Corrib protesters detained as unrest continues

by Mossie Tue Oct 17, 2006 13:41

errischos - you have displayed a great deal of intelligence. I agree that you are loosing the PR battle at present. The big problem is that you have lost the middle ground. ordinary Irish people who could identify with the Rossport 5 last year now just dont understand what this protest is about. They are confused as to what your objections are. First it was about the pipeline and now it appears to be about the terminal. You appear to have been outflanked in the PR battle.

On the one hand people see the cassels intervention (a very well respected man) and they see Shell agree to all his recomendations including a modification to the pipeline route. IN fairness to Shell this does appear to have been some sort of comprimise. On the other hand the protestors appear intransigent and unwilling to even engage in dialogue. Its easy to understand how the campaign is losing its moral authority.

by errisechos Mon Oct 16, 2006 21:17

Please allow people their opinions. We may not agree with them, but everybody is entitled to their own. The way the Gardai behaved last week was appalling and had very disturbing resonances of what happened in The North. But like it or not, we are losing the PR battle at the moment. Just look at how Maura Harrington was mauled on Liveline with Joe Duffy last week. A very brave woman she is, but it was a mistake for her to go on especially after just leaving hospital with possible concussion. I wish her well.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of tolerance and understanding of the issue here in Dublin and some less than educated Dubliners decided they were going to have their 15 minutes of fame at Maura's expense.
There is something positive happening with the intervention of Joe Higgins and Tony Gregory and people like that should be kept on our side.

by Mayoman Mon Oct 16, 2006 21:00

What are you talking about?? You started it in the first place... I first of all complained about the heavy handed Garda tactics used against the peaceful protesters. Look at the arrests of those OAP's, a file is being sent to the DPP. The Gardai are becoming a bit like the RUC were with mistreating catholics in the north. They know of no other tactics but the use of force against protesters who are conducting exclusively peaceful protests.

by errisechos Mon Oct 16, 2006 20:45 Dublin

True to form, Mayoman's personal insults on other contributors goes on unabated and does not ever seem to be tackled by the moderators of this thread. He is Shell's dream ticket in their propaganda campaign because they like to able to charactarise all of us whom are against Shell as being as arrogant and intransigent as he is. He does nothing for this cause. Watch this space and see the tirade of abuse this will get from "Mayoman".

by mayoman Mon Oct 16, 2006 20:08

John,
You really know nothing. The people of north mayo dont want multinationals plundering our countryside and when its all drained of gas, they pack up and leave. Its not eco-warriorism either. Just standing up to the heavy handed Garda police tactics used here.

by guydebordisdead Mon Oct 16, 2006 19:07

1.is blocking the public highway peaceful - Yes it can be peaceful
2.hurling abuse at the garda and construction crews - It can be done peacefully
3.being a general nusiance - You seem to do it quite peacefully, yes.
4. putting out the call to all eco warriors and idiots around the country - also peaceful

Why do we applaud peacefulness in our political enemies? Is it because we know it limits their effectiveness? The very same people who demand protests remain peaceful support the implicit threat of force that 170 gardai represent.

by John M - . Mon Oct 16, 2006 19:01

Peaceful protest mayoman ?

Get a grip , is blocking the public highway , hurling abuse at the garda and construction crews, and being a general nusiance as well as putting out the call to all eco warriors and idiots around the country peacful ?

by Mayoman Mon Oct 16, 2006 18:37

Look at what the pigs are allowed to do to peaceful protesters. They'd probably do the same to an eighty year old man or woman also since they are above the law, according to themselves.