32nd Anniversary of a Murdered Child

by Pat Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:09

I have always felt strong about the issue of plastic bullets in the north of Ireland. Their use was always confined to the North of Ireland. The plastic bullet was used for ‘crowd control’ in riotous situations.

I have always been amazed at the fact that they have never been used in England. England has seen it fair share of intense rioting over the years resulting in police fatalities. In October 1985 PC Keith Blakelock was set upon by a group of men in Broadwater Farm, during the Tottenham riots. He was fatally injured after the attack in which machetes, knives and other weapons where used. The police where issued with plastic bullets and guns during these riots but never actually used them. I’m glad that they where never used in any part of England as they are a lethal weapon.

The record of death in Ireland, from this deadly lethal weapon speaks for itself, seventeen people. Nine of the seventeen people where eighteen or under, the youngest being 10. Some of theses children where killed in non riotous situations. They where simply murdered because they came from one side of the community (catholic). The weapon was used to terrorise people off the streets. The PSNI still retain the right to hold plastic bullets and deploy them in riotous situations. Herein lies the roots of conflict, discrimination and inequality. It seems that plastic bullets are only reserved for use against the Irish only, and when I say Irish I mean catholic/nationalist. Some things never change. You might image that in the current political climate that has enveloped the North of Ireland that this deadly weapon would be banned. If they are talking about a normal civilised society in which its citizens are all treated equally, why hold onto this lethal weapon ? For the PSNI to retain the right to hold and deploy this weapon makes a mockery of any real and meaningful progress, it makes one cautious for the future. Why have faith in a governing system when they continues to store such weapons that have murdered Irish children in non riotous situations.

We will never forget them. I have never seen the above photo of the mural in memory of Brain Stewart. It’s a beautiful mural, I hope we never have to paint any more.

by Ciarán Ó B Fri Oct 10, 2008 19:59

Regardless of what the Andytown News does or doesn't do, the people of Turf Lodge will never forget Brian Stewart or the events of 32 years ago.

Brian Stewart mural

by brian stewart Fri Oct 10, 2008 19:41 brianbelfast at yahoo dot co dot uk

Also see link for further details on the murder of my uncle who was only 13 when murdered.