57th day of the hunger strike of Peter Preston.

Come support the Silent Protest 9.15 am McDowell's office at 9-15am on Wednesday 19th

Press Release
From: sylvia wall ( mailto:sylvia_m@hotmail.co.uk )

Today (monday 17th July) is the 57th day of the hunger strike of Peter Preston.

He is in a tent on the pavement outside the National Library. He is weak, looks very thin but was alert,
lucid and both pleasant and amusing.
He has an appointment to see the Minister for Justice, equality and law reform - Michael McDowell - at 9-30 am on Wednesday, 19th July.

He will be accompanied by TD Finian McGrath. If there is anyone with good shorthand who could offer their services as a note taker, he may appreciate this. It may be as well to contact Finian McGrath tomorrow to make this offer.

Mr. Preston was examined by a doctor on Wednesday 5th July ( eyes, heart and B.P.) who said he would return the following Wednesday, the 12th. He did not return and Mr, Preston really should be seen by a G.P. - preferably before his meeting with McDowell - or immediately afterwards.

I am unable to arrange this, being "not of the jurisdiction"

I did offer, however to arrange a wheelchair for Wednesday, but he feels he will manage to get into
TD McGrath's car for the journey to McDowell's office in Stevens Green.

I would urge anyone who is able, to congregate outside the entrance to McDowell's office at 9-15am on Wednesday 19th for a silent protest to highlight that a Dublin man will then be on his 59th day of Hunger strike.

It has taken McDowell ONE WEEK to find a slot in his diary to see Mr. Preston since his assistant spoke to him on Wednesday of last week and made the offer of a meeting.

The address of the Min. of Justice is 94 St. Stephen's Green.
Readers may like to send and e-mail to Minister McDowell before Wednesday morning reminding him that Mr.Preston will then be 59 days into his Hunger strike.

The e-mail address is:
minister@justice.ie