Shell to Sea - press statement on intimidation...

Thursday October 12, 2006 16:37

by Admin - Shell to Sea

"Shell to Sea does not engage in or condone intimidation."

Over the last two weeks the Shell to Sea campaign has been subjected to a coordinated assault designed to de-legitimise and criminalise local opposition to Shell’s project in Mayo. On the one hand, a large force of Gardai has been deployed to facilitate Shell’s resumption of work.

Garda policing of local protests has become increasingly aggressive and is adding to tensions on the ground. Numerous incidents have been logged by monitors and will be pursued in due course. On the other hand, a concerted campaign has been waged by some sections of the media alleging
that our campaign is centred on intimidation and effectively run by
subversive elements.

Gardai protecting multinationals

The reality is that Shell’s project does not have the consent of the
majority of the people directly affected by it. We are defending
peacefully our community from the unprecedented threat to our health and safety
posed by this project. Almost no benefits other than short-term
construction jobs will arise from this project to our community and the people
of Mayo. The fiscal terms governing the project ensure no benefits
whatsoever will accrue to the people of Ireland.

Shell to Sea does not engage in or condone intimidation. We are the
property of no political party and no political ideology. We are grounded
in our community and in those large numbers of people nationally and
internationally who willingly support us. Smearing the genuine concerns
of people will not obscure the reality of our support nor the
reasonableness and validity of our arguments.

Finally, we note that the three men arrested by Gardai this morning are
local fishermen and note that these arrests come two days after a
statement supporting our campaign from the Erris Inshore Fishermen’s
Association.

For verification contact Mark Garavan 087-9023687