and is Brougan (Irish Labour Party), I'eler Mulligan; Alex Rail Produetion: Derek Km/ no charge for these adverts, however a Federation of State, County and Government was preparing to water Health and Safety Commission, caus- maintained by the Irish company, Published by Connollv I'uhlii.annus I.id. .'44 lirav's Inn Road. London WC1X »]R, id: 0171 *}} 3022 Caitriona Ruane (Cearta), Brendan donation towards administration costs Send to: Connolly Publications Ltd, 244 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8JR Municipal Employees, American down Labour's previous commitment ing it to delete all references to an Midnet Ireland Ltd. l-.mail: cnnnullvi" geo2.poplcl.org uk MacCionnaith (Garvaghy Road Federation of Teachers, National to a total ban, prompting accusations asbestos ban from a receni consulta- Printed by Riplev I'rinierM I U) I.id. Nnlimgham Road, Riplev, Derbyshire, lei: 01773 743 621 etc would be greatly appreciated.) The CA's website address is: Residents Association). The meeting Education Association. , «• Mil tbi|t ministers bowed to pressure from iive«lHtmnent http://www.midnet.ie/connolly/ Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Page 4 News/Analysis Prisoner issues Marching towards Responding to the needs Intelligent response Will the settlement train arrive on time? a crisis to key peace issue While Secretary of State Mo Mowlam remains confident that a 'settlement' will be hammered out by April 9th, or PARADES COMMISSION PRISONER RELEASE Democrat reporter of Irish prisoners thereabouts, the rat"s Northern correspondent, Bobbie Heatley, suggests that fewshare her optimism Democrat Reporter Irish Democ The London officer of the Irish Commission for _ v. , , , rs \ Order has announced us intention of he decision of the Parades I lilt latest press reports arc in Commission to ban the n interesting article on the j'O U KE you To TOE NEW MEMBERS OF TOE i marchmg along all of its >tradittonal' Prisoners Overseas, Father Gerry McFlynn, outlines believed, Irish I'aotseach Heme Apprentice Boys from marching prisoners issue bv Professor COMMISSION. I IHlNK^bULLmj-AqREE "THAT THEIR ^ whatever the wishes of the Ahern is sublet I In mood-swings r0UteS; along the Lower Ormeau Road the important work carried out by the organisation Brendan O'l.carv ol the IMfiNKT^LIiyWILL ^^CoMFI PENCE OF AUj nationalist residents. Confrontation is over l he issue one minute # has been welcomed by local res- London School ol Economics RESIDtNt^^ again on the cards. on behalf of the most vulnerable section of the Irish euphoric, ihe next assuring uneasy idents. However, unease at appeared m the Guardian Unionists, with the backing of the lianna I ail I Ds over proposed recent appointments to the commis- emigrant community and their families earlier this year. In it, O'I.earv, changes in ihc Republic's hard-won Fair Employment Commission, I r a.lormer advisor to the British Labour I sion has caused considerable ange democratic cnnslilulinii, as demanded secured the removal of Irish language mmigration has long been a per- «Party and political associate ol Kevin and propted a legal challenge in the prisoner welfare; In \\ hilchall and nnrihern unionists signs from Queen's University Belfast courts. sistent feature of Irish life. The * to help focus public attention on McNamara and John 1 lume. criticised Such changes will onlv come mlo while the on-going Forum, a sop gift- the government's strategy ol refusing The shenanigans of the Orange Irish bishops first responded to issues affecting Irish prisoners; el let l il an agreement emerges trom ed to Trimble by John Major, is now to implement an extended release pro Order and the other 'Loyal Orders' the problem faced by emigrants * to engage in practical work in aid of the lalks and lhal lsn'l likely, lie's bedecked with unionist paraphernalia gramme lor both loyalist and republi- have dominated the last three sum- when they set up the Irish tustice and human rights for prisoners reported to have lold some 1 1 >s. and is boycotted by both the SDLP can prisoners lor doing more harm mers. The annual siege of Drumcree Episcopal Commission for both at national and international and Sinn Fein. than good and placing an unnecessary I he Si)1.1' is putting a brave lace has allowed Orangeism to challenge Emigrants (IECE ) in 1957. level. on in,liters, adhering to the view that a If the talks appear to offer union- I strain on the peace process. the rule of law and British govern- In the early 1980s members of the The bulk of ICPO's daily activity settlement is possible I lie onlv rea ism so much, why are they acting so As an alternative. Professor ments have caved in, leaving those Irish Chaplaincy, whose remit is to involves meeting the needs of prison- sou. olhci than desperation, lhal the destructively and jeopardising their O'Leary suggested that the British who oppose marches as sitting ducks care for the personal, social and family ers and their families, many of whom public can see lor tlieu optimism is chances of drawing the SDLP into a government should adopt a strategy to be brutalised by the RUC. life of Irish immigrants, were con- feel helpless on hearing of a loved lhal "would entail the rapid and sys- lhal limiNe iiiusi luvc intmialed new arrangement? There is a strong cerned about the problems facing Irish one's detention. The prisoners are vis- Senior unionist politicians have tematic release on license of all para- lhal. al the I 1 ill hour, he w ill cut a deal UK-integrationist streak in the UUP prisoners in England, particularly in ited regularly, kept in touch with their gladly partaken in the mayhem, with militaries belonging to organisations on north south bodies. The problem and it doesn't care that much about a relation to their families back in families, helped with legal advice, pro- the implied threat of loyalist paramili- that are maintaining ceasefires". The lit] iIn.- SI )1 T is thai it's unlikely f* devolved assembly. On the other Ireland. As a result, the Irish vided with phonecards and radios Prisoners are visited regularly and helped with legal advice tary activity if their 'traditions' are not license could be revoked if the released lhal the\ eould .ueept anvihing less hand, the devolutionists only want Commission for Prisoners Overseas (where possible), as well as letters, upheld. The marching season has ser- other organisations and individuals As well as meeting the immediate than what I he-\ have alre.klv set out as one if it can act as an engine for restor- prisoner re-offended or if their organ- placed the behaviour and impartiality (ICPO) was set up in 1985. greeting cards, and the ICPO newslet- concerned with prisoners' welfare; line: devolved legisla- concerns of prisoners and their fami- isation ended its ceasefire. then bottom a ing the 'ancien regime'. A constricted Today, there are more than 1,000 ter. The London officer also attends of the RUC, the rule of law and the • liaising with the Irish Chaplaincy lies, ICPO also seeks to address some ture lor siK li bodies and executive equality agendas can be extracted like nence. Balanced constitutional change assembly is no good to them. (when possible) court appearances to According lo O'Leary, this policy continued denial of nationalists' Irish-born people imprisoned in coun- Scheme and personnel with special of the larger issues which are a feature liiiulioiis, inipleineiiled on a siand a deeply rooted, stubborn tooth from would require specific changes to the The object of the planned summer represent their families and give the would transform the current situation. rights in the international spotlight. ties as far afield as Peru, Thailand, responsibility for Irish prisoners in of the prison scene in Britain. One alone basis. the mouth of these lalks. But its lead- 1X01 Act of Union itself, the 1949 madness is to test the resolve of the prisoners much-needed moral sup- Al present, the prisoners arc hostages Earlier this year, the British gov- Morocco, France, Spain and Italy. In Britain; such issue is 'ghosting' - the practice Even il devoid ol anv political, con- ership, while correctly tint wanting in Northern Ireland Act and the 1973 Blair government. Only once before port. Much of ICPO's work is of a in British jails serving as "com- line with emigration patterns, howev- * publicising and making available Constitution Act. ernment sought to address the issue in which a prisoner is moved to anoth- bustable material igniting their more suiulional, social oi cultural coiilenl, damage existing linkages with the have unionists been faced down - by er, some 900 or these are serving their 'reactive' rather than a 'proactive' with the establishment of a data and research related to prisoners. er prison with a few hours' notice and militant colleagues outside the jails". ii would appear lhal llic vast bodv ol SI >1.1! the Irish government or the What is presently on offer puts the Mrs Thatcher over the Anglo-Irish nature in that the services offered are sentences in the 130 penal institutions usually without any explanation. equality agenda, once again, on the statutory Parades Commission Some prisoners are able to look This constitutes a serious threat to the iiuionism's pnlilical consiiiuenev is While House, may have to dissociate Agreement. Given the circumstances, throughout Britain. To look after their usually in response to specific needs Commenting on the its membership, after themselves quite well, but there Others concern cases of alleged peace process. However, with a release opposed In anv cross holder align from what seems to be the likely out- long finger (see page 1). Any national- is it any wonder that the leadership of and urgent requests. In practice the Mo Mowlam said it was an indepen- needs, ICPO has a London office are many, mostly younger, who feel at wrongful conviction, deportation and nieiils. With I'aisley, McCartney and ist/republican party in the North Sinn Fein is finding it difficult to hold work of the Commission focuses on: programme as outlined above O'Leary dent body. "The government has staffed by a London officer and an risk within the prison system. They the transfer of sentenced prisoners to the I A 1 brealhing down his neck, the which appeals to its electorate to the line over its peace strategy. Already argues that the prisoners would assistant. • making information available to the are not very articulate and find them- institutions closer to their homes. endorse an apparently anaemic pack- given the commission no 'steer' as to become a positive force within their acceptance ol an S1)I.I' recipe could While it's easy elements of the wider republican ICPO works for all Irish prisoners its preferred outcome for this year's prisoners, their families and friends selves in a situation they know little In the context of recent EU propos- own communities "with an interest in deliver up Trimble's gins lor garlers. age will risk the danger of following movement, including the Continuity enough to assert marching season. The only outcome abroad, wherever they are, and makes with regard to status and conditions of about and cannot easily handle. Many als to 'harmonise' security arrange- sustaining the ceasefires", thereby II the SDI.I' wen' in settle lor the old conservative Nationalist Party IRA are openly rejeettonist and have we seek is a peaceful one, that those no distinction between prisoners, imprisonment, welfare benefits, inter- are on remand or serving sentences for ments following the opening of inter- strengthening the peace process. inilit*t economic linkages (transport, into oblivion. The SDLP is acutely stepped up their military campaigns. that a new assembly who wish to parade, as well as those whether by religion, offence or prison national law and other matters; robbery - by far the most common nal borders, the Commission is anx- Defending his argument, O'Leary tourism etc i thev would be little more aware of this possibility. On the unionist flank those, such as who wish to protest against parades, status. The Commission has four main • establishing and defining the pre- charge against them. Some have learn- ious to highlight the necessity for makes the following points: Ihan 'cosmetic', and il would be impos- will not be a A new assembly will not be a re- the LVF and its sympathisers in other will conduct themselves in a way objectives: cise rights of people in prison overseas, ing difficulties and others have health increased vigilance about the protec- sible lo disguise I he lacl lhal they'd be constituted Stormont, but it's more loyalist paramilitary organisations, are * Those paramilitary organisations which respects the rule of law and * to identify and respond to the needs irrespective of the crime of which they problems associated with drink and tion of human rights and about extra- signing up lo a settlement internal lo reconstituted difficult to spell out how this is to be unlikely to accept even a very watered- who have "demonstrated a significant which does not lead to disruption and of Irish prisoners, their families, both have been convicted, eg. the right to drug addiction. Their situation needs legal methods of'security'. This grows the six counties. A re-constituted achieved. Given the track record of down (from a nationalist point of and disciplined commitment to their Stormont, it's more violence." Warm words indeed. here and in Ireland; visits from family members; constant monitoring to ensure that northern assembly, as promised to the British governance and unionist view) settlement. ceasefires" should be rewarded for * to provide a research and informa- • making representation on behalf of they get the treatment they need on a unionists, is also problematic. I lie administration, nationalists and Whatever transpires on April 9, the However, the recent appointment their conduct, not punished; difficult to spell tion service for prisoners, their fami- prisoners to the appropriate authori- regular basis. ,|uesiion is u liclher such a bodv could republicans here are justified in being violence is unlikely suddenly to end, to the Parades Commission of two ICPO takes the * There is a very low rate of recidivism lies, and other groups involved with ties liaising and co-operating with These young emigrants are at the coiicc'iv ablv lullil a constructive role out how this is to be sceptical. Current realities and events although what will happen is anyone's prominent unionists, Glen Barr and amongst former loyalist and republi- bottom of the social ladder and need view that the only in lacililaling Irish rcuiiilication and, show that very few inroads into state- guess. If the militarists are isolated, Tommy Cheevers, who have links with can prisoners; help and support. The vast majority of in the inleriin, assist the iinpleinenla achieved generated sectarianism have, so far, and the authorities attempt a crack- loyalist paramilitaries and marching Most relatives ol paramilitary vic- 1 the prisoners known to ICPO are male punishment lion ol an equable agendar taken place in the North. The realities down using methods such as the re- organisations, has caused serious con- tims would accept such an approach il and cover all age groups. The prison- come of the talks. might hit us very hard this summer. introduction of internment, north and cern among residents and civil rights imprisonment should it was likely to prevent the creation of liven those within the SDI.I' ers get to know about ICPO in a vari- Ai present the talks look set to The Orange Order has rejected the south of the border, this will be unlike- groups, and has raised questions about "any further victims" or "significantly regarded as amenable lo a deal with ety of ways, including leaflets, the Parades Commission, even though ly to facilitate constructive political the body's impartiality. impose is a loss reduce the number of future v ictims"; Trimble would be reluctant to commit deliver an outcome heavily biased prison chaplain, the probation service, two pedigree loyalists and two Cheevers is a leading member of * The proposal i., already "privately themselves on this point, and with towards unionism. They will get an campaigns such as mass activity for the Irish Embassy, and the families of liberty. Otherwise Catholics acceptable to the NIO the Apprentice Boys who has inarched supported by senior figures in the good reason. Thai's why the leader- extension, some would say a copper- the implementation of equality and and friends of other prisoners. ship position remains "nothing is fastening, of partition. Neither the because of their non-nationalism and other national and democratic agen- on Belfast's Ormeau Road against res- Irish administration". The services they require vary con- prisoners are to agreed until everything is agreed". All cross-border institutions nor changes professional links with the establish- das. A militarised civic society idents' wishes. He is now one of those Il could be lhal Prolessor O'Lcarv siderably. They can include: a letter to could depend on how a proposed to the Government of Ireland Act, ment, have been appointed. Appeasing presided over by Westminster should who will decide if his brethren will be be treated humanely has lound a way ol breaking the log- the governor complaining about northern assembly is structured, and 1920, will directly erode its perma- loyalism evidently doesn't pay. The have taught that lesson at least. allowed once again to walk over resi- jam on this crucial issue, al the same harassment in the prison, being the legal parameters within which dents wishes. and in a civilised time as providing useful way of allow- moved to another prison further away London would require il to operate. Glen Barr is an ex-UDA comman- ing people within the British labour from family; complaints about mail manner movement lo raise the issue ol politi- The SDI.I' is keeping its mind der and a member of the ultra right- being interfered with, being denied cal prisoners in a way lhal would be open on this, as are others on the lelt Letters to the Editor wing Vanguard Party, who served on the opportunity to make phone calls; more urgent as imprisonment is used widely regarded as logical, balanced who can pul up a case lor saying lhal Write to: The Editor, Irish Democrat, c/o 244 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8JR the controlling committee of the having visits cancelled at short notice; as means of social and political control and responsible and, critically, lhe maximum transfer ol power to (he or e-mail at: connollyt" geo2.poptel.org.uk sectarian Ulster Workers Council. A looking for a change of solicitor; char- on a worldwide basis, especially for which could he adopted bv a new Irish people, given the appropriate photograph of Barr was recently circu- acter reference for court appearance; people on the move like refugees, I .ahour government Ellis's claim that these articles were never 'lost' to begin lated alongside Alex Kerr, a leading safeguards, is preferable lo the contin- 1798 bicentenary special clothes and footwear for court appear- member of the LVE migrants and asylum-seekers ICPO The strongesi objection to uation ol power Irom the Northern I wish lo congratulate you on the February/March edition of with holds precious little water. They were lost to 99 per ances; help with travel and accommo- also reminds governments that the O'Leary's strategy could come from Ireland Office. the Irish Democrat. As a reader of the Irish Democrat since its cent of the human race who haven't the opportunity to reg- As if having Barr and Cheevers is Every week, TRIBUNE carries all the news and views Irom dation for their families visiting pris- needs ol Irish prisoners cannot be dic- elements within the republican move- The SDLP's position is that, under inception back in 1939 I can say that the February/March ularly visit the National Library in Dublin. not bad enough, the British govern- Labour and the Left. TRIBUNE is essential reading tor all ons and courts; books and writing tated bv political or financial consider- ment, whose traditional demand is for certain conditions, including guaran- edition is by far and away the best edition I have read, espe- Not the least of O Cathasaigh's achievement is to have ment also turned down two Irish gov- those keen to keep up to speed with events in the New materials for study and personal use; ations. ICPO takes the view that the the unconditional release of all Irish tees against a resuscitated Stormont, cially the four-page supplement on the 1798 bicentenary. located a raw nerve. The fact is that Ellis's 1973 selection of ernment nominees, deepening suspi- Labour Government and in touch with the campaign to save and advice on contacts with drug and only punishment imprisonment political prisoners. However, given and w ith substantial cross-border bod- I believe that that period of our own history, led by the Connolly contained nothing that hadn't already been pub- cions of bias and undermining the the Welfare State. drink rehabilitation programmes. should impose is a loss of liberty. that the Provisional IRA is maintain- ies, it could contemplate alterations lo indomitable Theobald Wolfe Tone and the men and women lished since Connolly's death. commission's credibility. The token Tick the top box on the form below and save 20 per cent on The service ICPO provides also Otherwise, prisoners are lo be treated ing a ceasefire and appears keen to the Republic's constitution, specifical- surrounding him, was the most glorious in our long strug- Evidently Ellis concluded that going to the National Catholic members seem to be there the normal three month subscription rale. Or tick the bottom extends lo the prisoners' families. humanely and in a civilised manner. pursue a path of non-violence, and ly Articles 2 & T There are a lot of its gle for freedom - and they brought us to within an inch of Library to 'assess' the unavailable work was strictly for the merely to balance the numbers, in a They appreciate the help and support ICPO is a practical expression of that released prisoners would not be here. So far as many northern nation- winning that freedom. birds. If O Cathasaigh has subsequently conceded Ellis's crude pretence at even-handedness. box to receive details of our half price Direct Debit special offer with a free sample copy of TRIBUNE. ICPO can give them in respect of the Catholic Church's concern for the asked lo apologise lor previous activi- alists are concerned, thev wil' »anl to Peter O'Connor sincerity, that only goes to show how some people can allow Mo Mowlam defended her appoint- accommodation and travel. While most vulnerable group of Irish emi- ties, denounce their organisation or know how these proposed institutions U'aterford, Ireland their charitable side to get the better of them betimes. ments by saying that she could not some families can manage quite well, grants and its professionalism and sign an oath of loyally to the British will enniribuie to a balanced constitu- Two hundred and fifty pages of Connolly have become find suitable representatives from J I enclose a cheque for CIO made payable to Tribune Publications Ltd and crossed "not transferable" for a three month special offer subscription to TRIBUNE. others n?ed help and support, espe- commitment is appreciated by the stale, it is possible that O'Leary's plan tional arrangement which impinges Sheer begrudgeryp available, and what is Ellis's reaction? Sheer begrudgery. republican working-class constituen- • Please send me a free sample copy and details of your half price Direct Debit subscription cially with accommodation and travel prisoners, their'Tamilies and a wide- would even find favour within the on the absolutism of British sover- Peter Berresford Ellis's review of James Connolly's newly- Obviously his 'scholastic reputation' is more important to cies, which is difficult to swallow, offer arrangements. ICPO's work with pris- range ol caring agencies. republican movement. eignly in tIns part of Ireland. him than getting a hearing for James Connolly. given that such representatives have published hist Writings (ID December 97/January 98) was Name ... oners is done in conjunction with Republican prisoners arc currently Sinn Fein's position seems to be less of a review and more of a carnival of self-justification Sean O Gadhra practically become household names. prison chaplains, probation officers, Address I-or liirtlicr information ahmn the work of released on temporary leave and that it will plough along with the talks Methinks he doth protest too much! Baile Atha Cliath With the marching season once social workers and solicitors. These the ICI'O contact: l-r Gerry McHvnn, allowed home visits on ihe condition to the bitter end in the (somewhat I hold no brief for the volume's editor, Aindrtas O again ahead of us, and, coming so close Postcode people, too, appreciate the work of H'.PO < a the Irish Chaplaincy, St. The welcomes readers' letters. Please note that they return at the appropriate unlikely) hope that, at the end of the Cathasaigh - indeed I found it hard going to get through the Irish Democrat to the deadline date for a settlement, Send the completed form to: Tribune Subscriptions, Freepost, 308 Gray's Inn Road, ICPO and the fact that we arc there for Melliais' Church, Tollinnton Park, lime. II conditions can be accepted in 11th hour, such things as balanced laboured literary style of his introduction - but he has made that shorter letters stand a better chance of appearing the mettle of the Parades Commission London WC1X
t < - r n . > 3 r f b tr v H ;1 i v ; ; 11 ri > •I Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Page 6 Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Page 7 Features Features connotiy column jhe life and campaigns of a 1 Liverpool's famine graveyard Tilt lollovtllg Jollity edited pien was penned by ( onnollx lor lln ( lirMmas I'll2 The secretary of Liverpool's Great Famine Commemoration Committee, Ian McKeane, explores the city's legacy as the epicentre lseasof ihee High edition i'l The Irish Worker. fromarlie thre thihungrs yeary alan servicd oe f oIrelanf d during the Famine years of 1845-52, and reveals the toll of death of thousands of people from di Tor tlu full version see radical Belfast woman north the along Vauxhall Road u> remembrance for the dead of James (!onm>lly: 1 he I .osi Dr. Priscilla Metscher of the University of Oldenburg, Germany, outlines the new' pauper graveyard ol S> M.uim's W'rilings, I'IHKI I'rcw, IW7 the Irish Famine was held at ill the Fields, Svlvcsiei Si reel contribution to the struggle for social justice and women's rights made by Despite its oil pulling title, Liverpool Parish Church, Actual starvation killed leu I lie attended by the Irish < .onnollx is lar Irom the remarkable Belfast woman Mary Ann McCracken, frequently referred to as 19ih-Ceniury Liverpool liourgcoisie Ambassador and the Lord 'rambhni>\ and although vve were allronied In the idea lhai anyone the 'greatest of the United 'Irishmen', and often ignored by mainstream history. Mayor of Liverpool. The names of could die ol sianalion ir then town. live in tunes ol less immediate E 7,500 pauper dead were read out while Only 22 such cases were recorded and potential lor progressive social n literature about the United Irishmen been making heavy losses. As Mary com- America, on the Continent and in Ireland. the funeral bell tolled out over the city, were lullv investigated. Sickness and revolution, the sentiments ari- and the Rising of '9X there is little plained to a woman correspondent: "The The female members of the McCracken reminding us that Liverpool was at disease, though, were pan ol life and as relevant as ever. mention ol the women connected with sphere of women's industry is so confined, family were not exempt from discussions the epicentre of the flight from the only siinuil.tlcd aciton when llicv the movement, the wives, sisters or and so few roads lie open to her, and those concerning the development of the cotton hungry land of Ireland during the threatened the whole population. sweethearts of United Irishmen. They so thorny..." industry and other trading activities in the Famine years of 1845-52. St Mary's then was perhaps ihe Some rambling remarks have mostly been written out of histo- Mary McCracken was aware of the city. During the years of the Great nearest eqiu\ aleni to a "Famine" grave- No OIK- ul all acquainted wilh Ireland al ihe present ean doubi lhai ryI, the fate common to ihe majority of plight of most middle-class women in The 1790s was a period of radical Famine nearly two million Irish peo- yard in Liverpool During ihe si\ I he country is feeling the throbs accompanying the birth ol great women throughout the centuries. Britain and Ireland of the period: their upheaval in Ireland. Within the Ulster ple passed through the port of months at the height of the 1X47 movements. Everywhere there are stirrings ol new life intellectu- However, with the increase of interest in dependence on the marriage market, the middle class, especially among the Liverpool, fleeing the hunger and eco- ivplius epidemic the destitute dead al, artistic, industrial, political, racial, social stirrings are to be seen women's history generally more and more separation of the spheres of work and fam- Presbyterians, there were many who sym- nomic devastation that stalked the were buried there Al least 2.MI0 ol the and felt on every hand, and the nation is moved Ironi end to end is being uncovered about the lives and ily which drove women into the realm of pathised with the struggle of the American Irish countryside. Most of the incom- 4.4-il burials m 1X47 were Irish I lie by the yeast-like pulsations ol new influences. activities of United Irishwomen. domesticity. By the early 19th Century the colonies for independence. There was ers stayed only a short time and left to dcsiuuie shared to ihe lull the I-amine Amid such a renaissance it would be a strange phenomenon if One such person is Mary Ann, the sister possibilities for women to earn an indepen- widespread interest in the new philosophi- seek opportunities elsewhere in experience, Irish migrant and town Labour remained passive and failed to respond to the call for a new of the more famous I lenrv Joy McCracken, dent income had been severely restricted. cal thought of the Scottish Enlightenment Britain or embarked for Canada, the born Liverpudlian, Citlioln. and adventuring ol the spirit. Such a lack ol response would argue a celebrated in songs and ballads of '98. Born Mary Ann's education was remarkable and Thomas Paine's Rights of Man was United States and Australia. However, Protestant alike, lav side bv side in Si hfelessness ol attitude, a blindness ol mental outlook in the part ol in Belfast in 1776, she lived to the ripe old for a woman of the period. She received her hailed as the 'Koran of Belfast'. ambition did not always match ability Marv's burial ground, equal victims of the toilers which would go far to neutralise and discount the value age of 96. Her life spans practically a centu- formal schooling at David Manson's school Following the formation of the Society and many were obliged to stay. By social inequity, hunger and disease. In the earlv 1950s St Mary's was cleared ol the higher aspirations of the rest of the nation. Considering the ry of Irish history, a period that witnessed in Belfast, run on co-educational lines. of United Irishmen in Belfast in October 1851, 83,813 inhabitants of Liverpool 7,500 pauper dead: the grim statistic that reveals Liverpool as the epicentre of the flight from hunger in Ireland stale ol slavery in which the masses ol the Irish workers are to- the growth of Belfast as a thriving industri- Manson's aim was to teach children "the 1791, the Northern Star was published, were Irish born - nearly a quarter of lor extensions to the children's hospi- da\ a state ol restlessness, ol 'divine discontent', on the part ol al city, the radical political movements of English tongue without the discipline of edited by Samuel Neilson, a friend of the the total. Behind this statistic lies the of Liverpool without the funds to pay and overcrowded living conditions. In tal anil any remains were translcrred Labour in Ireland is an absolutely essential prerequisite lor the the United Irishmen, the Young Irelanders, the rod by intermingling pleasurable and McCracken family. It carried articles on the question of how many died in the for a funeral were buried in pauper 1847 those who caught it were blamed to Walton Park cemetery realisation ol any spiritual uplifting of the nation al large. the activities of Daniel O'Connell and the healthful exercise with their instruction." progress of the revolution in France and town after having survived the often graves in St Mary's burial ground, In the folklore of for its spread. It was often referred to The poverty thai killed the dcsiu- Willi a people degraded, and so degraded as to be unconscious development of Orangeism in the North. In addition, together with her brother, was read avidly by all those who were sym- terrible conditions on the steam pack- Mulberrry Street. Opened in 1806, the city, tales as the 'Irish Fever' because ihe poorest lute in 1X47 was to endure until the ol their degradation, no upward march of Ireland is possible; with The greater part of her adult life belongs Mary received instruction in French from pathetic to the ideas of the United ets that arrived from Ireland. this graveyard was on the eastern edge Irish migrants crowded the cheapest 1950s in the dark courts and alleys ol a peopl" restless under injustice, conscious ol their degradation, to the 19th Century, and as a fighter for an old French weaver engaged by her Irishmen, including Mary McCracken. In the folklore of the city, tales of the town. The nearby Workhouse, abound of hundreds and therefore filthiest living accom- Liverpool. Much is made of ihe and resolved, if need be, to peril lite Usell in order to end such social justice Mary McCracken is, in many father. Her education probably contributed Her brother Henry Joy and his close abound of hundreds of Irish pauper on the site of the present Metropolitan modation in the town. Dr Duncan, advances ill community health care degradation...with such people ways, typical of a number of notable mid- much to the development of her indepen- friend Thomas Russell were two of the dead being tipped into mass graves on Cathedral, and the developing slum of Irish pauper dead later Liverpool's Medical Officer of that originated in the city, and 1997 all things are possible... dle-class women in Britain and Ireland dent spirit which was encouraged by fre- most radical minds in the United Irish the construction sites of the splendid areas of St James Street and Vauxhall Health, had claimed in 1844 lhai in saw the celebration ol I)i Duncan's It is, therefore, a matter of Every victory who dedicated their lives to works of phil- quent discussions in the McCracken movement and the correspondence public buildings like St George's Hall provided many of the burials. being tipped into one small area of Vauxhall, 811 houses appointment as Britain's lirst munici- sincere congratulation to every anthropy. She was involved'lor years in household concerning political events in between brother and sister during Henry under construction at the time. This By the 1840s, St Mary's was sur- mass graves on the were occupied by 7,938 people. This pal medical officer of health. Wc lover ol the race that the work- won by labour for work for the Belfast Charitable Society. For Joy's sojourn in jail in 1796/97 reveals an does seem credible at first hearing rounded by the newly fashionable area would have given a ratio of 657,963 should not lorgel lhose who attempted ers ol Ireland are today pro- labour helps over 25 years she visited the Lancastrian exchange of opinions concerning the polit- since this huge neo-classical edifice of the Abercromby Ward (now the construction sites people per square mile. It was inio this to survive in the grim Liverpool loundlv discontented, and, lar school weekly. ical situation in Ireland, the thought of the stands only some 400 metres from university quarter) whose wealthy concentration of humanity thai ihe slums. Nor should we forget that liv- Irom being apathetic in their to strengthen the She was connected with an industrial English radical William Godwin and the Vauxhall, the most dense area of Irish inhabitants objected to the continued of splendid public poorest of the Famine migrants ing conditions in Liverpool's slums, slavery, are, instead, rebellious, school for girls, established in the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft whose settlement in the late 1840s. use of the cemetery. In wet weather the poured in 1846-47. for Irish- and British-born alike, even to the point ol rashness. bent back, and famine year of 1847 and with an Vindication of the Rights of Woman, The Coiste Chuimhneachan an topsoil would be washed away and buildings The town authorities struggled remained appalling well into llus cen- I )iscontent is the tulcruin upon infant school in the poor house. She published in 1792, is a milestone in Ghorta Mhoir (Learpholl), - Great graves collapse, revealing coffins and with the problem, providing outdoor tury. Liverpool's Famine graveyard which the lever of thought has enlarge the was also involved with an associa the history of the struggle for Famine Commemoration Committee worse. On March 29, 1842, a noisy months of 1847 reflects the large relief and setting up temporary hospi- helps us to remember. ever moved the world to action. tion to prevent the employment woman's emancipation. (Liverpool) - set about examining meeting of the Select Vestry was held influx of rural Irish poor into the tals. But the collision of thousands of Ireland has two things that cramped soul of ol boys in chimney-sweeping In a letter to her brother, these rumours and it soon became at which "a general view was expressed parish during 1846 and 1847 and their already weakened rural migrants wilh Ian McKeane teaches Irish Insiorv al the must make the blood run w ith the labourer and was long a member of an Mary McCracken applies the clear that the central area of the mod- that (the) cemetery be closed and other high mortality rates. By the end of the overcrowding and harsh realities I 'mversily i>l Liverpool aiul in the riotous exultation in the veins anti-slavery society in the political demands for the ern city did once contain many burial Burial Ground be procured for the June 1847, 3,753 paupers, including of mid-19th Century urban slum life community. His great-grandparents left the Irish city. As her niece com- "rights of man" to woman. grounds. However, it also became clear Parishioners in a less populous part of 1,584 infants under five, had been resulted in a doubling of the Liverpool I'lster in the T'annne time In make their a discontented working class, and the nucleus of a rebellious wom- ments: "She abstained from "Is it not almost time", she that the Victorians, for all their other the Parish " (Liverpool Record buried there. To be born in the death rate. Just as at Grosse lie on the lives in liritain. He is secrciaix <>l . In anhood. I cannot separate these two things; to me they are parts of sugar for many years, asks, "for the clouds of faults, were relatively meticulous in Office Document 353 PAR 1/1/4) Liverpool slums gave little chance of St Lawrence river, local clergy paid (,'oiste (.hiiimhneailian ail (iliorta Mlimr the great whole; dillerent regiments ol the one great armv of which must have been a error and prejudice to dis- recording burials. Furthermore, in the Nothing was done and when the living long enough to learn to talk. with their lives for ministering to the (Learplioll), I'lie (ireal I-amine progress. Ib neither will it he possible to realise its ideas without great privation, as she was perse and that the female Famine time, the Church of England typhus epidemic struck in early 1847 Most of these people came from the destitute, as did manv relieving offi- (,'immicmoration C.ommmee (Liverpool I. fond of it." The question of lirst trampling under foot... all the lalse conventions, soul-shrivel- part of the Creation as well was responsible for the interment of St Mary's was still receiving the bodies Vauxhall area and 224 came from the cers. And the exhausted Irish died in Anyone wishing to contribute to the worl; the slave trade and atroci- ling prejudices, and subtle hypocrisies with which a tyrannical as the male should throw all paupers, regardless of religion. of the poor. An increasing Irish workhouse in Mount Pleasant. their thousands. St Mary's burial of commemoration <>/ the ( '.( '.(iMll.l ties perpetrated under society has poisoned the souls and warped the intellect of mankind. off the fetters with which In the early part of the century Catholic presence amongst the names Typhus is associated with squalid ground was closed in July 1847 and should contact lliem at l'(>. Box 47, British rule in India were Apart Irom the material, political and industrial forms in which they have been so long men- those who died in the (C of E) parish in the burial registers of the first six the nightly dead carts began to roll Mosslev Hill, Liverpool LIS 5JR. themes in her correspon- the labourer or the woman may clothe their respective struggles, tally bound and conscious of dence in the 1840s with there is, in the lacl ol the struggle usell, m both eases, an emanci- the dignity and importance but been disassembled. In Britain the "unless the ratio is sufficiently dimin- Richard Robert Madden, col pating influence which cannot be expressed in words, much less of their nature rise to the situ- government will salami slice wilh ishing and approaching the reference lector of the writings of the lormulaled m programmes .. We ol the working class have much ation for which they were what it can gel away with and value". Since 1992 Germany's debt to United Irishmen. to he thanklul lor in the lacl that in the upward march in which we designed?" Fiddling the Euro increase the gauge if there is little GDP ratio has increased Irom 44.1 per ,arc engaged, we are permitted to reap advantages of a material Mary McCracken was born ^m Mary Ann was sceptical of the objection. The FMU project is a cent to 61.2 per cent, Austria's from 5X nature al each stage ol our journey. If our wages are not increased, into the 18th Century and as her clubs of United Irishwomen which John Boyd of the Campaign Against Euro-federalism direct attack on practical democra- per cent lo 68.9 per cent, Spain's from our toil lightened, our hours lessened, our conditions improved as correspondence with her brother existed in the city as she believed they cy - where wealth should be redis- 48.3 per ceni lo 69.X per cent, ,i result ol the daily conflict in which we are engaged, we know that Harry reveals, was in sympathy with the V had no emancipative purpose, but rather argues that the manoeuvering over the introduction tributed from rich to poor. Portugal's Irom 60.7 per cent lo 62.4 it is because ol some (altering on the part ol ourselves or our fellow- ideas of the United Irishmen, with radical were "tea-pot clubs" where political affairs So desperate are the pro-EMU per cent and Italy's from 10X.7 per workers, some defalcation on the part ol some being ol our army, of a single currency is a political fudge that will do political ideas of the period generally and, were not discussed. "I wish to know if they forces that they have disregarded cent lo 127 per ccnl. Belgium's has and not a necessary or unavoidable part ol the conflict itself. above all, she was a strong advocate of have any rational ideas of liberty and equal- little for the majority of the Community's population their own rules for loining ihe sin- fallen bv over five per cent but I he modern labour movement knows that a victory of any kind women's rights. ity for themselves or whether they are con- gle currency. Aspiring FMU member remains, at 123.6 per cent, ai twice the lor ihe working class is belter for the cause, more potent for ulti- The McCracken family belonged to the As a fighter for social tented with their present abject and depen- n March 25 the European tions of the population. states should serve a time in ihe level specified in ihe Treaty mate victory than a correct understanding of economic theory by a Northern Presbyterian middle class and dent situation, degraded by custom and Commission announced the In Britain the link between the cuts exchange-rate mechanism. Britain's Except for Ireland and beaten labour army. It is suspicious ol theorising that shirks con- was engaged in the new flourishing cotton justice Mary McCracken education beneath the rank in society in list of the EU member states and criteria have not been fully appre- dreadful experience of ihe FRM Luxembourg, in ihe period between llici, and seeks to build up the revolutionary army ol social recon- industry. It would seem natural that the which they were originally placed." which could join economic and ciated. Up to the general election last resulted in a million people being pui 1993 and 1996, only Germany once struction bv means ol an army that lights and wins concessions lor women members of the McCracken house- (left) is in many ways Mary McCracken was a woman of extra- monetary union in January year the blame was put on Tory gov- ket will have the effect of pressing out of work, a eul in manufacluring, managed lo gel tls budget deficit the lighters while it is lighting. Every victory won by labour lor hold should also be occupied in the cotton typical of a number ordinary energy and perseverance, in later 1999. Included is Ireland but ernment policies. After nearly one wages down, lowering conditions and soaring interest rates peaking at 15 per below the reference figure ol three per labour helps to strengthen the bent hack, and enlarge the cramped industry. In 1790, on the initiative of Mary, life dedicating herself to the practical work noOt Britain. Greece and Sweden have year of a new Labour government it is removing social security. cent, and billions spent on saving ihe cent in 1994 This is not in line with soul ol the labourer, every lime the labourer, be n man or woman, she and her sister Margaret set up an enter- of notable middle-class of improving the living and working con- been excluded because they do not clear the policies have not only been EMU is a principal step towards pound. Finland and Italy are to join ihe spirit of the Treaty which contains secures a triumph m the battle for jusler conditions, the mind ol prise in manufacturing and selling embroi- ditions of the Belfast working class. She is meet strict permanent convergence kept but reinforced precisely because political union desired so long by the EMU despite not being in ihe FRM a clause staling the budget deficit rcl the labourer receives th.it impulse towards higher things that dered muslin. The cotton yarn was distrib- women in Britain and yet another example of how mainstream criteria. Denmark, like Britain, has an Britain is lined up to join the single transnational corporations, banks and for ihe statutory two years. erence figure may only he exceeded comes liom the knowledge ol power... Let us then, with glad eyes uted to handloom weavers who worked in history has neglected to consider women's opt out from EMU. currency as repeatedly stated by Euro-federalists. It is these forces who The convergence criteria laid down exceptionally and temporarily. lace ilie future! Ireland salutes the rising sun, and within Ireland their own homes. Ireland who dedicated contribution in shaping the outlook of The criteria include massive cuts in Chancellor Gordon Brown. want ultimately to do away with the al Maastricht in 1992 have been scri Il is a fudge to obtain political labour moves with the promise and potency ol growing life and The embroidery side was carried out in their society. the public sector and are the reason Attacks on lone parents, the dis- expense of the welfare state, the NHS, ously breached hy several member union and does absolulch nothing for consciousness, a life and consciousness destined to grow and a large room attached to the father's house. their lives to Dr Priscilla Metscher lectures on English behind welfare cuts in all member abled and unemployed young people pensions and other services in the states: Article 104c and Protocol 5 ol the bulk of the population As the expand until the glad day when he who in this Green Isle says This insured the sisters a small indepen- literature and culture al the University of states. These cuts have caused is evidence enough of the true nature public sector and expropriate them for the Treaty on European Union states Commission itsell stales, the launch of 'Labour' must say 'Ireland', and he who says 'Ireland' must neces- dent income. However, by 1814 they were works of philanthropy Oldenburg. She is also a leading authority on protests, civil unrest and disobedience of this government. In practice forcing private capital to make profits qualifying countries must have a debt the Euro would not on its men enable sarily be planning for the glorification and ennobling of Labour. forced to abandon the business which had the life and thought of James Connolly. in several EU countries by various sec- all these people onto the labour mar- In Belgium the welfare slate has all to GDP ratio of less than 60 per cent unemployment to be swept away I'age N Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Page 9 Book Reviews Book Reviews originally published by Pelican Books Politics in the six counties have Our friends in in 1973, its return to print will be been dominated and overshadowed bv greeted like the return of a long-lost Creative approach presents Nationalism: the A life spent sectarianism and foreign occupation friend. the North and women's issues are no exception. To those who are on the look out British rule has entrenched the power positive options for settlement Eddie Mulligan reviews for a detailed introduction to the life fighting for of the most reactionary elements of the death of a delusion and works of Connolly, there are sure- Enda Finlay reviews A History of Northern Catholic and Protestant churches ly few better places to make a start. alike, who have sought to confine The Northern Irish Crisis: Jack Bennett reviews The Ireland 1920-1996 by Although it may not seem very THE equality women to the domestic role thai palatable in today's political climate, ('(instruction of Nationhood: Hanna Sheehy Skelhngton so passion- multi-party talks and models NORTHERN Thomas Hennessey, Gill Connolly was both a Marxist and a Sally Richardson reviews ately resisted. IRISH CRISIS Tjhnieily, Religion and revolutionary socialist whose ideas of for a settlement by Dalttin & Macmillan, £12.99 pbk Rosemary Sales's II MULTI-PARTY TALKS & MODELS social, political and national liberation "omen Divided Hanna Sheehy Skeffington: provides an extensive survey of O Ceallaigh, Leirmheas FOR A SETTLEMENT Nationalism bv Adrian Dr. Hennessey, a former Fellow of the were honed in the crucible of struggle, women's experiences and attitudes in I Iastings, (Cambridge Iiisiiiulc of Irish Studies at Queen's both in Ireland and, for a number of a life by Margaret Ward, (PO Box 3278, Dublin 6), I'nivcrsiiy, Belfast and a research offi- years, in the United States where he the six counties, and deftly combines University Press, 112.95 cer .11 ihe Centre for the Study of worked as an organiser for the militant Attic Press, £14.95 hbk statistical tables, anecdotal evidence £4.50 pbk Conflict a' the University of Ulster, and other data into a readable whole. trade union organisation, the and Women Divided: Adrian Hastings is a prolessor ol lias produced a comprehensive acade- Industrial Workers of the World, bet- She tries to provide as wide a range 'Historic' is a word ihat is bound to be ilic»ill>gv ai I.ccds I Ic siarlcd his book mic study of the conflict between ter known as the Wobblies. gender, religion and politics of evidence as posible and saves her bandied about a little loo much as we "ill) >1 view I" adopting, .is 1 .Alexander Bozvman, The beef about Wellington and his reactionary doctrines resulted While dedicating himself to better- Bartlett undoubtedly succeeds in concludes that while Tone certainly lOO YEARS OF RESONANCE in the brutal treatment of (over 42 per ing the working and living conditions presenting Tone as a fully rounded did not invent the idea, and while we Ruairi O Domhnaill reviews Wellington: A Personal pit teer oj labour polities in cent Irish) 'other ranks'. ESSAYS AND CONTRIBUTIONS ON THE HISTORY of his fellow workers and citizens, man of his times, the 18th Century, should not accept his claim to have History by Christopher Hibbert, Harper Collins, £9.95 His all-conquering 'British square' Ireland by Terence both as a labour movement activist while pointing out the errors of Tone's been a separatist "from his earliest AND RELEVANCE OF THE UNITED IRISHMEN was devised in part to limit deser- and later as an enlightened employee modern-day detractors who have days", "there was a separatist note to Wellington is a great British myth - most British officers, he was educated AND THE 1798 REVOLUTION Bowman, Ulster tion.Wellington's military legacy was of Belfast Corporation, he remained a attempted to fit the founding father of his writings, a separatist logic to his archetypical officer and gentleman: at Eton and in a French military acad- the mindset which manifested itself Historical Foundation, supporter of both the monarchy and modern Irish republicanism with the actions and a willingness to embrace the politician (MP for Trim, aged 19), emy where he learned to dance, appre- 18 essays covering the events of 1798 and: The Defenders. in the Crimean, South African and the Hmpire. attitudes and attributes of subsequent the separatist option that together diplomat and the invincible ('Irish') ciate music and eschew modesty. The United Irishmen; The Orange Order; (irattan s Parliament: Great Wars, and to and beyond W.99 pbk The most interesting part of this eras. marked Tone out as the first Irish sep- general. His physical stature grows Contrary to myth, Wesley showed The Ac I of Union; Wolfe Tone, The Women of '98; absolutely no loyalty to 'the regiment'. January 30, 1972. biography focusseson Bowman's prin- In this respect, the final chapter aratist". with the myth - from 57" (according | The Wexford Republic; The United Scotsmen; I Ins sympathetic and well-written cipled support for Home Rule, and his to a contemporary) to 5'8" or even 5'9" From subaltern, 76th (Hindoostan) Although out of his depth in diplo- 'Republicanism and Separatism' and This slim biography of Tone The ItHlueritc of 1798 on Republicanism Today; 1798 and Marxism: Inc. graphical study of Alexander Regiment of Foot, he borrowed and macy, he recognised the contradictory leading role in I he formation of the the author's conclusion are particular- deserves to be well-received, although in more modern accounts. He was a Bowman provides a wealth of fascinat- traded promotions until, at 24, he pur- British policy which encouraged I'm and Protestant Identity; Culture and the Fnlightenmcnt. Protestant Home Rule Association, an ly interesting. the author's acceptance of Tone's Freemason, brothel-customer and all- ing detail about the career of a man chased a lieutenant-colonelcy. insurgency in Latin America, yet Commemoration and The Politics of Memory organisation whose very existence He takes on those who have ques- death as self-inflicted rather than mur- round adulterer. who played an important role in the prosecuted our Seoinin Liberator. contradicted the now all-too-familiar tioned Tone's reputation as a republi- dered by the British authorities will Wesley assiduously managed his The Wellington legend masks fail- development of labour politics in Did Wellington say of Ireland, I76pp Paperback £7.95 from Irish interest bookshops or 18 unending P&P) unionist claims thai ihere was no can and a separatist head on, high- undoubtedly cause disquiet in some myth - he became 'Wellesley' to avoid ures. Like Churchill, he was quick to Belfast towards the end of the last, "being born in a pigsty does not make From Irish Reporter Publications. (TO Nexus Co-op Protestant support for an Irish parlia- lighting that while Tone was, without quarters and add fuel to this long- association with John Wesley. blame others - the government, licen- century. you a pig"? Probably, but Hibbert does Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8. Ireland ment. DG doubi, a "thoroughgoing republican", standing controversy. 'Wellington' was chosen for him on tious soldiery, even 'brother' officers. not say. the most superficial justification. Like He rarely praised others, and his self- Irish Democrat April/May 1998 Page 11 I'age 10 Irish Democrat April /May Peter Mulligan's Peepshow Reviews Some on the shores of distant lands, 'You'd better get born in some place else Among the poems leatured in the with us workings. She recounts the gua franca and the television sitcom Their weary hearts have laid, Move along, get along, book are Daibhi () Brudair's.4 Fateful famous people who came to visit. Father Ted must be credited with LCAn-OlH All in the price And by the strangers heedless hands, Move along, get along, THE GOLD SUN Wound and Sang o) ille Lower Classes by These included Burl Ives, who came exporting the delightful word feck (a "Th e I'.onset Seamus O Cionnfhaolaidh Their lonely graves were made. Go! Move! Shift!' An appeal to reaction Chartisl leader Hrnest Jones. in search of Raftery the poet after hear- OF IRISH I RJ I DOM slightly more polite form of the But though their clay be far away, vative Party must continue effectively One slight criticism of this other- ing one of his songs sung in Gaelic by f-word). In what we hope will become a Beyond the Atlantic foam, Born on the common by ihe building site to deiach itself from the bipartisan 179H in Song an J Story wise enjoyable book is that it contains a man from Atlanta, Georgia, whose approach (on Northern Ireland i and If your appetite has been whetted regular Irish language feature, In true men, like you men, Where the ground was rutted by the trail ot wheels a number of minor, but nonetheless great-great grandmother had emigrat- it should do so on a security-related by the goings-on in Barrytown, or you Seamus O Cionnfhaolaidh starts Their spirits still at home. The local Christian said to me, irritating errors, suggesting that it was ed during the famine. Tolkein, who have a taste for purely Irish slang, then issue which would maximise support 'You'll lower the price of property' brought out in something of a hurry. was acquainted with the works of Sean this excellent tome - by critic, writer off ky retelling two stories, The dust of some is Irish earth, even among those with no instinctive DG O'Faolain, also visited, while Walt and teacher Bernarde Share - is cer- handed down by word of mouth Among their own they rest; sympathy for the cause ol the Union. Dysnev came in search of lep- Chorus tainly the book for you. through the generations, and And the same land that gave them birth, The government's handling ol the rechauns! Roisin McAliskey case, which otlends As a reference work, or just to dip learnt by Seamus before he able Has caught them to her breast; Born at potato picking time This is an entertaining book which into for pure pleasure, offers every Conservative principle, is an Slanguage to read or write English. And we will pray that from their clay In a tent in a tatie field. provides an interesting overview of more than 300 pages of the creative use excellent place to start." (Daily Full many a race will start The farmer said, 'The work's all done. Irish culture over the age. Hopefully of the English language by its greatest Telegraph editorial) Of true men like you men, Its time you were moving on.' Mahon can be persuaded to write a full exponents, the Irish! An Fia agus an loch To act as brave a part. autobiography, embellishing the There are some real classics here, The deer and the lake - The Knglish Chorus The quality of justice details sketched in this book. EF and explanations show how deeply Bhi Fia ag siul sa choill la, agus thainig They rose in dark and evil days, system isn't fit to judge an Irish dog embedded slang is in popular culture se go dti an ait a raibh Loch, agus To right their native land; Born at the back of a hawthorn hedge show, never mind an Irish person." with many phrases and words either nuair a fheach se sios san uisce chona- They kindled here a living blaze, Where the frost lay on the ground. (Paddy Hill of ihe Birmingham Six) sourced from literature or happily ic se scail (1). That nothing shall withstand. No eastern kings came bearing gifts. Menial Torture - "She (Roisin The Gold Sun of Irish repeated in it. EF "Nach mor maiseach na hadharca Alas, that might can vanish right Instead the order came to shift. McAliskey) was in effect given the Freedom: 1798 in song and seo orm", a deir se leis fein, ach nach They fell and pass away; makings of a complete menial break- Poetry tair bocht iad an da chois seo chun But true men, like you men, down by reason of the interrogation story by Danny Doyle and Chorus tosaigh orm, iad caol agus tanai. Leis Are plenty here today. process in Castlereagh. The doctors If only Tone were who have had her under their care, Terence Folan, Mercier sin chuala se fear seilge (2) ag trial ar, Henry Joy The eastern sky was full of stars here today agus a choin in theannta. Agus bhi' se Then here's their memory - may it be And one shone brighter than the rest. and the doctors for the Home Press, £7.99 phk ag preabadh (3) leis na cosa caola (4) a The words are by T.P. Cuming to an air very similar to For us a guiding light The wise men came so stern and strict Secretary, agree that whatever hap- If only Tone was here today pened to her in Castlereagh it has B r f d M a h o n chain se tamall roimhe sin agus ag My Singing Bird. Henry Joy McCracken was the leader To cheer our strife for liberty, And brought the orders to evict. Wriilcn and compiled b\ Irish ballad What a picture he would see deanamh rith mhaith on nadhad a bhi' of one of the sporadic outbreaks in the 1798 Rebellion. At And teach us to unite! caused this ongoing effect for this smgci Damn I)o\ le and author histo- A nation that's divided length of lime." ar a thoir (5). Agus na hdarharca a the head of3,000 rebels, McCracken attacked the town of Through good and ill be Ireland's still, Chorus (Garetli I'eirce, defence i I.ui lerence l-olan, Tlu Gold Sun oj And his people still unfree. mhol se go mor, bhi'odar ag deanamh Antrim and was defeated. Arrested, he was later executed Though sad as their's your fate; solicitor) Irish IreeJom successlullv combines a While (ireen Grass Grows: dochar do (6) chun go rabhadar ag dul for his part in the rebellion. A nother song about Henry Joy And true men, be you, men, Wagon tent or trailer born, liighK readable outline accounl ot the The homeless and the landless in achran ins na crannaibh (7). agus is by fellow United Irishman Willam Drennan, but this Like those of'98. Last month, last year or in far off days. Changing ownership " The proportion background, events and personalities memoirs of a folklorist, And the masses dispossessed gur thainig na fir seilge suas leis agus tune is more popular. Born here or a thousand miles away of Labour's income Irom individuals ol ihe rebellion of 179X, ami lis aller- The blind sectarian hatred gur mharbh siad e. There's always men nearby to say and companies doubled to 55 per cent inaih, wnli songs and poeirv inspired Brid Mahon, Mercier And the working class oppressed. An Ulster man I am proud to be, between 1992 and 1997." {77/. Times.) In ihis remarkable period ol Irish his- Notes: (1) shadow, (2) a hunter, (3) jumping up, Press, £8.99 pbk From the glen of Antrim I come, Less than 40 per cent of the Labour lor'v. (4) thin legs, (5) chasing him (6) holding him The boys of Mullaghbawn Chorus We still fly the flag of Liberty back (7) gen. pi. Although I labour by the sea, Partv's income ol 124 million comes Many ol ihe 45 songs, which are Briil Mahon's new book tells the fasci- And demand the rights of man I have followed flag and drum, This is a transportation lament from Bill Meek's Irish ©McColl/Harmony Music from the trade union movement. pruned along with musical annotation nating story of the Irish Folklore But we still have no equality I have heard the marshal tramp of men: Slanguage: a dictionary of An gadai agus a mhathair Folk Song Collection. The 'heroes'of Mullaghbaivn were and easy guii.tr chords, are a part of Commission, which was founded in Nor do we own or rule our land. I've seen them fight and die. compelled to leave their country for engaging in The price of your rights? "John The thief and his mother Ireland's rich and living oral tradition 1935 by Seamus () Duilearga, and over Irish slang, Bernard Share, Ah, lads I remember well combination, an early form of agricultural trade unionism. Hume's SDI.P can win material gains and will be familiar lo man v. Thev ihe years amassed perhaps the most We have no co-existence yet Bhi buachaill ann tra a goid leabhar o When I followed Henry Joy. The music is included in the book, available from the Four for his constituents power sharing, include Gill and Macmillan, The ll'iari/T n/ ihe (Ireen, significant and largest bodies of folk- No brotherhood of man cheann des na scolairi ar scoil, agus Provinces Bookshop, price £3.99. fouR provinces new links with ihe Republic, stronger Croppies Lie Dtnvn! and Henry Joy (see lore in Kurope. £10.99 pbk But we still have class distinction thug se abhaile chun a mhathair e. I pulled Ay boat up from the sea, rights and safeguards bul only bv opposite page). Others such as Pete St Mahon herself worked for the And for Labour's cause we stand. Ach in ait e smachtu se rud a dhein si I hid my sails away, endorsing an essentially partitionist John's Year oj the French areola more On a Monday morning my rambling feet did lead Folklore Commission for many years, In recent times the books of Roddy ach e a mholadh. Ach dreir mar a fhas I hung my nets on a greenwood tree, Bookshop settlement." (The limes) contemporary origin. me her life being inextricably bound up Doyle have celebrated the often robust We're divided, weak, exploited an fear og do ghoid se nithe ni ba And I scanned the moonlit bay, Down by a farmer's station through meadow and For books, music tapes and cds, Irish language colloquial terminology of Irish peo- Scattered ranks are always thin luachmhara agus i ndeire na dala do The boys were out and the Redcoats too, The price of your friends "MI5 gave green lawn materials, Celtic art cards and much more ple, in particular the word bollix So if Tone is coming back again gabhadh e(l). I kissed the wife goodbye; Patrick Daly £400,(XX) in resettlement I heard great lamentation that the wee birds they (unsavoury individual). Let the legions march with him. Cuireadh an dli ar agus daoradh And in the shade of the greenwood glade payments to inform on the Irish were making, Irish Studies Review Recent successful Irish films and chun bais e. Nuair a thainig la a I followed Henry Joy. Including the new Connolly National Liberation Army...he was Saying 'We'll have no more engagements with the plays have regularly included the lin- Art McMillen, Belfast chrochta, chonaic se a mhathair ag siul Association pamphlet: then give a bonus of £40,000 if the boys of Mullaghbawn'. Irish Studies Review was i lar an tsluagh, agus i ag caoine in- In Antrim town the tyrant stood, arrests "lead to 'good custodial' sen- dhiadh. D'iar a mac ar lucht a He tore our ranks with ball, tences." Michael Gallagher, 55, Irom loimdcd in Ias ,i Squire Jackson is unequalled for honour and for chrochta cead a thabhairt do aon fho- But with a cheer and a pike to clear, Glasgow, who was sentenced to 20 loiinn lot the publication reason, Atmospheric tunes of joy cal amhain a radh lei. We swept them o'er the wall. years, claimed he was offered 11 mil- ill aiIicli's. iniet\icws. He never turned a traitor nor betrayed the rights of Nuair a thainig si in-aice chuir si a Our pikes and sabres flashed that day, lion to name others. (The Guardian) \ icw points and rev icw s Derek Humphries reviews Caiman the Dove, Savourna man. cluais suas len-bheal, agus chun go n- We won, but lost, ah why? But now we are in danger from a vile deceiving w Inch coiil i ibutf lo l lie Stevenson, Cooking Vinyl, Cook CD 137 aireodh si go soilear e. Ach do chuir se No matter lads, I fought beside The Masons - "Why should they (The scliolai Iv development ol a fhiacla go daingean in-cluais, do And shielded Henry Joy. stranger, Home Office Select Committee) be so Who has ordered transportation for the boys of know Icdiic. undci slaiuling low-whistle and Anne Wood's eerie scread si agus liuig si' agus dubhairt against the Masons?...our democratic Mullaghbawn government has no right to hound this and appicci.ition oi Itish fiddle. leis gur iontach an bithiunach e agus Oh boys, for Ireland's cause we fought, Savourna Stevenson is a truly vir- rud mar sin a dheanamh len mhathair For her and home we bled, small group of predominantly white s|udics ,uul culluic As those heroes crossed the ocean I'm told the boat tuoso harpist. In addition, her subtle bocht, "ach se rud a dubhairt se leis an Though our pikes were few our hearts beat true, Anglo-Saxon men "(The Times) Ihiotighoul Ihe woi lil. in motion use of keyboards blends imperceptive- slua na seo", is mor an truagh nar thug And five to one lay dead. Did stop in wild commotion, as if the seas ran dry, ly with the otherwise acoustic quality si bithiunach orm an chead la in ar And many a lassie mourned her lad, Ulster Unionist Party "The Orange- The trout and salmon gaping while the cuckoo left Irish Studies Review h an of the traditional instruments. Davy ghoid me an leabhar sin, agus ni And mother mourned her boy; Order iii Northern Ireland is entitled its station to representation on the Council and indispcMs.ihlc IC-OIIICC loi Spillane fans might be surprised that bheinn inniu mar a thaim i laimh an For youth was strong in that gallant throng Saying 'Farewell to lovely Erin and the hills of his piping only features on a couple of crochadora. Smachtaigh an leanbh i Who followed Henry Joy. on the Executive Committee. ill lliose engaueil in lush sludics and related disciplines. Mullaghbawn.' tracks, but are amply rewarded by his laetheannta a oige (2). However, all their delegates musi also This unusual instrumental album whistle. Anne Wood's fiddle is versa- be members of local (Unionists) SI l!S( Kll'l ION KM I S Notes: (1) was arrested, (2) controlled the child in To end my lamentation we are in consternation, Constituency Associations." (VV1' amalgamates the talents of Savourna tile and indispensable - sheer joy. his youth The memory of the dead • I'm I ohmic <> (.< twties i. ISSS m>7-im2. And for the lack of education I here must end my Stevenson (harp and keyboards), Davy constitution) This song, the best of those vmtten about 1798, was by a song. lnsiiiulion.il rale: L7J.IIII: North America US$124.00 Spillane (low-whistle and uillean H professor of Greek in Trinity College, Dublin, James None seeks for education for without consideration I'cison.d Kale: 120.1 H>: North America US$32.00 pipes) and Anne Wood (fiddle). Unequal exchange rate Doing time I Ingram Wells. Unfortunaterly his appeal appears to be We're sent in transportation from the hills of Savourna was commissioned to in a British top- security prison is pre- Join the I directed only towards the male half of the Irish nation. Mullaghbawn. write a work commemorating the cisely 20 per cent worse lhan in a I anniversary of Columba and the com- The Road to national German jail, a court in Lower Saxony OKDI K FORM I Who fears to speak of '98? ing of Christianity to Iona. Connolly Association democracy: the story of the has ruled. The calculation by five I'lease send a complclcd eopv ol litis form, with Ihe Who blushes at the name? Here she has successfully blended judges came after ihe prisoner •gjg^ appropi i.ite pa vine ill. to I he address below. The Connolly Association is the oldest campaigning organisation When cowards mock the patriot's fate, Moving on song Irish culture with the spiritual beauty Irish peace process involved claimed he had been better of the Irish in Britain. Membership costs £10 per year - or £12 for Who hangs his head for shame? of the islands. The theme of her nine Also called 'Go, Move, Shift,' written by Ewan McColl by Owen Bennett off in a Turkish prison than in the a joint membership, (£6 joint unwaged) and £5 for individual He's all a knave or half a slave, Name pieces centres around the life and trav- for a series he wrote on the hardships of the travelling maximum security unit of Belmarsh students, unemployed and pensioners. Membership includes a Who slights his country thus, Address els of Columba. people. Christy Moore wrote of this song: 'When I sing this "A valuable contributio' i to the in London. (The Guardian) * free subscription to the But a true man like you man, Savourna Stevenson and Davy Irish Democrat. song I always remember a picket I saw in Galway where Will fill your glass with us. debate about the peace process." Spillane formed a close partnership local people were demanding the travellers move and, Price £2.00 (£2.50 inc. p&p.) Last Word during the making of this album, Name.... simultaneously, saying the rosary.' (( Then raise the scarlet standard We drank the memory of the brave, which they the co-produced at high Address. The faithful and the few, Spillane's studio in County Clare. Available from Beneath its folds we'll live and die Carl'ax Publishing I imileil. I'O Box 25. Abingdon. Some lie far off across the wave, Born in the middle of the afternoon The opening track, Caiman the Though cowards flinch and traitors Oxfordshire OX 14 .UHi. UK Postcode Some sleep in Ireland too. In a horse-drawn carriage on the old A5, Four Provinces Bookshop, Wolf, sets the mood with lively guitar- sneer I k lei: +44 (0) 1235 401000. Uk Fax: +44 (0) 1235 401550 All, all are gone but still lives on, The big twelve wheeler shook my bed, 244 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X like harp and rolling low-whistle, aug- I/We enclose the membership subscription of £ The fame of those who died, 'You can't stay here,' the policeman said. 8JR. Telephone 0171 833 3022 We'll keep the red flag flving here. J J I -mail: s;iles(

Anonn Is Anall: The Peter Berresford Ellis Column Peter Berresford Ellis provides an update on the background cursory protest against the United Kingdom's con- tinued territorial claims over all 32 counties of to Britain's heraldic claim to sovereignty over the whole of Ireland. Unfortunately many others, even in the office of Ireland and urges readers to support the efforts of the President of Ireland, then Mary Robinson, who, a new pressure group intent on highlighting as a constitutional lawyer, should have been the first to uphold the State, its constitution and emblems, this flagrant breach of international law. did not even bother to reply. Mary McAleese, her successor, had her secretary write that 'the President any readers have been asking me il does not have an executive role and it would not be there has been any response to the appropriate for her to intervene in this matter.' She arguments put forward in this col- did, however, feel able to send the letter to her gov- umn in the October/November, 19% ernment and we await to hear further. issue, under the title 'Illegal Arms Obviously, following the changes of govern- hind at Buckingham I'alace'. ment in both Ireland and England, Ar Maoin 1'hev will be aware ol the Dcmmral leader on has now sent out another letter, stating the the subject ill (he last issue. position, to establish the attitude of the new The central argument was thai by quarter political leaders. Initial responses are equally as ing the Irish State Arms in the Koyal Arms of disappointing and most political leaders, and the l ulled Kingdom, which serves the l'K as a their advisors, are apparently totally ignorant on stale heraldic symbol, the 1'mted Kingdom was the matter, specifically the significance of the Arms asserting an illegal claim, moral or de Hire. lo of Ireland being quartered in the United sovereignty ovei all Ireland. I Ins claim makes Kingdom's Royal Arms. the I k's Ircqiicnl demand for I he Irish state However, Eamon O Cuiv, de Valera's lo abandon Articles 2 and < ol lis constitution grandson and now Fianna Fail's Minister look Iranklv ridiculous. of State for the Department of Arts, The Royal Arms, quartering the Irish Slate Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, has Arms, are noi ihc personal arms ol ilic I K promised to pursue the matter. moil,iicli bin are liei kingdom's claim lo Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown dominion, a elami ol sovereignty. All interna- actually pretended that he was not ei. :d to tional heraldic experts recognise that. I'.vcn comment on the matter at all. 'There is a IIM Queen Hli/abcili II understands 11. strictly enforced Parliamentary convention which hollowing my article, (amor Kelleher, a prevents me from becoming involved in issues out- /\ HUH uit leader, began wi lling lo the appropriate side of my constituency.' That 'convention' has not bodies seeking inhumation and comment. He has prevented him 'sounding off' on the Irish 'peace since sel up a pressure group named Ar Maoin (Our process', or on any matters of foreign policy such as Treasure) to campaign lor the removal ol the offen- jpjd ^ jK Iraq or making comment on any other matter out- V X. : sive, and internationally illegal, quartering ol the f side of his constituency before. It was an arrogant " $ f Arms ol Ireland from I he I K Royal Arms. t Li t I ,MON DROITj but feeble excuse to dodge a reply. One ol ihc inosi revealing replies to his letters William Hague, leader of the Tory opposition, came from Buckingham I'alace in which Queen 6' sent two lines via a clerk working in his Hli/abcth II 'look earelul note ol ihc views' and 'Correspondence Unit' saying 'he has carefully agreed thai, while the Royal Arms had sustained noted your comments'. He probably never even read several changes over ihc years 'the Arms ol Ireland the letter. have remained' within llicm Queen blames her Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, however, Queen Elizabeth li s view was: 'li seems likelv was moved to send a handwritten reply saying 'I see thai consideration would have been given to this no problem... after all there are two Irelands'. when the Republic, ol licland came into existence. Maybe he should remind his fellow unionists of this However, although the question has its heraldic when they next decide to burn the Irish harp sym- aspect, it is essent ial ly ii political question, imd the deci- government for bol as 'a Fenian badge' and 'emblem of an alien simi in retain the .1 rni\ nl In land m the Royal Arms country'! The harp as symbol of the Irish people ivtmlJ IIIKY hi en made mi (iinvrnmcnt advice.' (My was, of course, often banned as a 'provocative emphasis). emblem' under the Northern Ireland Flags and So did 1 lei Majesty's (iovernmenl admit to mak- Emblems Act of 1954. Lucky for HM the Queen ing I he political decision." Well, when John Major illegal 'arms' find that the unionists have apparently not noticed the was I'niiic Minister Ins secretary sent the query lo offending 'provocative emblem' in her Royal Arms! the Government department Major deemed respon- lerritories that the sovereign rules de facto or claims d'Irlande'. This was not, of course, the English Both HM Queen Elizabeth II and her heraldic sible I Ins department was the Department ol to rule de jure divino. The Royal Arms assert a real kings because they were Lords of Ireland until 1541. advisors are quite clear that the Arms of Ireland are National Heritage and the sub-department was the and moral claim to sovereignty. That is why the use Henry VIII became the first English king to make in the Royal Arms as a political matter. Therefore, oddly named 'Cultural Property Unit'. Ian Jenkins of the Arms of Ireland quartered within them is an himself 'King of Ireland' and ordered the Irish the matter can only be resolved politically. replied on Us bclialt slalmg thai he had also eon- allront all Irish citizens as it is a claim for United kings to surrender their titles - his notorious ' sur- Tongue in cheek, I suggested back in the suited Willi ihc Northern Ireland Office. 1'he igno- Kingdom sovereignty over all Ireland. render and regrant' policy. October/November, 1996, issue that, pending the rance llial was ilicn displayed was breath-taking. One has to remember that the United Kingdom The Chief Herald's Office pointed out that the reunification of Ireland, the legal heraldic device of 'We understand that although the component may well be a 'constitutional monarchy' but it is noi Arms of Ireland, in modern times, were re-regis- the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom of Great pails ol ihe Royal Arms are associated with within the correct sense of the term. The monarch tered by order of the Irish Government in 1945 as Britain and Northern Ireland would be a quartered England, Scotland and Ireland, they are essentially is head of state and is the state in law (look at the law the legal basis for the Irish state to use and display emblem denoting the six counties of North-East the Personal Arms ol ihc Sovereign; and in that courts, it is the Queen who prosecutes in all state- those arms. 'The Arms of Ireland today are found in Ulster. No, it can't be the Red Hand of Ulster. That legal actions) and the people of her 'United is an all-Ulster device and one should remember Kingdom' are subjects and not citizens. The Royal that 'An Lamh Dearg' was the heraldic device of the One has to remember that Arms are used on UK passports, government build- Both HM Queen Elizabeth II Ui Neill dynasty of Ulster, and is still the interna- ings, letterheads of government departments, courts tionally registered heraldic device in the arms of the the United Kingdom may of law and all other state offices. and her heraldic advisors families of the descendants of the Ut Neill monarchs So much for the knowledge of the Department of who still live in exile in Spain and Portugal. well be a 'constitutional Heritage, who, incidentally, responded on letter- are quite clear that Personally, I would think that HM Queen head bearing the offending Royal Arms. If they had Elizabeth II would be rather unhappy about using monarchy' but it is not, genuinely thought they were 'personal arms', why- the Arms of Ireland are in the arms borne by her unionist government for the did no-one raise the point that ll is illegal to use (lie- 50 years when they represented a regime of blatant within the correct sense of personal arms of someone else? the Royal Arms as a discrimination and suppression of human rights the term. The monarch The current UK Prime Minister Tony Blair against so large a number of her subjects. What believes (he matter to come under the auspices of political matter might fill the empty quartering is something that is is head of state and is the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, but a beyond our remit at the moment. reply is still awaited from them. The appropriate the third quarter of the United Kingdom Royal The more pressing claim is that this matter of the state in law Hnglish heraldic office, the Clarenceux King of Arms and are blazoned exactly like the Irish State the quartering of the Arms of Ireland in the UK •i Arms and Register, stated thai he had discussed the Arms: Azure a harp or stringed argent.' Royal Arms should not be left to such tireless, inde- matter with the Garter King of Arms, senior The Chief Herald of Ireland continues: 'The pendent workers as Conor Kelleher and his Ar respect are not strictly the Arms of any territory'. heraldic advisor to the Queen. They both agreed officers of Arms at the Genealogical Office can make Maoin pressure group, but should be a matter of Oil dear, the poel Alfred, Lord Tennyson, once with HM Queen Hlizabeth. The matter is political. no comment on the use of the Irish harp and Arms intense diplomatic pressure from the highest levels remarked 'Blind and naked ignorance, Delivers 1'he Clarenceux King of Arms and Register by the Government of the United Kingdom. Only ' of the Irish state for it brawling judgements, unashamed'. They should wrote that he and (he Garter King of Arms: 'con- the Irish Government can make such comment...' is that state that the have consulted with IIM Queen Elizabeth II and siders II is a legal matter and that IL will obviously P11' would the Irish government make any such Ar Maoin United Kingdom is sought advice. have been raised at the time of Irish indepen- comment? Certainly not during John Bruton's time Our.xmisurc insulting before the I lie Rowil Arms are certainly not the personal dence...' But it? There is no record of it having in office. His Private Secretary wrote: 'The eyes of the world. arms ol ihe Queen nor of her family. Her family been raised hv either the UK parliament or the Irish Taoiseach wishes to say that he has noted your arms are, of course, those of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a parliament. So.frhat government minister advised views. These will be borne in mind in the course of branch ol ihe house of Saxony. She does not gener- the UK monarch to retain the arms as a political the multi-party negotiations on a settlement where Those interested ally bear these arms because in 1917 the British symbol? each participant is free to raise any significant issue in joining Ar Maoin Royal l ainilv Icll it more politic to adopt the name The Chief Herald of Ireland wrote confirming of concern.' should write to ol 'W'mdsoi' as there was a war going on with their ihe information given in my initial article was cor- The reality of his reply was that while he had Conor Kelleher, German cousins at that time. rect; pointing out the heraldic symbol of Ireland been quite prepared to make 'noises' about the Ar Maoin, PO Box The Royal Arms which she bears are called, in was recorded in the 13th Century French roll of removal of Articles 2 and 3, in respect of the six S063, Northampton, heraldic terms, 'Arms of Dominion', and refer to the arms and was noted to be the arms of 'Le Roi counties, he had not been prepared to make even a NN1 3ZR.

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