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2 new protest camps urgently need help

category national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release author Thursday July 13, 2006 22:01author by tracey - rossport solidarity camp Report this post to the editors

Protest camps in Bantry and the Hill of Tara urgently need help and support

Recently 2 new protest camps have been set up in Ireland. Both urgently need help and support.

The Bantry Solidarity Camp/Lodge was set up to assist landowners and residents of Bantry in preventing the ESB from putting pylons on their land. They are calling for the pylons to be buried underground as it would make them safer and less of an eyesore in this beautiful area. Residents are worried for the health and safety of their children; research has shown that pylons and overhead lines cause leukaemia and cancer. Also native woodland is under threat to facilitate the private wind farm developers. Once again, as was seen in Rossport, the needs and concerns of the community are being put behind the needs of big business.
The campaign demand is simple and reasonable…. bury the pylons not the children!
Supporters have been travelling to Bantry and staying at the Solidarity Lodge. They have been helping local people to protect their land. Today the ESB tried to gain entrance onto some of the farms; they tried to push their poles over fences into the fields while protesters blocked their way.
More support is needed urgently. If you can go to Bantry please do but remember that like in Rossport this is a local community led struggle. We are there to show support and solidarity, it is up to the local people to decide strategy, talk to the media etc. they have welcomed supporters to attend their meetings offer advice and take part in actions.
If you are going please call Caton on 085 7662476 for directions, what to bring etc
If you cant go please call to your local ESB station or headquarters and tell them what you think of this situation.
Bantry Concerned Action Group have requested that all support actions be non violent.

Protesters have been camped in Tara since the solstice. For the time being the camp is situated near the hill down into the woods. Campers have kept a flame burning since the solstice and intend to keep it burning until the 2nd of August, which is Lammas. They will then relocate to a new location directly affected by the proposed motorway. They hope by camping close to the hill that they will create a meeting space for those wanting to get involved in the camp, and also raise more awareness among the tourists etc who visit Tara.
Today the 6 campers had a visit from the Office of Public Works who ordered them to leave by dinnertime tomorrow. The camp is calling for urgent support, if enough people show up to support them they will try to defy this order and remain camped there until the 2nd of August.
If you can get to Tara call one of these numbers 086 1758557 086 0771851 087 6218128

author by Madam Kpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 02:35author address author phone Report this post to the editors

.

Come to the camp a.s.a.p
Come to the camp a.s.a.p

 family tree...bring then all
family tree...bring then all

bring a tent !
bring a tent !

come join D man
come join D man

 A well equipt man
A well equipt man

author by Madam Kpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 02:42author address author phone Report this post to the editors

.

Save Tara
Save Tara

For our children
For our children

author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 05:21author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

Yes,
Please go to Tara today - and don't let the OPW and Gardai get there before you.

Advise these lovely people encamped there of their constitutional right to remain in the absence of a court order. (I don't think the OPW will have had the time to get one, especially now that the courts are on holiday).

And please bring food, flasks of tea, coffee, ciggies and anything you think will be of help to the living conditions of the protesters to remain at Tara

Buses leave from Bus Aras for Tara directly (or within 20 minutes walk of the hill) from early morning and continue all day.

Thanks Everyone,

Michael.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 05:58author email DruidEire at cablenet dot ieauthor address Kennyswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

Working five days a week, Mon - Fri? Be a Weekend Peace Warrior defending the Environment!

Now is your opportunity.

Grab your tent, a few 'vittels' and head out to Tara to join the volunteers encamped there to Save Tara Valley from the M3 motorway.

What better way to spend a weekend away from it all and to help preserve your heritage - Tara - at the same time.

And may An Dea-Dhia (the Good God) bless you all.

Thanks Everybody

Michael,

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Michael McGrath - ODIpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 11:51author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

I am concerned that if the Gardai move in there may be casualties at Tara.

Police cannot be trusted out in the open country without witnesses present, and may deny any injuries they cause.

Therefore if there are any paramedics, relief workers etc available, you would be well appreciated at Tara just now.

Thank You

Michael

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Rentonpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 15:27author address author phone Report this post to the editors

The call for paramedics just reeks of paranoia. Or is Mr. McGrath hoping for violence?

And calling the protestors camping out on the Hill of Tara "courageous" is simply hyperbole. Camping out on a fine summer's night is hardly a tough job.

Fair play to them for highlighting their cause but let's not make more of it than necessary.

Incidentally, the Hill of Tara is an important historical and cultural site, much loved and appreciated by many, many Irish people who are regular visitors.

If this protest is to garner support for the campaign to reroute or completely stall the planned motorway, it's poorly thought-out.

Part of the site's appeal is the wide open ruin of the prehistoric fort, available for all to come and visit and contemplate their spirituality, culture or simply as a nice place to sit, enjoy and think. Many who love the site will not be pleased to have it desecrated by people choosing to camp on it. This is a big no-no for any historical site and I'd guess once this campaign gains publicity, it could turn many away from the campaign.

Also, is rubbish being correctly disposed of? What about toilet facilities?

The protestors should take every measure to respect the site.

Camping out upon the planned route might have been a better idea!

author by Rentonpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 15:29author address author phone Report this post to the editors

"For the time being the camp is situated near the hill down into the woods. Campers have kept a flame burning since the solstice and intend to keep it burning until the 2nd of August, which is Lammas. They will then relocate to a new location directly affected by the proposed motorway. "

Just reread the article and spotted this.

Good show! Good luck!

author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 15:52author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

Renton, thank you. First of all, may I point out that, as my late father Michael McGrath was Ambulance Controller at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, I am always conscious of health, safety and accidents.

And I have no confidence in a riot squad of police operating out in open country, where they can do what they like with no witnesses, say, behind a bush, though I am not anti-Gardai.

It's too late when a tragedy has occurred.

The OPW has steadfastly refused the Friends of Tara, composed mostly of local residents, to provide toilet facilites on the Hill. They have also refused to provide drinking water.

And they withdrew their Site Clerk, Mr. Gerald Clarke, to save on his wages, a courteous gentleman who had everything in control on the Hill.

They refuse to spend a euro on Tara.

And they are responsible for refuse on the Hill as well - but try telling them that.

They haven't been on the Hill in years, and then descended out of the blue yesterday to threaten the peaceful protesters there.

Regarding Druids, we have a policy of leaving every site spotless, a lot cleaner than we find a site. That is part of being a Druid. Not one of our group is even allowed to stub our a cigarette butt on that sacred ground.

Michael.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Ms Demeanorpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 16:35author address author phone Report this post to the editors


Part of the site's appeal is the wide open ruin of the prehistoric fort, available for all to come and visit and contemplate their spirituality, culture or simply as a nice place to sit, enjoy and think. Many who love the site will not be pleased to have it desecrated by people choosing to camp on it. This is a big no-no for any historical site and I'd guess once this campaign gains publicity, it could turn many away from the campaign.

Also, is rubbish being correctly disposed of? What about toilet facilities?

The protestors should take every measure to respect the site.

Camping out upon the planned route might have been a better idea!

Pay the site a visit ,talk to those camping there .The site is not being desecrated .

author by camp onepublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 17:45author address author phone Report this post to the editors

A beautifull sunny day on the Hill was spolit with the arrival of OPW who stated that 24 hours notice had been served as of of Thurs 13 to leave the camp.No notice has been recieved in writing ,those at the camp were informed that if they did not comply the police would be called. We are waiting thier arrival.

author by Jerry Corneliuspublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 18:01author address author phone Report this post to the editors

If the Gardai arrive then point out to them that written notice to quit had not been given. Point out to them that it is a Civil Matter. If the OPW wish to get you off the land then they will have to get a High Court Order.

Point out to the OPW staff that they should not be making threats to you. Ask for their names and tell them that you will complain to the OPW Personnel Department. If you dont get satisfaction there, you can go to the Ombudsman.

If the OPW staff refuse to give you their names, that in itself is a disciplinary offense. Try and get pictures of those involved. Here are the contact details for OPW. Remember if they ignore you, go to the Ombudsman.

Personnel, Development & Organisation Services
Kathleen O'Neill
Personnel & Development Services,
The Office of Public Works,
51 St. Stephens Green,
Dublin 2
Telephone: (01) 647 6089
Fax: (01) 647 6484
Email: kathleen.oneill@opw.ie

Gillian Coffey
Personnel & Development Services,
The Office of Public Works,
51 St. Stephens Green,
Dublin 2
Telephone: (01) 647 6085
Fax: (01) 647 6484
Email: gillian.coffey@opw.ie

author by curious travellerpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 18:08author address author phone Report this post to the editors

How far is Tara from Dunshaughlin?

author by Michaelpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 18:44author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Tara is seven Irish miles (the long ones) from Dunshaughlin.

author by Revolt - Revolt Videopublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 18:59author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Revolt Video at the scene,
Latest report , just moments ago, revisted by two gaurds acting on a complaint of tresspassing by the the opw,they are being very diplomatic.

author by Jerry Corneliuspublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 19:03author address author phone Report this post to the editors

its a civil matter. The OPW have to get a court order to evict you. Threaten the OPW staff that you will complain to their personnel department and the Ombudsman. Ask for names, demand to see identification. Be polite to the Gardai but dont take any crap from the OPW.

author by Chris Murray - The Unmanageablespublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 20:37author address author phone Report this post to the editors

The OPW arrived post-lunch and told the vigil at Tara that since they had refused to recognise the 24 hour notice to disband the camp, that they had no option but to make an 'official' complaint to the Navan Gardai.

There ensued a long wait, a few look-outs and a handy driver in the car-park who texted the arrival of two Gardai in an OPW van. Garda Havern and Dorian duly arrived at five(ish) and informed the small vigil campers that he believed that an offence was being committed under subsection 1 of the Housing Bill (miscellaneous provisions) 2002 and that he would have to take names. He exchanged as surety his good cop phone number, (so trust was to be established). Then proceeded to ask if we were all alright with giving names to which three journalists replied "we most certainly are not , we are her to record... smile for the camera". The Garda informed the vigilers that they could be ejected and that as
he was enacting the law, it was a possibility. But that the stated reason for the vigil was to guard the solstice fire and to use it for ceremony on the Lughansa celebrations, we entered the realm of the EU rights to freedom of religious expression. Garda Havern, then said that he would take offered names and liaise with the super with regard to freedom of religious expression and duly noted that a complaint had been made under the act by the OPW. As there were no vehicles on site he didn't have to use the "we will impound your vehicles terminolgy". He said that therefore he would return on the morrow , with a written statement , or if he were on the beat "an interpretation of the law would be made available to the vigilers". He also stated that the gardai are not heavy handed and that an order would be given to move the camp off the protected lands (nat Monuments Act) apparently...
you know the one , wherein Minister Roche can "remove, destroy or deface" a monument if if gets in the way of the crony lobby land grab (1934-2002) as amended.

Therefore, as it stands, The vigil will not move without the fire. The OPW want to protect the hill, the Gardai want to enact the law. The video collective want to edit and everyone left with warm cosy feelings... until tommorrow.

Tommorrow, more kids and campers are to be expected. and evreyone is welcome to come down and visit. The gardai have said they will not interrupt any family gatherings (we have this on tape)
and that if an order to disband is made , it will give 48 hours and due respect. we will not therefore
see them coming over the hills in multiple vans and man-handling people. Tho the campers require support and a bit of legalese. The books on environment law available in Navan Library appear to be seriously out of date.

Kids welcome, the weather is fine and the camp is welcoming. a few spare tents and the promise of communication between the authorities (which we taped) Garda numbers were displayed.

More later....

btw: the Housing bill (misc provisions) is used for impounding caravans and vehicles of traveller families, in the main, and the land is in the ownership of the people of Ireland, the OPW having failed to guardian it on their behalf rather spectacularly).

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/savetara
author by morrigan - megalithic shamanspublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 21:20author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Today, July 14th, the OPW informed the Gardai that the Tara Protest camp were tresspassing on Tara. The Guards arrived but took no immediate action as they wished to report to their superintendant before doing so. We need all the people and support we can muster down on the hill to assert our right to camp on Tara, and keep the symbolic solstice fire burning until Lughnasa.

author by Siobhan Rice - Political Affairs Officer - TaraWatchpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 23:22author email info at tarawatch dot orgauthor address author phone 086-319-9833Report this post to the editors

The Solidarity Camp on the Hill of Tara has issued an official statement:

WE ARE A PEOPLE'S SOLIDARITY CAMP, HERE TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND ALL THE CAMPAIGNS. WE ARE ADAMENT IN OUR NONAFFICLIATION WITH ANY PATICULAR CAMPAIGN OR POLITICAL PARTY, BUT WELCOME ANY FRIENDS OF TARA TO OUR SOLSTICE VIGIL FIRE WHICH HAS BEEN BURNING SINCE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE.

Related Link: http://www.tarawatch.org
author by Equally frustratedpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 23:34author address author phone Report this post to the editors

If they are nonaffiliated why is the statement coming through Tarawatch? That smacks of affiliation immediately.
Who are these people? Are they a front for Tarawatch? Why don't they issue their own statement on their own behalf?
This is beginning to smell to high heaven ...

author by Michael Martin - Heathen Libertarian Forumpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 00:07author email Wicklowwolf at yahoo dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

When I read about the Tara Hill protest camp this morning my first thought was getting myself out there asap. But unfortunately I am based in Co.Wicklow, depending on public transport, which I can't access because I have a dog and live alone. So nobody can look after the dog for me. The people who would are currently on a holiday. So I am curtailed to express my solidarity with the camp occupants via the net only for the time being.
As a veteran of the Glen O'Downs campaign and Carrickmines Castle I fully support the occupation of Tara Hill, but hope that the basecamp will be relocated to an area actually threatened with "development" It's good to see that people are prepared to stand up against the tyranny of our own government and the crooked politicians who are falling over backwards to destroy our precious heritage and culture. Well done, folks, for standing up yet again against those government thugs!

All the best,

Michael Martin
(Wicklowwolf@yahoo.com)

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Ancient_Voice
author by Equally frustratedpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 01:51author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Doesn't that say it all? A veteran of Glen of the Downs and Carrickmines. Two of the most dismal failures of environmental campaigns, Tara had some chance while this did not happen.
Can't you see a pattern?
Could you not do it another way?
Why move in before anything has happened?
Why camp on the hill? Why not on the route?
Makes no sense at all.

author by Siobhan Rice - Political Affairs Officer - TaraWatchpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 02:08author email info at tarawatch dot orgauthor address author phone 086-319-9833Report this post to the editors

Tara protesters told to move
14/07/2006 - 13:29:50
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=189044914&p...456zx

Protestors who have been camping on the Hill of Tara since the Summer Solstice on June 21, have been ordered to leave by the Office of Public Works (OPW), according to protest group TaraWatch.

The protestors are trying to highlight opposition to the M3 motorway that will pass through the Tara archaeological complex, in the Tara / Skryne Valley.

“This action being taken by the OPW is outrageous. The Hill of Tara belongs to the people of Ireland,” said Tarawatch political affairs officer Siobhan Rice.

“These people are camping peacefully on the top of the Hill of Tara. They are not interfering with any works, and should be allowed to remain.

“They are exercising their constitutional right of free speech, and expressing the view of the majority of Irish people, 70% of whom want this motorway moved.

TaraWatch is calling on the public to support their peaceful demonstration, which is taking place on the roughly 100 acres of publicly-owned land atop the Hill of Tara, near the Sloping Trenches.

Excavations are currently under way on 38 archaeological sites between Navan and Dunshaughlin.

The excavations, approved by Minister for Heritage Dick Roche on May 4, 2005, are now the subject of a Supreme Court case. The hearing date will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Related Link: http://www.tarawatch.org
author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Ireland (ODI)publication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 03:35author email DruidEire at cablenet dot ieauthor address Kennyswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

No, Equally Frustrated, the protesters are not affiliated to or a 'front' for Tarawatch. As far as I know Tarawatch were taken completely by surprise. And so were Save Tara Campaign. The only campaign groups who knew about it were Save Tara Valley - and the Druids that you love so very much!

I suggest you go over to www.savetaravalley.com and read Deb in particular.

www.savetara.com has been broadcasting continuously since Thursday - and giving hints even before that about the protest - and Deb was reporting to us since the Midsummer Solstice when the occupation commenced. We knew all along.

We are now united and in solidarity with "The Folks on the Hill", Vincent and Tarawatch included.

The action led to real unity and cameradery that is now emerging in our campaign for the first time.

As such it is really worthwhile and the leader we desire may very well emerge.

Everybody is happy, people are rushing to the Hill in full support, joining the protesters and/or turning up with supplies, food etc.

Please don't continue to bandjax it - please read all the reports first, at any rate, please. pretty please.

Most important, the OPW obviously acting on instructions from the NRA - both have received a severe knockback, a slap in the jaw that you can be sure has reverberated all the way up to Bertie!

I suggest that you go out to Tara and see for yourself over the weekend. The Hill will be packed solid, people are moving to Tara since they got off from work today, bless them all. Michael.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Chris Murray - The Unmanageablespublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:07author address author phone Report this post to the editors

There is no occupation on the Hill of Tara. The group of people up there are keeping vigil. they have communicated with Gardai and the OPW authorities. They are there till Lughnasa and then they intend to move on. Thye are part of a unity , a different spoke. They do not carry a campaign on their backs and they have appointed no spokespeople. They will talk to people and those people can and have spun it any way they want, as is clear from some of the press releases issued on indymedia. They have no computer access. The Tara issue has many strands: legal, community, local, national and international . there are strorytellers, musicians, poets and well wishers. each strand of protest, vigil, or legal is separate . no one group has been appointed to unify these complex issues and no one group has the right therefore to put words in the mouth of a peaceful vigil. everything that was reported by me, or revolt was recorded in situ and not taken , adapted and fit into an existent set of long term principles. for what ever purpose that would seek to fulfill. the only request from the vigilers was for people to visit and bring food, a copy of the trespass law and printouts from indymedia of the last few weeks conversations. The video of what happened in tara , yesterday is being edited.

author by Michael Martin - Heathen Libertarian Forumpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:22author email Wicklowwolf at yahoo dot comauthor address Delgany, Co. Wicklowauthor phone Report this post to the editors

The Glen of the Downs campaign as "dismal failure"? What planet are you living on, Mr or Ms 'Equally Frustrated?? We didn't stop the road from going through the valley, but still we saved many trees in the process of our action. Trees earmarked for felling by Wicklow County Council which, thanks to the 'Glen Vigil', are still standing today!
And I know what I am talking about since it's only a 20 minutes walk from my house to the Glen, and I head down there almost daily!

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Ancient_Voice
author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:29author address Kennyswell, Kilkenny City, Irelandauthor phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

Thank you for that sermon, Chris Murray. I therefore point out that as I have not been on the Hill of Tara, and have not met the protesters, I can hardly be the one you accuse of "putting a spin" on their utterances.

Nor can Tarawatch or Save Tara campaigns be so accused by you or by anybody else - I have monitored and logged all websites, and have assistants doing so around the clock, and have found none of them "put a spin" as you allege on whatever the Protesters are saying, or whatever they stand for. As you say they have little communication with the outside world

There is one anonymous commentator here hostile to the protesters, and in the absence of any real communication from the protesters he can go on saying what he likes without fear of contradiction. That's the downside. Also nobody can really comment/talk about the protest unless he or she knows what they are talking about, can they?

On Save Tara Valley campaign at least we have two direct contacts with the protesters, Deb and Morrigan, there with the protesters on Tara most of the time or all of the time, and in direct email contact to/from me. So I'm getting a bit more than most and I am thankful for that.

I gather that there is some religious significance about their Lughnasadh fire, and if this is the case and they can claim that they are practising their religion and that they have to be on Tara to so do, then they are covered by Articles 44.1.1. and 44.1.2 of the Irish Constitution, Bunreacht na hEireann, and as such are "untouchable" by constitutional right.

You might convey this to them. And you'll get a copy of An Bunreacht in Easons for two euros, fifty cents. (Not to worry, Deb and/or Morrigan will convey this to the protesters in any case).

And, yes, as you say, there are different strands, and if those strands do not hang together we shall all hang separately!

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Siobhan Rice - Political Affairs Officer - TaraWatchpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:51author email info at tarawatch dot orgauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

Please see the following press release:

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77255

A full report, with photos, will be made in due course.

Related Link: http://www.tarawatch.org
author by Equally frustratedpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 13:08author address author phone Report this post to the editors

With the closed ears here what is the point in any voice of reason. Let the protesters have Tara as they had Carrickmines. And look at that fiasco, bad publicity, you have handed the Taoiseach and the Government the 'tree-hugging' tag for everyone now and they can dismiss anyone associated with Tara as just that. What an own goal.

I had expected a more open mind here but what's new? Everyone entrenched in their own little position and no room for criticism.
Good luck Tara - you're going to need it. Your fate is now in the hands of that motley crew that ruined any chance that the enviroment stood - the Carrickminders.
The ordinary folk of Ireland will turn their backs - turned off by this unnecessary turn of events. There was a general horror and hatred among the ordinary public for the events at that Castle that was, incidentally, not worth the fuss that was caused. That whole debacle paved the way for the destruction of Tara and this move has copperfastened that development.
And again, its far from unaffiliated as the only PR is Tarawatch. Apart from the report from Chris who, as far as I can see, is the only true neutral involved in the reportage.

The sooner the guards get them out the better.
Protest is fine but its far too early for this mess and if people don't see, hear that ... well ...
In case you've all forgotten, not a sod has been turned on the M3 yet.

author by Michael McGrath - The order of Druids in Ireland (ODI)publication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 13:08author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

Equally Doubtful, there are things going on that I can't say, and won't at data-link level. Not because of you or anyone here, but surely you realise that Roche's and Cullen's agents are recording everthing said here.

And at least V.Salafia is better than no lawyer at all, and I say that with no prejudice to him as I have no idea of his qualifications, practice or experience. Just that he has qualifications in law that none of the rest of us possess. And if I can have him for free, I will.

Regarding the Druid Community I have had complaints from Druids who have read what you have continually said about us here. They 'listen' in too, just like Roche's and Cullen's men, as we comment here.

And now that Chris Murray has seemingly taken over as sole media liaison officer with the protestors (on behalf of An Doctuir)there is not much the other campaign leaders can do but twiddle their thumbs - or spend hours commuting up and down the N3 to Tara. And none of us are going to do that.

And the electoral path has vanished. Now that FF and FG have carved the present 5-seater of Meath into two brand new 3-seaters for the next election, there's no hope of a minor or Independent candidate out there.

So, it seems like the protesters are our only hope, especially if they are arrested! "King Arthur" had to be arrested hundreds of times, spend long hard winters sleeping up against the Heol Stone outside Stonehenge, and go on trial at least 28 times - always winning, miraculously - before he got anywhere, for the past 20 years.

I presume you've read 'The Trials of Arthur' if it is available in Eason's. Every environmentalist should read, re-read, eat and digest it, along with The Constitution - then you'll be well prepared.

I am happy to accept your word that you are not working for the NRA. Now, perhaps you'll ackmowledge that a lot of trees were actually saved in the Glen - even I knew that! Michael.

author by Equally frustratedpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 13:41author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I doubt that the candidates in the two Meath constituencies would accept your analysis of the politics in Meath. But as a self-confessed Bertie supporter that is to be expected.
What is a F Failer doing attacking his own government anyway? Don't tell me its the personalities, FF are defined by their corrupt connections with developers/road builders/ cement factories etc. They cannot survive without them and that means that the massive housing developments in Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan and all the little villages in Meath must continue and the M3 must be built to accommodate the traffic because that serves their builder masters and of course let's not forget the tolls and the bonanza that will be for the Failers. How can they lose?
They will never re-open the railway line, it wont line their own or their builders supporters pockets.
How quickly other possibilities are dismissed once the mecca of 'protest' has been reached.
As I said, deaf ears here and I certainly don't belong.
I have nothing against druids - but in the eyes of the voting general public their involvement in a campaign like this is a death knell and the Roches and Cullens that you mention don't have to bother recording this. They are rubbing their hands in glee at this turn of events. Just what they wanted, a year early too. Now they have 10 months to destroy the remnants of credibility the Tara campaign had left - which is very little.
As for the trees, trees can be replaced and replanted. Try replacing the Valley when the developers get their grubby hands on it and they are planning hard already.
That interchange is the death of the Valley and no one will be able to undo that damage. The development will creep up the hill itself .
Sit back everyone, is this the only way to Save the Valley? Wake up, smell reality, it a lot smellier than even you lot appear to believe.

author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 14:51author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

I do not share your analysis of the public perception of Druids, you having taken yours from Pro-M3 Liam Fay, who in turn got it from an SWP leaflet inter alia. Anyway why is Fay the arch-propagandist for the M3, why? Ask yourself that. And why are his targets my Druids and me - because we are the greatest threat to the M3 as he (and his masters) perceive it.

In 13 years as Archdruid, I have never once encountered the slightest enmity or hostility from the public, nor neither have my Druids because we are perceived as being peaceful intellectuals, impeccably behaved, and very spiritual too.

The only case of hostility I ever encountered was at midsummer 1997 at Tara, when the ODI on its own brought 700 people there.

In a packed cafe a young woman berated me for being a close personal friend of Sid Rawle, King of the Hippies in London. That was true - but I still haven't seen or heard from Sid since I left London in 1974! So I could hardly answer her allegations against Sid, could I? That was the only single incident of personal hostility in 13 years from a member of the public. Not bad, eh?

(I was Deputy to Sid from 1969 to 1974 - he was elected at the Free Concert in Hyde Park by 40,000 people, presided over by Mick and the Stones - Mick and Marian Faithful were great to us Hippies).

But to get back to your point about Meath election prospects, they would have some chance in a 5-seater, none whatsoever in a 3-seater, so there is no longer any point in going down the General Election trail in Meath, none.

The only way now is for us to get really involved in non-violent direct action, not of the 'fluffy' kind but as Arthur says of the 'non-fluffy' take no shit approach.

And will somebody get a copy of "The Trials of Arthur" to the protesters on the hill, as it will cheer them up around the sacred fire. I would post my own copy to them if I had an address to send it to - I could post it on Monday and they'd get it on Tuesday, together with a copy of the Bunreacht.

Michael.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Michael Martin - Heathen Libertarian Forumpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 15:00author email Wicklowwolf at yahoo dot comauthor address Delgany, Co. Wicklowauthor phone Report this post to the editors

No doubt all environmental campaigns attract a fair number of "tree huggers" and other fluffy hippy-types. But in the case of the Glen of the Downs it wasn't about hugging trees but rather upholding the protective status granted to the Glen of the Downs (when the area was designated as a nature reserve in the 1970's) by legislation passed by the Irish government. If they are able to override their own laws in regards of natural and archaeological heritage as they see fit, I just wonder what other laws and civil rights they may override next? Maybe the constitutionally enshrined right to life?

But speaking of the (Irish) Constitution. I consider myself very much a Constitutionalist. But sadly many constitutional rights have been enfringed and entirely removed by rogue government action (ie passing and enforcing unconstitutional laws). In particular Article 40, which guarantees our right to freedom of speech, and also covers peaceful political protest, has in recent years been underminded by successive governments falling over backwards in their criminal attempt to destroy our tradional freedom, native heritage, culture and folkways, trying to force the Irish to submit themselves to a Commie/Nazi-style globalist one world Bilderberger dictatorship.

Protest camps, as the one in the Glen of the Downs or Tara Hill, may not always stop the globalization juggernaut in its tracks, but they surely are one more nail in the coffin of those traitors in our own government who declared war against our traditional folkways and commuinity standards in order to enforce their one world dictatorship upon us.

Michael Martin - HLF

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asatru_Nation
author by Camp onepublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 16:18author address author phone Report this post to the editors

"If the camp, there for whatever reason, is speaking through one group only, and represented by Salafia, then they have tied themselves to Tarawatch"

A simple request was made to a visitor to the camp to post up a statement from the camp.Mr Salafia is NOT our spokesperson neither are we associated Tarawatch or any other established campaign

author by Tara Solidarity Vigilpublication date Sun Jul 16, 2006 15:59author address author phone Report this post to the editors

We are a non-higherarcle peoples solidarity vigil, here in support of local people and all campaigns. We are adiment in our non-affiliation with any particular campaigns, political or religious parties but welcome any friends of tara to our solstice vigil fire which has been lit since the summer solstice.

author by Tara Solidarity Vigilpublication date Sun Jul 16, 2006 16:11author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Tara Solidarity Vigil here, still waiting to hear back from the Garda Siochaina. We'd like to thank the groups and indivuals who turned up in show of solidarity over the weekend. In the spirit of the vigil flame an open and frank meeting around the fire teased out alleged ongoing issues, which were satisfactorily resolved between visiting groups. Finally, we would like to re-itorate our invitation to all friends of Tara to the fire in the interest of progress.

author by Frustratedpublication date Sun Jul 16, 2006 17:07author address author phone Report this post to the editors

A summary of the discussion and any decisions made would be most useful. Good luck with the action.

author by Camp onepublication date Mon Jul 17, 2006 16:21author address author phone Report this post to the editors

A number of O.P.W`s at camp now taking photos but have not approached the fire .

author by camp onepublication date Mon Jul 17, 2006 17:30author address author phone Report this post to the editors

O.P.W have left having stayed 15 mins taking photo`s

author by Jerry Corneliuspublication date Mon Jul 17, 2006 19:18author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Complain to OPW HQ. If no satisfaction, complain to Ombudsman.
Details at:

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77224&comment_limit=0&c...58824

author by Michael Martin - Heathen Libertarian Forumpublication date Mon Jul 17, 2006 20:41author email Wicklowwolf at yahoo dot comauthor address Delgany, Co. Wicklowauthor phone Report this post to the editors

Routine operation and nothing much to worry about. I went through this scenario a few times myself in the Glen of the Downs. Usually they inform vigil keepers in advance, telling them that they are not trying to take pics of people, but only of the structures on site. These photos will "eventually" be used to underline their need for an eviction.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asatru_Nation
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