Destruction at Rath lugh
international |
environment |
news report 
Monday January 08, 2007 18:19
by M. Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tara
Forest destroyed
The diggers and tree fellers have moved on Rath Lugh.
Rath Lugh is one of the outposts of Tara. It was planted by Coillte with a forest that hides its significance. Then it was CPO'd. These photos appear to show that the monument itself, not just the land below, is under attack. Was this part of the EIS?
Did Coillte object to the destruction of a monument on their property? Did they take part in the Oral Hearing?
Pictures tell thousands of words ...
Comments (25 of 25)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25More photos
The slope
The slope again
Concrete post of old Coillte fence
And another one
A feature on Rath Ligh
And more photos
A marker through Rath Lugh
And more marker tape
motorway path
Section fenced off
The side of Rath Lugh
More
Trees felled at Rath Lugh
Destruction
The ancient ones will not look kindly upon this desecration....
The ones responsible ( the politicians , the PR men , the workers themselves who drive the JCBs ) shall all suffer , in this life and the next.
None shall enter ValHalla....
In a civilised country, the Tara area would be a world class tourist/cultural/historical centre........
Fight this evil, the ancient ones allow free rein
What happened on Rath Lugh is that the "developers" of this motorway removed the original barbwire fence serving as demarkation line between the farmlands and the little hill on which Rath Lugh is located. Then they put up a new fence further up on the slope and started digging into the hill . (Enclosed photo). By moving the demarkation line and making the national monument much smaller, they managed to create the bufferzone which the law requests has to be created between a national monument and a development, such as a road. My enclosed picture clearly shows that they even dug beyond their newly created boundary line and that the slope of the hill on which Rath Lugh is located has been artificially created (the gravel) and is therefore a part of thisnational monument.
Shame on you, "Minister" Tricky Dickie Roche for the utter disrespect you are displaying towards our archaeological and cultural heritage!
Damaged Rath Lugh
Statement by Campaign to Save Tara
'Call for Immediate Investigation by Environment and Transport Committees, and Appointment of Mediator'
The Campaign to Save Tara is calling for an immediate halt to all construction works, an official investigation by the Environment and
Transport Committees, and the appointment of an independent mediator, in order to prevent an escalation of confrontations.
Heated confrontations have been occurring since pro-Tara demonstrations against current works began last week in the Tara/Skryne Valley, which have included threats of violence and threatening use of machinery by contractors,
Confrontations continue today near Rath Lugh, between demonstrators and tree-felling/earthmoving contractors...
continued at http://indymedia.ie/article/80519
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TREE CLEARING – GABHRA VALLEY THE TARGET
PRESS RELEASE - SAVETARA.COM
The felling of trees on the proposed route of the M3 seems to be
concentrated in the Gabhra Valley. The public private partnership has
not yet been signed and the work is deemed illegal. Clearing is
occurring at Rath Lugh near Lismullin and Blundelstown/Philpotstown
the site of the planned interchange. The public are encouraged to
visit the sites particularly those close to the Hill of Tara. This
clearing shows without doubt that the new road and the planned
interchange are closer to the top of the Hill than the existing road
as has been argued by those opposing the route. The NRA has always
denied this fact.
The Gabhra river runs beside the old road. The motorway will drive
right over it. Gabhra means white mare and horses are associated with
the kingship of Tara as they were in ancient India. Horse bones were
found on the Hill and horse bits in the Valley. The name Eochaidh
(Haughey) comes from the old Irish word for a horse.
The Valley is associated with the deaths of the Fianna. Caílte says
that he will die and be buried near Tara. Here is the site of the
Battle of Gabhra where the king of Tara, battled with the Fianna and
both he an the famous champion Oscar were killed along with many
other. A huge mound was built over their graves.
As one of the protestors said today: `They're digging up the bones of
the Fianna'.
Rath Lugh contains the name of the old Irish god Lugh who took over
his kingship on the top of the hill of Tara. Lugh is celebrated in the
Festival of Lúnasa. He is also It was one of the outer defensive forts
of Tara and the present route will cut it away from its natural
centre. This extraordinary Rath would then sit at the edge of a
motorway completely out of context.
The experts on Tara, Joe Fenwick, Conor Newman and Edel Bhreathnach
said in their position paper of 2004:
The proposed motorway ignores and transgresses this line and will,
therefore, destroy the spatial and visual integrity of the
archaeological and historical landscape of Tara, as well as removing
from it key component monuments. Moreover, commanding a high
promontory overlooking Lismullin, Rath Lugh was probably designed to
control, inter alia, access through the valley between Tara and
Skryne, for this is the principal entrance into this landscape from
the north. If this development goes ahead, Rath Lugh will merely
overlook, from a distance of 100m, a motorway, which would be a rather
ignominious end for a once proud and important monument.'
Looking at the tree clearing, it appears that it will be even closer
than 100m. We call on all opposition parties to call a halt to this
premature clearing and to reroute before we pave over history,
literature and archaeology.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
This appeared in the Irish Times as a result of the press release:
Call for an end to clearing of trees near Tara
Frank McDonald, Environment Editor
Irish Times
Saturday, January 6, 2007
The Save Tara campaign has urged Opposition TDs to call a halt to the
"premature clearing" of trees in the Gabhra Valley, east of the Hill of
Tara in Co Meath, and to reroute the M3 motorway "before we pave over
history, literature and archaeology".
In a statement yesterday, it said that the public should visit the
sites where trees had been felled to verify - contrary to claims by its
proponents - that the motorway would be closer to Tara than the
existing N3.
Save Tara said that the tree-felling at Rath Lugh, near Lismullin, and
at Blundelstown "shows without doubt that the new road and the planned
interchange are closer to the top of the hill than the existing road".
Noting that the Gabhra river runs beside the N3, it said that the
motorway would drive over it.
Gabhra means "white mare", and horses are associated with the kingship
of Tara. Horse bones were found on the hill.
The valley was associated with the deaths of the Fianna. "Here is the
site of the Battle of Gabhra, where the King of Tara battled with the
Fianna and both he an the famous champion Oscar were killed along with
many others," the statement said.
"Rath Lugh contains the name of the old Irish god Lugh, who took over
his kingship on the top of the Hill of Tara and is celebrated in the
Festival of Lúnasa. It was one of the outer defensive forts of Tara,
and the present route will cut it away from its natural centre. This
extraordinary rath would then sit at the edge of a motorway, completely
out of context."
The statement said that three Tara experts had warned of this "rather
ignominious end for a once proud and important monument". In a paper in
2004, Joe Fenwick, Conor Newman and Edel Bhreathnach said that the M3
would "destroy the spatial and visual integrity of the archaeological
and historical landscape of Tara as well as removing from it key
component monuments".
As a result of the damning photographs an email was sent to the Minister for the Environment "Tricky Dicky" Roche and the following press release issued:
PRESS RELEASE – M. Ní Bhrolcháin, Save Tara.com
MINISTER’S DIRECTIONS FLOUTED IN THE GABHRA VALLEY
Dr. M. Ní Bhrolcháin of SaveTara has written to the Minister and the Taoiseach regarding the works being undertaken on behalf of the National Roads Authority / Meath County Council along the section of the proposed route of the M3 motorway in the Gabhra Valley, near to the Hill of Tara, in Co. Meath. The message says that the tree felling and use of heavy digging machinery at Lismullin and at the base of Rath Lugh (one of Tara’s outlying defensive fortifications) is not being carried out in accordance with the Minister’s directions. It seems that standards of best archaeological practice are not being observed and that the directions are being openly flouted. When the Minister gave directions on May 11^th 2005 he said that:
“the removal of forestry and topsoil at Lismullin and Ardsallagh will be carried out under archaeological supervision; all construction topsoil stripping will be archaeologically monitored.”
There is no archaeological supervision of forestry clearance at Lismullin. Neither is there any archaeological monitoring of large-scale earthmoving from the base of the Rath Lugh scarp. Such actions completely undermine Rath Lugh and the assurances given by the Minister in relation to this, one of our nation’s most sensitive archaeological and historical landscapes. It must be assumed that the Minister and his senior archaeologist must know of this work that is in direct breach of the directives.
Rath Lugh is an important national monument in its own right but, as an integral part of Tara, its significance is even greater. It stands as a sentry over the Gabhra Valley guarding the northern and north-western approaches to the Hill and overlooks other nearby recorded archaeological monuments, namely a barrow and souterrain. It is extremely likely that other monuments that are not visible on the surface are also found within its immediate vicinity. Photographs show the destruction at the base of Rath Lugh – the stratified archaeological sediments can be seen in the right of photo attached. If there were archaeological supervision such works would have been brought to a halt at the first sight of potential archaeological features. Heavy machinery, whether supervised or not, should not have been used or permitted in this area. Why is it necessary to commence such work under cover of darkness? This remains a mystery to all except, of course, those who sanctioned the work in the first instance. Health and Safety concerns aside, it is unlikely that someone will see freshly disturbed archaeological features in the dark – even if an archaeologist were present armed with miner’s helmet and infra-red goggles.
The Minister also said in a statement on May 11^th 2005:
“The Directions which I have given represent a measured approach. They are both comprehensive and onerous. They protect heritage."
In fact, it appears that his expressed wishes are being ‘comprehensively’ ignored.
Save Tara is asking the NRA / MCC to halt all work immediately along this section of the M3 as The PPP has not yet been signed. We ask that an enquiry be held into why such work was authorised and who was responsible for approving it.
Save Tara calls again on opposition spokespersons to ask for this work to stop forthwith.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
This appeared in the Irish Times as a result:
Roads agency denies damage to Tara site
Frank McDonald, Environment Editor
Irish Times, Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has denied that directions by
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche to protect archaeology along
the M3 motorway route are being "openly flouted" by works now under
way.
Celtic scholar Dr Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, of the Save Tara campaign,
has written to Mr Roche and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern complaining that
damage had been done to Rath Lugh, a designated national monument.
"The tree felling and use of heavy digging machinery at Lismullin and
at the base of Rath Lugh - one of Tara's outlying defensive
fortifications - is not being carried out in accordance with the
Minister's directions."
Dr Ní Bhrolcháin said standards of best archaeological practice were
not being observed and that the directions issued by Mr Roche in May
2005 regarding the treatment of archaeological sites "are being openly
flouted".
But Mary Deevy, project archaeologist with the NRA, insisted that a
site in a Save Tara photograph was part of an esker ridge - "two fields
away from Rath Lugh" - which was used for private small-scale gravel
quarrying.
She had walked from Lismullin to Rath Lugh earlier this month with
Heather King, a senior archaeologist from the department, "who
confirmed that no damage had been done to archaeological sites" in the
area.
Asked if the Minister's directions were being flouted, Ms Deevy said:
"Absolutely not". She added that the contractors involved in the work
were fully informed on archaeological sites "and know very well what
sites to avoid".
Mr Roche had specified that the removal of forestry and topsoil at
Lismullin and Ardsallagh was to be "carried out under archaeological
supervision" and all construction topsoil stripping was to be
archaeologically monitored.
"There is no archaeological supervision of forestry clearance at
Lismullin," Dr Ní Bhrolcháin said. "Neither is there any archaeological
monitoring of large-scale earthmoving from the base of the Rath Lugh
escarpment.
"Such actions completely undermine Rath Lugh and the assurances given
by the Minister in relation to this, one of our nation's most sensitive
archaeological and historical landscapes," her statement said.
She explained that Rath Lugh "stands as a sentry over the Gabhra Valley
guarding the northern and north-western approaches to the Hill [ of
Tara] and overlooks other nearby recorded archaeological monuments".
Dr Ní Bhrolcháin said stratified archaeological sediments were visible
in photographs of damage done to what she claimed was Rath Lugh. "If
there were archaeological supervision such works would have been
brought to a halt."
She also queried why such work had started under cover of darkness when
an archaeologist would be unlikely to see freshly disturbed
archaeological strata.
Although the Minister had said that his directions were "both
comprehensive and onerous" and would "protect heritage" sites along the
M3, Dr Ní Bhrolcháin said that his expressed wishes "are being
'comprehensively' ignored".
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
As a result a number of questions were asked in the Dáil:
Questions Nos. 1786 and 1864
Chun an Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Ãitiúil:
To the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government:
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
if he has satisfied himself that the works in the Gabhra Valley near the
Hill of Tara are being carried out according to directions issued by
him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Catherine Murphy.
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
if his Department has investigated the allegations that the clear
regulations which he set down in relation to the construction of the M3,
particularly the works in the vicinity of the Hill of Tara, are not
being obeyed; when these investigations were conducted and the findings
of this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Olivia Mitchell.
For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 31st January, 2007.
Ref No: 3366/07 and 2002/07
REPLY
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche):
I propose to take to Questions Nos. 1786 and 1864 together.
The route of the proposed M3 road development has been archaeologically
assessed through geophysical surveys and test trenching and all of the
identified areas of archaeological interest have been or are being fully
excavated and recorded as required under directions given in accordance
with the provisions of the National Monuments Acts.
Regular reports are furnished to my Department and regular inspections
are carried out by my Department of the archaeological excavations being
carried out by the road authority. On the evidence of these reports and
inspections, I am satisfied that the statutory directions in relation to
these works are being fully complied with.
On the 4 of January last an archaeologist from my Department inspected
sites where both tree felling and archaeological works are being carried
out. Based on a report of that inspection, I can confirm that, while
there was some surface disturbance caused by machinery, no
archaeological material or objects have been disturbed by the recent
tree felling operation. These tree felling operations, which were a
necessary part of the advance preparatory works for the road scheme,
only took place within the land-take for the road scheme. The trees were
cut to stump level. The removal of the tree stumps will be carried out
under archaeological supervision during the construction phase of the
project.
For those who may not realise it, the name "Lugh" (sometimes spelt "Lug" or "Lugus") is very well established in the long list of ancient Celtic deities, and it is not just Tara which has place-names based on this name.
Among some of the best known places for instance, other than Tara, are the cities of Lugdunum (the modern French city of Lyon in France) and Lugdunum Batavorum (the modern city of Leiden in Germany); and, in addition, there is a "Leiden" in the Netherlands as well I think?
"Rath Lugh" at Tara simply HAS to be very important from the viewpoint of Irish history and heritage? - as well as for Celtic heritage and history generally, which we of course share very deeply with many other European nations and peoples, and with their many millions of genetically related decedents who are spread all over the world.
What MADNESS is it that has Irish "public servants" (so called) damaging and destroying such sites?
Additional information on "Lugh" can be found at:
http://www.google.com/search?num=30&hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell...ell=1
Thanks William and of course you are absolutely right. Lug/Lugh was one of the most important members of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He is said to claimed his kingship on top of the Hill of Tara in a story called the Battle of Moytura. Nuadu of the Silver Arm stood down to give Lugh his seat.
He is commemorated all over the Continent in place names but strangely the name Rath Lugh is a relatively modern name for the Rath. There is no record of the name in the older source material and its old name, whatever it was, is unknown to us at the moment.
But it is recognised by the archaeologists as an outer defence post for Tara and it will be stranded on the other side of this proposed road.
What a country and how we have changed when Eddie Lenihan was able to move a road to avoid a fairy tree some time ago and now even a sacred valley will not stop the work.
The information coming in from the Vigil keepers is just appalling and there should be photographs available soon.
Hi,
the image shows the NRA MCC intention clearly. Two fields away is the Opus Dei HQ at Lismullin (i.e. inside a national monument) but the forced double troll road has stayed as far away as possible from the OD HQ by design. The NRA MCC have shown disrespect for our ancient national monuments. Why? Why do the judges, politicians, officials and those in authority not stop this destruction? Maybe we could ask why do they want / need such destruction?
Pictures of the Tara Valley Protest, 9-2-07 at http://www.druidschool.com/site/1030100/page/900882
The return of Ireland’s Celtic Goddess at http://www.druidschool.com/site/1030100/page/837902
Their aim decalres bad attitude
Opus Dei is only one of the greedy FF/FG/PD rancher speculators who stand to gain millions, even billions, by opening up the Tara Valley with massive hotels and luxurious villages for the Super Rich in the wake of the M3 motorway.
The Tara Valley is to be opened up as an enclave for the Captains and the Kings of Industry worldwide, from whence they will rule as far as jets can fly worldwide. A private airstrip will be put in there to whisk the future billionaire denizens of Tara straight to Dublin Airport and on to their penthouses worlwide.
Citibank ( who cleverly sponsor "SaveTaraValley.com" website) are the masterminds behind the entire future development of the Tara Valley as an enclave for the kids of the Super Rich. Masterminded by billionaire lawyer chief of Citibank, the so-called American "philanthropist " Peter White.
That's why every patriot, and every socialist in Ireland, should be up at Tara protesting against this future Valley of the Rich KIds, once Ireland's proud Valley of the Kings.
When the entire diabolical plan is completed, over the next decade, then the native Irish will be banned from the Hill of Tara, in one of the most evil rotten diabolical schemes ever conceived , a new Plantation of Ireland. This time achieved by the Billions of the Super Rich for their spoilt brats of kids.
Don't let is happen ! Save Tara for all the kids of Ireland and the world !
Here is the video of Peter White, Billionaire Chief Executive of Citibank, speaking his "philanthropic" philosophy over on www.savetaravalley.com
(Google Peter White, Citibank, adviser to U.S. Presidents etc on their Wills to their Super Brat Kids.
http://www.ecologyofbeing.com/newindex.php?content=vide...ction
Muireann, as some people reading this will already know, there is an extremely interesting explanation as to why "There is no record of the name in the older source material" - as you have pointed out above.
Basically, and as I understand it, and this is a much simplified account of the overall story, descendents of the infamous (and illegitimate "Niall of the Nine Hostages") tried to make themselves far more important than they really were towards the end of the first millennium AD, and their historians at that time "stole" the history of Turoe (in East Galway), where Niall of the Nine Hostages originally came from, and they very cleverly - or not so cleverly perhaps depending on personal outlook - "transplanted" it onto Tara (in County Meath).
Being illegitimate, and though born into Celtic royalty in the Turoe area of East Galway, Niall was advised in his youth that he could not expect to inherit anything of significance in that particular area (around where the world famous Turoe Stone still stands), and with that in mind he headed "North" with a view to acquiring some "sword land" for himself: which he did with very considerable success apparently - and hence the O'Neill family dynasty of "The North".
To the best of my knowledge, Tom O'Connor is the world's leading expert on this amazing and extremely important area of Irish history; and, as anyone who has met and spoken with him will agree (I believe), this man is not a fool: in spite of the fact that he has so far been largely ignored by a great many people who (as I see things) really should know much better.
He has published two books on the Tara/Turoe subject, and the most recent is titled: "Hand of History, Burden of Pseudo History" (which was published in 2005).
Information on this particular book can be found via the following link:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Hand+of+History%2C...earch
In case anyone might be getting nervous, Tom O'Connor does NOT by any means try to claim that Tara is unimportant. Far from it, the last discussions I have had with him (some years ago) suggest that he believes the area around the Hill of Tara is historically and archeologically VERY important indeed: but, because of historical events from a period several centuries earlier than is normally, and he would argue very fraudulently claimed by many present day historians - i.e. around St Patrick's time (in the 400's AD).
Among the many fascinating references to "Lugh" in his "Hand of History, Burden of Pseudo History" book, Tom O'Connor relates that "Lugh Dun" (meaning the Fort of Lugh in the Celtic language) is the origin of the name "London". Similarly, it is claimed that "Lughunum" is the origin of the name Lyden in Holland. Getting back to Ireland, Lug(h) Bhru (of Turoe & Athenry) is described by him as the "The Otherworld Abode of Lugh".
As those who have spoken with him will know, Tom O'Connor is both serious and passionate about the subject he has spent so much of his life researching, and I believe this can be sensed in the following piece of text from the very last paragraph of "Hand of History, Burden of Pseudo History":
"The historic perspective here is diametrically opposed to that put forward by pseudo-history. It is devoid of the dangerous nationalism inherent in the latter. This history should be in the hands of Irish people, young and old, North and South, of whatever persuasion; it should be essential reading for student and specialist alike in order to counteract all the untold harm and misunderstanding created by pseudo-history. Peace efforts without this historic insight will never succeed since these are approached with diametrically opposed expectations regarding the final outcome based on pseudo-historic misconceptions."
Perhaps the truth would be better told if it was said that the membership of Opus Dei (ie not Opus Dei) stand to gain millions, even billions, by opening up the Tara Valley with massive hotels and luxurious villages for the Super Rich in the wake of the M3 motorway. The church seeks to complete its program of "destroy native culture and heritage" even with its dieing gasps... see the image "Five Roads to Tara" and note the missing section of the road to the coast... current attack on Rath Lugh...
A "C" route from Newgrange, Tara, Trim to Clonmacnoise is secretly planned to join the 30-acre interchange on the northern slope of Tara Hill. A new civic dump and sewerage works facilitates the 'new city plan for the rich' see pics, the sewerage works is called Dunshaughlin (many miles away) and no locals seem to know that this will be a tolled road .... What a scam for the profit pirates of FF....
It is shocking to hear that the American "philanthropist " Peter White, corporate lawyer is behind "SaveTaraValley.com" and behind the entire future development of the Tara Valley as an enclave for the kids of the Super Rich at the same time. I hope you can share your research on this for everyone to see.
The new Plantation of Ireland by the Billions of the Super Rich for their spoilt brats of kids is probably a very exciting marketing tag line.... Where do we register interest????? The cash rich (culturally deficient) elite would enjoy having such a cool address. But seriously, those who would seek such an address would destroy the true value of such an address for their perceived value (novelty) only and thereby they destroy even their own dreams / nightmares. We cannot let them, we must preserve the Gaelic Royal City of Tara as a World Heritage Park. This is the hills of Tara and Skryne and the sacred Gabhra valley in between and not just 100 acres on the western hill top of the Celtic City.
I suggest - Vote Save Tara Valley may have good timing right now....
Annotated arial views over Tara Valley at -
Sewerage Works and Dump for Tara City?
the old five roads of Tara (pre Opus Dei)
Rock on Rockefeller, Rock on Peter White, over the Bones, Trees and Mounds of Tara Valley. This is Peter White, the Man Behind the New Tara for the Super Rich Kids of the U.S.A. :
http://www.kenyon.edu/x7804.xml
Now you know who gives Ahern, Roche and Cullen their orders for the destruction of Tara.
A map of the new constituency boundaries in Meath showing the East/West divide.
Meath East: Councillor Dominic Hannigan, Labour.
Meath West: Councillor Joe Reilly, Sinn Fein.
Both in with a realistic chance of election, both worth a Number One Vote in each of their respective Meath constituencies.
(No Green candidate in Meath has a chance).
Hi all,
Could I suggest that even if someone believes that a Green candidate may not have a chance of being elected - there is still a good reason to give your Vote or preference to a Green candidate to help dislodge a FFer. The Greens may not get a seat but the FFer may loose a seat that Labour or Sinn Fein may get. The Greens - even though small - have brought much needed change to a bad system that has been abused by the current FFers. Every new Green Vote is one less FF.
Maybe I should make myself very clear by what I mean when I ask others to Vote Save Tara Valley.
Please Vote for every candidate who declares intention to Save Tara Valley - No M3 in Tara - in any constituency of the country. Bertie's Fianna Fail seeks to destroy the sacred valley of the White Mare, Edain Echraidhe, Horse Goddess to the Gaels, the Sons of Mil by forcing the M3 double toll road through it. This Celtic City of Gaelic Royalty is over the two hills of Skryne and Tara and the Gabhra Valley in between them and not just the 100 acres on top of the hill as spun by the Gov, NRA, MCC and supporting media. The Valley is the middle of the City of Gaelic Tara. It must be saved intact with the two hills.
I also mean that all other criminal destruction for personal profit as the expense of the nation in your neighbourhood as done by known public representatives can and should be stopped. The man who signed the Corrib Gas fields away 'Free' to Shell causing the Rossport situation should be tried for treason against the people. We should tell Shell to f... off. American and French nuke warships at Castletown Barehaven and American nuke planes bringing bullets and bombs in and prisoners and dead heroes back should be declared a Breach of Ireland's Neutrality and Bertie should face a Public Inquiry. All of this and more can happen - your vote can make change and the rot can be stopped.
A thousand years ago maybe you would use a sword to stop such corruption - today we use our Vote. Every constituency can throw out its FFer just by lots of individuals using their collective Votes to change things. The present challenge may be to convert spoilers to voters and non-voters to voters, the angry to protest voters and to appeal to the entrenched to wake up to the difference between right and wrong.
A Number One vote for a Green Party candidate in Meath West would be a wasted vote in the general election in Meath West Constituency for the following reasons:
1. The Green candidate stands to gain at most a thousand votes.
2. The only candidate outside of FF and FG who stands a reasonable chance of election is Councillor Joe Reilly, Sinn Fein, of Navan
3. Joe could conceivably take out English of Fine Gael or Brady of Fianna Fail, probably the latter.
4. to do this he requires every single number one vote he can get to be ahead of English and/or Brady on the first count.
5. So vote for Councillor Jor Reilly of Sinn Fein in Meath West - and Councillor Dominic Hannigan of Labour in Meath East (whose constituency contains the Tara Valley), that way we anti-M3 pro-Tara campaigners have a good chance of getting not one, but two TDs elected in Meath constituencies to oppose the M3 there.
6. Any other constituencies where a Green candidate looks like having a chance of being elected, you could vote for him or her, then Lab/Sinn Fein.
HOWEVER the Green Party is notorious for supporting and upping the tax on refuse collection in local authorities all over the country - and Bin Tax protesters, esp those who were fined/jailed, have every right to take that gross betrayal of the working class into consideration when voting.
Information on a petition sent in 2005 to the European Parliament (regarding the M3) can be found at the following address:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/docume...n.pdf
Does anyone know where I might find a copy of the actual petition text?
I have been given the address just below, but that whole site seems to be "down" at the present time - please check:
http://community.meath.ie/mahs/index.php?option=com_con...id=52
Link to the general site. The actual complaint is too big to send in one post here. I'll get another link as well.
http://community.meath.ie/mahs/
Here is a link to the file
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/files/EU%20Compl...0MAHS
Members only however
Thank You Dr. Muireann, but the only thing now that will save the Tara Valley from the bulldozers of the multi-billionaire motorway moguls is the General Election.
I can't recommend, however, voting for the Green Party, as they have shown their anti-working class credentials by actually introducing the Bin Tax throughout the country wherever they were elected as Councillors in 2004 - and upping those charges on every local authority where they have influence - they are a County Manager's Dream Party and can never be trusted in power. I believe that they are even more upper-class orientated than the PDs.
The Parties to vote for are Labour, whose candidate Dominic Hannigan in Meath East is the most anti-M3 Pro Tara candidate in Ireland. And he looks like being elected - help him with all the Number One votes you can muster right across the Tara Valley ! As the Hill of Tara is in the constituency of Meath East, Dominic can and will be Our TD for Tara.
And in Meath West, popular County Councillor Joe Reilly of Sinn Fein could shade it over Deputy Johnny Brady of Fianna Fail - but Joey desperately needs every last single Number One Vote you can give him to pull it off and throw nondescript Fianna Fail TD Brady out, one down, more to go !
Right throughout the country, wherever you are, whatever constituency you are in, try to figure what candidate can knock out a Fianna Fail, Fine Gael or PD TD - and give your number One vote to him or her to save Tara, whether Labour, Sinn Fein or Independent or Whatever.
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