PRC-UTE
14th June 2008, 00:50
Irish Republican Socialist Bulletin
(Number 3)
Seamus Costello House
392 Falls Road Belfast
BT76DH Ireland
Phone: 028-9032=1024
e-mail: [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=bulletin%40irsm.org)
Date Friday June 13th 2008
IRSB
In this issue:
1) Coming Events for Republican Socialists
2) More Sectarian Attacks
3) Harassment by Irish Political Police
4) Did You Know?
5) Rights For new Mothers
6) Gay Pride
7) A Right Wing Dog¹s Dinner
8) Working Class Communities Under Threat in Inner City Belfast
9) Say No to Interface Violence
Coming Events for Republican Socialists
1) Public debate on the ŒRising Cost of Living¹ in the Landsdowne Court
Hotel Antrim Rd. Starts 7.00pm, on Thursday 19th June. Present will be
invited guests such as Junior Minister Gerry Kelly [SF]. Eleanor Gill N.I.
Consumer Council. Prof. Paddy Hillyard Former Independent Chair of the
Water Tax Review; the above invited guests will be contributing to the
debate.
2) Ceartais Public Meeting re- use of CF gas in Long Kesh 1974 and the
Health effects in later life for those affected; Tuesday 17th off June,
7.00pm in the GlenPark Ardoyne Ave. [This would apply to some of our
ex-prisoners¹ who were present during this event,)
3) Sunday 15th June evening. As part of the 'Say No To Bush' Campaign,
artist Christoff Gillen plans to write 'NO TO BUSH' in 50ft white letters on
the Black Mountain. This will make the campaign visible to the whole of
Belfast and complement the rally at City Hall on 16th June.
4) This Monday there is a protest out side the City Hall re- the planned
visits¹ later on off George Bush. This is a must. We have to be there with
Banner and a few Starry Plough flags, although comrades may be working each
Cumann could sent at least 2 there is a large crowd expected, so Media
coverage will a cert, hope to see you there!!
5/ Bodenstown Commemoration; Sallins Sunday the 29th off June; all expected
to attend and show support for comrades in the 26, who are under constant
threat and intimidation from the ŒBranch¹.
And they say nothing happening !!!
More Sectarian Attacks
Lime Court is Sheltered Dwelling for old people, situated at the bottom of
the loyalist Peter's Hill/Shankill and sandwiched between there and the
Catholic/Republican Carrickhill. The dwellings are totally occupied by
senior citizens from both communities who are mostly aged between 70-80
years old.
At the weekend the grounds were invaded by a number of men who set about
smashing windows of 4 dwellings with hammers and cudgels. The elderly
residents were terrified and rightly so.
The PSNI have not highlighted this attack on the elderly but have agreed
that it was sectarian. This comes after recent attacks on elderly peoples
homes in the nearby Stanhope Street which were also sectarian. Some of those
residents have asked to be moved away from the interface because they are
frightened, and now it is being suggested in some circles that there is
going to be a long hot summer campaign to force the catholic/Republican
families out.
Next year 2nd August 2009 is the 40th anniversary of one of the worse days
of the early troubles, when thousands of loyalists tried to storm the then
Unity Flats. Not everyone is aware that on that day an elderly man Patrick
Corry was beaten and stabbed by both loyalists and RUC men. When he was
eventually conveyed to hospital, he was to remain there until he died 4
months later from his injuries This is still fresh in many of our minds and
we will never forget how many battles were fought to keep this small enclave
at the bottom of the Shankill Catholic/Republican. The first time that it
was muted to bring the British Army on to the streets was during the 2nd-3rd
of August 1969 and it was because of the pressure the RUC were under. But
that's another story. During one of the many attempts to burn flats in Unity
in 1969 the attackers were met with a hail of gunfire. Unity Flats never
fell into loyalist hands and neither will Carrickhill.
Harrassment by Irish Political Police
The Seamus Costello Memorial Flute Band condemns the harassment at the John
Morris Commemoration in Dublin on Sunday 8th June.
On arrival at the venue for the march the bus carrying the band was
surrounded by Free State Special Branch.
Band members were mobbed on arrival by these people in suits and not allowed
to leave the the bus until everyone gave their names one at a time.
There are band members as young as 12 years of age and these young people,
who have committed no crime, were treated no differently to the adults by
these bullies. Names and addresses were taken. Even the bus drivers name was
taken.
We would like to point out that this harrassment has been ongoing for some
time now whenever the band travels to the 26 counties.we will remain
resolute. They will not, indeed they can not deter us from remembering the
dead volunteers of the IRSM.
The harassment by the special branch at this commemoration was outrageous.
Both members of the IRSP and non-members who came to pay respects were
harassed. Over eight special branch cars were present, and at least twenty
members of the special branch. Attendees were approached and asked
repeatedly throughout the day for their details, three times or more.
During the commemoration itself with the speeches and laying of the wreaths,
members of the special branch surrounded the graveyard in an intimidating
fashion.
When the speaker equipment was being carried back to be put away in the
nearby car park after the commemoration was finished, up to ten special
branch men and women quick marched through the grave aisles and over to
Dublin IRSP members and non-members and proceeded to surround and harass.
They accused those with cameras and phone camera¹s of taking photo¹s of
them, despite the near impossibility of Œnot¹ including them in any images
of the commemoration seeing as they surrounded the periphery of the crowd.
They proceeded to harass one lad who was a non-member of the IRSP and
accused him of photographing them, which in itself is not illegal being in a
public place. They took the camera off of him and then they demanded he show
them how to turn the camera on, which he eventually did as they couldn¹t
figure it out. They then asked him to delete the images off the camera, all
the while being surrounded by the special branch. In a change of mind, the
special branch man removed and confiscated the memory card from the camera.
One special branch man suggested his arrest. Later, a member of the special
branch believed him to be a member of eirigi, while another asked his
nationality. They also commented on his appearance and said he had changed
his hair. All of which was of no business to them, and was naked
intimidation.
This was a scandalous act, to confiscate the property of a member of the
public who committed no crime and was not a member of any political
organisation, but was simply an attendee.
After this, they then proceeded to harass members of Dublin IRSP. In one
instance of harassment, special branch men circled a members vehicle looking
to point out faults with the tyres or other components of the car. Finding
nothing, they asked whether he was a fully licensed driver and whether he
had a licensed driver in the car with him. Again, things were in order. They
then checked the vehicles tax and insurance discs and claimed that they were
possible forgeries. Unfounded claims.
During this time, again they asked for names and addresses of all who were
present, despite already giving such details numerous times already. They
asked for Ids and even took driving license numbers.
As some members walked back to the pub three special branch cars drove
past and tauntingly beeped their horn and made hand gestures out the window
and laughed.
The commemoration was organised as a public event to commemorate a socialist
volunteer who was murdered by this very same ilk. No members of the IRSP,
and especially ordinary members of the public who attend should be harassed
in such a way.
The political police force of the freestate showed their true colours yet
again, and stooped to a new low, disrupting peaceful assembly, the
confiscation of a persons private property, and with the accusing of members
of the public not affiliated to any political organisation what-so-ever of
membership of an Œillegal¹ organisation unless their property were handed
over and details given.
They incriminated what was not criminal and confiscated what was not theirs.
Did You Know
Working people today have to work more than 50hrs a week to reach the same
earnings power of those working less than 40hrs during the 1960s and 1970s.
New technology has not give more leisure time to workers but rather more
profit for the Bosses.
The last Act of Parliament of the old Stormont the Social Needs Act 1971
(the same legislation which created Local Authority Leisure Services and
leisure centres) estimated that those employed had 30hours a week available
to spend in leisure centres. That figure today combined with poor working
conditions and long hours leaves 10 leisure hours.
However, only one person in four can afford to use the leisure centres more
than one session a week.
Rights for new mothers
In un-organised non union work places, more often than not, employers fail
to inform Women that since the April last year all employed women who are
expecting a baby will benefit from new rights to maternity pay and leave.
Many women are still only claiming maternity pay based on 26 weeks. The new
rights are:
* *an increased period of Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity
Allowance*, paid for 39 weeks instead of 26. Statutory Maternity
Pay is paid at 90% of her average weekly earnings for the first
six weeks of her leave. After that, she will receive a flat rate
or 90% of her average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for 33
weeks. Maternity Allowance is paid by the Government at a flat
rate or 90% of a woman¹s average weekly earnings for all 39 weeks;
There¹s no change to the amount of notice employees have to give their
employer about when they want to start maternity leave or when they¹ll be
coming back to work. However, *if an employee changes her mind about the
date she intends to come back* to work from leave, she must give her
employer at least 8 weeks¹ notice before the new date (or before the date
she originally planned to return, if this is earlier).
GAY PRIDE
The IRSP in North Belfast condemn totally the homophobic comments of
Strangford MLA Iris Robinson on the Nolan show on Radio Ulster. Her comments
included the biblical description of the homosexual act as an Œabomination¹,
are totally inappropriate in a climate where gay people are regularly
attacked because of their sexual orientation.
An IRSP spokesperson commented that gay people are due the same respect and
protection of all other sectors within society. That an elected
representative behaves in such a fashion and holds extreme views that Iris
Robinson holds and espouses is in fact the real abomination.
A RIGHT DOGS DINNER
The promotion of DUP¹s dynamic duo, the Dick Dasterdly and Muttley of
Unionism, Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell to the Stormont executive has
been described by the IRSP in Belfast as another strike against anything
Œgreen¹ and Gaelic. The fact that Sammy Wilson doesn¹t believe in Global
warming and Gregory Campbell makes a joke of the Irish Language in Stormont,
does not bode well for the notion of consensual politics up at the big house
on the hill. Watch this space!
Working class communities under threat in inner city Belfast
The decision to go ahead with a high rise apartment block in Donegal Street
whilst a nearby social housing scheme faces further delays is a damning
indictment on both the planning authority and the department of social
development.
The IRSP fully support the sterling effort of St. Patrick¹s and St Joseph¹s
housing action group in its campaign to achieve the required amount of
social housing across North Belfast. The building of the social housing is
being held up by red tape from the North West quarter regeneration. Private
developers do not seem to attract the same planning delays as those for
social housing. The long term effect of such decisions is housing waiting
lists getting longer, more homelessness or further exploitation from private
landlords. The IRSP are clear that there is no private housing solution to
the long term need for social housing, if the present trend continues
traditional working class areas in the inner city are under a very real
threat.
North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group Poster Launch 2008
The North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group in partnership with youth
providers from across North Belfast will be launching their interface poster
initiative for 2008 on Wednesday 18th June at 4:30pm in Groundwork NI on
Duncairn Gardens.
Pioneered by the North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group the initiative
will distribute 20,000 leaflets and posters across schools, youth clubs and
local communities to highlight the dangers and risks, particularly among
young people, associated with summer rioting at interfaces. The initiative
is calling on all with influence with our young people to exercise positive
leadership at this time.
The message that young people are sending out that interface violence is not
acceptable is highly significant and brings a new dimension to the poster
campaign that is now in its third year.
Youth providers held focus groups of young people from the north of the city
to consult with them on how they wanted to shape the image, content and
message of the campaign.
This poster launch is the formal launch of a process which will leave
everyone in no doubt of the dangers, risks and harm associated with
sectarian conflict at interfaces. The poster launch will also aim to
generate dialogue among communities around the role and responsibility of
children, parents, church leaders, politicians and teachers to ensure that
this summer passes off peacefully.
The poster will be launched this year primarily by young people who will be
sending out the message ³North Belfast Youth say no to interface violence²
Local schools and youth clubs and organisations will be invited to help
deliver the message and to launch the initiative alongside local politicians
and community representatives.
The poster will also be carried in a high visibility advertising campaign
carried on Translink buses servicing North Belfast routes throughout the
summer sponsored by OFM/dFM.
Project promoter Rab McCallum stated: ³It is also of concern that 11 and 12
year olds are now routinely engaged in interface conflict within and between
communities. People living on interfaces live in constant stress over the
summer months. Irresponsible and reckless actions by young people or those
consumed with alcohol often compounds the misery that residents must live
with over the summer months.²
Michael Atcheson contributed: ³The consequences of interface violence are
seldom understood by young people who see this pursuit as fun. The poster
initiative will raise awareness among young people that rioting at
interfaces could damage their future prospects of employment, travel while
also rewarding them with a criminal record or custodial sentence.²
Anyone wishing further detail on the interface poster initiative or the
launch should contact;
Breandán Clarke [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=brendan%40nbin.info) Tel: 07877874893
Or
John Loughran [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=john%40intercommbelfast.com) Tel:
1. The NBCTF is actively supported by groups reflective of the diversity of
North Belfast to include:North Belfast Interface Network, LINC Resource
Centre, North Belfast Developing Leadership CEP, Teach na Failte, Concerned
Residents of Upper Ardoyne (CRUA), EPIC, Mid Skegoneil Community
Association, , Lower Shankill Community Association, The Corrymeela
Community, Greencastle CEP, 174 Trust, Upper Ardoyne Community Partnership,
Tar Isteach, North Belfast Alternatives, Intercomm, Ardoyne Focus Group,
Cavehill/ Antrim Road Regeneration (CARR) and the Fellowship of Messines
Association Project.
1. The Interface Poster that outlines the dangers of engaging in conflict at
the interfaces is being promoted by the North Belfast Interface Monitoring
Network. This is a sub group of the North Belfast Conflict Transformation
Forum. This group enjoys membership from across all communities.
1. On the day of the launch there will be a symbolic distribution of the
poster across interface communities and schools.
1. The poster will be displayed in all West Belfast Taxi Association cabs
and Shankill Road Black Taxi Association.
1. This programme is being supported by the Office of the First Minister and
Deputy First Minister and the Department of Social Development.
1. This programme is also being supported by the Network Reference Group, a
coalition of all North Belfast Community Empowerment Partnerships.
1. For information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Breandán Clarke on 07877 874893 or at [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=brendan%40nbin.info)
Or
John Loughran on 02890 352 165 or at [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=john%40intercommbelfast.com)
This bulletin produced by the Collective Editorial Staff of the IRSP
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(Number 3)
Seamus Costello House
392 Falls Road Belfast
BT76DH Ireland
Phone: 028-9032=1024
e-mail: [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=bulletin%40irsm.org)
Date Friday June 13th 2008
IRSB
In this issue:
1) Coming Events for Republican Socialists
2) More Sectarian Attacks
3) Harassment by Irish Political Police
4) Did You Know?
5) Rights For new Mothers
6) Gay Pride
7) A Right Wing Dog¹s Dinner
8) Working Class Communities Under Threat in Inner City Belfast
9) Say No to Interface Violence
Coming Events for Republican Socialists
1) Public debate on the ŒRising Cost of Living¹ in the Landsdowne Court
Hotel Antrim Rd. Starts 7.00pm, on Thursday 19th June. Present will be
invited guests such as Junior Minister Gerry Kelly [SF]. Eleanor Gill N.I.
Consumer Council. Prof. Paddy Hillyard Former Independent Chair of the
Water Tax Review; the above invited guests will be contributing to the
debate.
2) Ceartais Public Meeting re- use of CF gas in Long Kesh 1974 and the
Health effects in later life for those affected; Tuesday 17th off June,
7.00pm in the GlenPark Ardoyne Ave. [This would apply to some of our
ex-prisoners¹ who were present during this event,)
3) Sunday 15th June evening. As part of the 'Say No To Bush' Campaign,
artist Christoff Gillen plans to write 'NO TO BUSH' in 50ft white letters on
the Black Mountain. This will make the campaign visible to the whole of
Belfast and complement the rally at City Hall on 16th June.
4) This Monday there is a protest out side the City Hall re- the planned
visits¹ later on off George Bush. This is a must. We have to be there with
Banner and a few Starry Plough flags, although comrades may be working each
Cumann could sent at least 2 there is a large crowd expected, so Media
coverage will a cert, hope to see you there!!
5/ Bodenstown Commemoration; Sallins Sunday the 29th off June; all expected
to attend and show support for comrades in the 26, who are under constant
threat and intimidation from the ŒBranch¹.
And they say nothing happening !!!
More Sectarian Attacks
Lime Court is Sheltered Dwelling for old people, situated at the bottom of
the loyalist Peter's Hill/Shankill and sandwiched between there and the
Catholic/Republican Carrickhill. The dwellings are totally occupied by
senior citizens from both communities who are mostly aged between 70-80
years old.
At the weekend the grounds were invaded by a number of men who set about
smashing windows of 4 dwellings with hammers and cudgels. The elderly
residents were terrified and rightly so.
The PSNI have not highlighted this attack on the elderly but have agreed
that it was sectarian. This comes after recent attacks on elderly peoples
homes in the nearby Stanhope Street which were also sectarian. Some of those
residents have asked to be moved away from the interface because they are
frightened, and now it is being suggested in some circles that there is
going to be a long hot summer campaign to force the catholic/Republican
families out.
Next year 2nd August 2009 is the 40th anniversary of one of the worse days
of the early troubles, when thousands of loyalists tried to storm the then
Unity Flats. Not everyone is aware that on that day an elderly man Patrick
Corry was beaten and stabbed by both loyalists and RUC men. When he was
eventually conveyed to hospital, he was to remain there until he died 4
months later from his injuries This is still fresh in many of our minds and
we will never forget how many battles were fought to keep this small enclave
at the bottom of the Shankill Catholic/Republican. The first time that it
was muted to bring the British Army on to the streets was during the 2nd-3rd
of August 1969 and it was because of the pressure the RUC were under. But
that's another story. During one of the many attempts to burn flats in Unity
in 1969 the attackers were met with a hail of gunfire. Unity Flats never
fell into loyalist hands and neither will Carrickhill.
Harrassment by Irish Political Police
The Seamus Costello Memorial Flute Band condemns the harassment at the John
Morris Commemoration in Dublin on Sunday 8th June.
On arrival at the venue for the march the bus carrying the band was
surrounded by Free State Special Branch.
Band members were mobbed on arrival by these people in suits and not allowed
to leave the the bus until everyone gave their names one at a time.
There are band members as young as 12 years of age and these young people,
who have committed no crime, were treated no differently to the adults by
these bullies. Names and addresses were taken. Even the bus drivers name was
taken.
We would like to point out that this harrassment has been ongoing for some
time now whenever the band travels to the 26 counties.we will remain
resolute. They will not, indeed they can not deter us from remembering the
dead volunteers of the IRSM.
The harassment by the special branch at this commemoration was outrageous.
Both members of the IRSP and non-members who came to pay respects were
harassed. Over eight special branch cars were present, and at least twenty
members of the special branch. Attendees were approached and asked
repeatedly throughout the day for their details, three times or more.
During the commemoration itself with the speeches and laying of the wreaths,
members of the special branch surrounded the graveyard in an intimidating
fashion.
When the speaker equipment was being carried back to be put away in the
nearby car park after the commemoration was finished, up to ten special
branch men and women quick marched through the grave aisles and over to
Dublin IRSP members and non-members and proceeded to surround and harass.
They accused those with cameras and phone camera¹s of taking photo¹s of
them, despite the near impossibility of Œnot¹ including them in any images
of the commemoration seeing as they surrounded the periphery of the crowd.
They proceeded to harass one lad who was a non-member of the IRSP and
accused him of photographing them, which in itself is not illegal being in a
public place. They took the camera off of him and then they demanded he show
them how to turn the camera on, which he eventually did as they couldn¹t
figure it out. They then asked him to delete the images off the camera, all
the while being surrounded by the special branch. In a change of mind, the
special branch man removed and confiscated the memory card from the camera.
One special branch man suggested his arrest. Later, a member of the special
branch believed him to be a member of eirigi, while another asked his
nationality. They also commented on his appearance and said he had changed
his hair. All of which was of no business to them, and was naked
intimidation.
This was a scandalous act, to confiscate the property of a member of the
public who committed no crime and was not a member of any political
organisation, but was simply an attendee.
After this, they then proceeded to harass members of Dublin IRSP. In one
instance of harassment, special branch men circled a members vehicle looking
to point out faults with the tyres or other components of the car. Finding
nothing, they asked whether he was a fully licensed driver and whether he
had a licensed driver in the car with him. Again, things were in order. They
then checked the vehicles tax and insurance discs and claimed that they were
possible forgeries. Unfounded claims.
During this time, again they asked for names and addresses of all who were
present, despite already giving such details numerous times already. They
asked for Ids and even took driving license numbers.
As some members walked back to the pub three special branch cars drove
past and tauntingly beeped their horn and made hand gestures out the window
and laughed.
The commemoration was organised as a public event to commemorate a socialist
volunteer who was murdered by this very same ilk. No members of the IRSP,
and especially ordinary members of the public who attend should be harassed
in such a way.
The political police force of the freestate showed their true colours yet
again, and stooped to a new low, disrupting peaceful assembly, the
confiscation of a persons private property, and with the accusing of members
of the public not affiliated to any political organisation what-so-ever of
membership of an Œillegal¹ organisation unless their property were handed
over and details given.
They incriminated what was not criminal and confiscated what was not theirs.
Did You Know
Working people today have to work more than 50hrs a week to reach the same
earnings power of those working less than 40hrs during the 1960s and 1970s.
New technology has not give more leisure time to workers but rather more
profit for the Bosses.
The last Act of Parliament of the old Stormont the Social Needs Act 1971
(the same legislation which created Local Authority Leisure Services and
leisure centres) estimated that those employed had 30hours a week available
to spend in leisure centres. That figure today combined with poor working
conditions and long hours leaves 10 leisure hours.
However, only one person in four can afford to use the leisure centres more
than one session a week.
Rights for new mothers
In un-organised non union work places, more often than not, employers fail
to inform Women that since the April last year all employed women who are
expecting a baby will benefit from new rights to maternity pay and leave.
Many women are still only claiming maternity pay based on 26 weeks. The new
rights are:
* *an increased period of Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity
Allowance*, paid for 39 weeks instead of 26. Statutory Maternity
Pay is paid at 90% of her average weekly earnings for the first
six weeks of her leave. After that, she will receive a flat rate
or 90% of her average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for 33
weeks. Maternity Allowance is paid by the Government at a flat
rate or 90% of a woman¹s average weekly earnings for all 39 weeks;
There¹s no change to the amount of notice employees have to give their
employer about when they want to start maternity leave or when they¹ll be
coming back to work. However, *if an employee changes her mind about the
date she intends to come back* to work from leave, she must give her
employer at least 8 weeks¹ notice before the new date (or before the date
she originally planned to return, if this is earlier).
GAY PRIDE
The IRSP in North Belfast condemn totally the homophobic comments of
Strangford MLA Iris Robinson on the Nolan show on Radio Ulster. Her comments
included the biblical description of the homosexual act as an Œabomination¹,
are totally inappropriate in a climate where gay people are regularly
attacked because of their sexual orientation.
An IRSP spokesperson commented that gay people are due the same respect and
protection of all other sectors within society. That an elected
representative behaves in such a fashion and holds extreme views that Iris
Robinson holds and espouses is in fact the real abomination.
A RIGHT DOGS DINNER
The promotion of DUP¹s dynamic duo, the Dick Dasterdly and Muttley of
Unionism, Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell to the Stormont executive has
been described by the IRSP in Belfast as another strike against anything
Œgreen¹ and Gaelic. The fact that Sammy Wilson doesn¹t believe in Global
warming and Gregory Campbell makes a joke of the Irish Language in Stormont,
does not bode well for the notion of consensual politics up at the big house
on the hill. Watch this space!
Working class communities under threat in inner city Belfast
The decision to go ahead with a high rise apartment block in Donegal Street
whilst a nearby social housing scheme faces further delays is a damning
indictment on both the planning authority and the department of social
development.
The IRSP fully support the sterling effort of St. Patrick¹s and St Joseph¹s
housing action group in its campaign to achieve the required amount of
social housing across North Belfast. The building of the social housing is
being held up by red tape from the North West quarter regeneration. Private
developers do not seem to attract the same planning delays as those for
social housing. The long term effect of such decisions is housing waiting
lists getting longer, more homelessness or further exploitation from private
landlords. The IRSP are clear that there is no private housing solution to
the long term need for social housing, if the present trend continues
traditional working class areas in the inner city are under a very real
threat.
North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group Poster Launch 2008
The North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group in partnership with youth
providers from across North Belfast will be launching their interface poster
initiative for 2008 on Wednesday 18th June at 4:30pm in Groundwork NI on
Duncairn Gardens.
Pioneered by the North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group the initiative
will distribute 20,000 leaflets and posters across schools, youth clubs and
local communities to highlight the dangers and risks, particularly among
young people, associated with summer rioting at interfaces. The initiative
is calling on all with influence with our young people to exercise positive
leadership at this time.
The message that young people are sending out that interface violence is not
acceptable is highly significant and brings a new dimension to the poster
campaign that is now in its third year.
Youth providers held focus groups of young people from the north of the city
to consult with them on how they wanted to shape the image, content and
message of the campaign.
This poster launch is the formal launch of a process which will leave
everyone in no doubt of the dangers, risks and harm associated with
sectarian conflict at interfaces. The poster launch will also aim to
generate dialogue among communities around the role and responsibility of
children, parents, church leaders, politicians and teachers to ensure that
this summer passes off peacefully.
The poster will be launched this year primarily by young people who will be
sending out the message ³North Belfast Youth say no to interface violence²
Local schools and youth clubs and organisations will be invited to help
deliver the message and to launch the initiative alongside local politicians
and community representatives.
The poster will also be carried in a high visibility advertising campaign
carried on Translink buses servicing North Belfast routes throughout the
summer sponsored by OFM/dFM.
Project promoter Rab McCallum stated: ³It is also of concern that 11 and 12
year olds are now routinely engaged in interface conflict within and between
communities. People living on interfaces live in constant stress over the
summer months. Irresponsible and reckless actions by young people or those
consumed with alcohol often compounds the misery that residents must live
with over the summer months.²
Michael Atcheson contributed: ³The consequences of interface violence are
seldom understood by young people who see this pursuit as fun. The poster
initiative will raise awareness among young people that rioting at
interfaces could damage their future prospects of employment, travel while
also rewarding them with a criminal record or custodial sentence.²
Anyone wishing further detail on the interface poster initiative or the
launch should contact;
Breandán Clarke [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=brendan%40nbin.info) Tel: 07877874893
Or
John Loughran [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=john%40intercommbelfast.com) Tel:
1. The NBCTF is actively supported by groups reflective of the diversity of
North Belfast to include:North Belfast Interface Network, LINC Resource
Centre, North Belfast Developing Leadership CEP, Teach na Failte, Concerned
Residents of Upper Ardoyne (CRUA), EPIC, Mid Skegoneil Community
Association, , Lower Shankill Community Association, The Corrymeela
Community, Greencastle CEP, 174 Trust, Upper Ardoyne Community Partnership,
Tar Isteach, North Belfast Alternatives, Intercomm, Ardoyne Focus Group,
Cavehill/ Antrim Road Regeneration (CARR) and the Fellowship of Messines
Association Project.
1. The Interface Poster that outlines the dangers of engaging in conflict at
the interfaces is being promoted by the North Belfast Interface Monitoring
Network. This is a sub group of the North Belfast Conflict Transformation
Forum. This group enjoys membership from across all communities.
1. On the day of the launch there will be a symbolic distribution of the
poster across interface communities and schools.
1. The poster will be displayed in all West Belfast Taxi Association cabs
and Shankill Road Black Taxi Association.
1. This programme is being supported by the Office of the First Minister and
Deputy First Minister and the Department of Social Development.
1. This programme is also being supported by the Network Reference Group, a
coalition of all North Belfast Community Empowerment Partnerships.
1. For information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Breandán Clarke on 07877 874893 or at [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=brendan%40nbin.info)
Or
John Loughran on 02890 352 165 or at [email protected] (https://webmail3.pair.com/src/compose.php?send_to=john%40intercommbelfast.com)
This bulletin produced by the Collective Editorial Staff of the IRSP
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