‘Give me your name and address or I’ll rape you’: the reality of Corrib policing

by Little Miss Cranky Tue Apr 05, 2011 15:20

Morning Ireland's coverage of the Garda tape was bad, but the one o'clock news was plain strange, avoiding the content of the 'alleged' remarks completely. I went to the RTE website to see about making a complaint, and see they are subject to the following:

"RTÉ is obliged under Section 39 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to ensure that
.....
(d) anything which may reasonably be regarded as causing harm or offence, or as likely to promote, or incite to, crime or as tending to undermine the authority of the State, is not broadcast .
...."
'
'Tending to undermine' is wide open to interpretation and presumably is what RTE will fall back on if complaints are made. Any advice on how best to approach making a complaint?

by Sickened Tue Apr 05, 2011 15:50

Banter as part of your job is one thing. In the corporate world, if an employee joked about raping a client with a colleague, and was found out, they would be dealt with severely, and in the majority of cases it would lead to dismissal on the grounds of gross misconduct!!!

Banter when representing the State, and making suggestions of rape towards citizens is totally unacceptable and should be reprimandable whether on camera or off.

Banter as part of your job, when it is your job to respond to rape incidents and you could be called out next week to support a victim of rape, is plain sick!!!

by Ailis Tue Apr 05, 2011 18:29

This is deeply shocking and clearly shows the abuse of power by some Gardai involved in policing the Corrib protests.The Justice Minister should order an enquiry into this latest incident and also re-visit the numerous other complaints made to the Garda omnbudsman over the last five years.It appears that certain Gardai have made it their ambition to blindly support Shell and IRMS regardless .Their first duty is to protect those who practice their constitutional right to protest.These same Gardai do nothing to improve the situation there ,their manner provocative, abusive and bullyish.The recent behaviour of IRMS personnel abusing residents in their cars must also be investigated.

by Colm Tue Apr 05, 2011 18:47

Absolutely disgraceful remarks and I hope they are punished. Let's not start painting all guards with that brush though... These two are a disgrace.

by Pedanticist - s2s Tue Apr 05, 2011 19:15

Article 10, I'd agree wholeheartedly with your analysis of the Gardai's role, and think that any constitutional reminder is always a jarring and effective way of giving some perspective to our current situation, but with regard to the comment, "That the force recruits among rapist and other degenerates does not surprise me", I think that this is needlessly inaccurate and somewhat sensationalist, when based on the issue of the leaked recording.

The Gardai are infuriatingly unaccountable and authoritarian and I think that the contents of this conversation reveals the degree of bullish provocation they feel entitled to engage in, which in itself is totally unacceptable. For that reason, I don't think we need to presume beyond the severity of their conduct in this instance that they have card-carrying rapists in their midst. That said, I would not for a moment deny the potential that there might be members of the Gardai who may have comitted rape or other acts of sexual abuse, certainly their trite in-jokes do nothing to assure me that their power isn't likely to be abused in such a way.

Just to extend my point, the problem is that as shocking as this story has been for many people, and as much as it highlights how much is generally taken for granted in the legitimacy of the Gardai, this repressed disorder of casual rape-humour and the like is pervasive in our culture and should be recognised as indicative of the kind of stunted, depoliticised, conservatism one will often overhear among circles of respectability and authority.

by Citizen Tue Apr 05, 2011 19:19

Of course, most gardai are just decent people trying to do their job,
But I think this article clearly highlights the way many of the Gardai working in Rossport are NOT doing their job and instead are serving the interests of a large corporation and treating those who protest as less than human and are using the law in a cynical way that it was never intended to be used to bully and harass people who are just exercising their democratic right to protest a project that is not in the interests of the Irish people, the terms of which were negotiated by disgraced corrupt FF politicians such as Ray Burke and Bertie Ahern.

People don't realise what has been going on down in Rossport all this time. Hopefully this scandalous incident will help to highlight the issue of policing in Rossport.

by Roowyrm Tue Apr 05, 2011 20:34

"Secretly taping the cops" it was them that forgot to switch the video camera off in the first place...it hardly constitutes secret taping, and it wouldn't have even been an issue if they hadn't said such damaging things. In this case one could truly say, they have brought this down upon their own heads.

by declan christ - none Tue Apr 05, 2011 21:03

reality check. a couple of biffos in a car, having a borderline joke, crude, ignorant, sexist, and of zero taste. yes.
but cut the shit.

the real story of this video/audio is the fact that here are the irish police force playing keystone cops on behalf of a private company.

it's the lack of political conviction and decision that creates this mess..

which is why SHELL TO SEA is misleading this campaign.
SHELL ARE NOT THE PROBLEM....THE IRISH GOVERNMENT ARE.

THE "SHELL TO SEA" NAME.....COMPLETLELY MISDIRECTS THE FOCUS OF THE CAMPAIGN AWAY FROM WHERE IT SHOULD LIE.......SQUARELY ON THE IRISH GOVERNMENT....

HUNDREDS OF MORE WOULD BE INVOLVED, IF THE CAMPAIGN ACTUALLY FOCUSED ON THE REAL CULPRITS. THE IRISH GOVERNMENT

by mel- 1 Tue Apr 05, 2011 21:08

This story is making my blood boil! I work in nursing and from time to time you see things and hear things that would make titilating conversation HOWEVER in your code of conduct you are NEVER to discuss your patients in a personal manner. Remember these girls were in the CARE of the guardai while these comments were made. . I can only assume that everyone working in services (fire dept, guardai, health care, social welfare office) have an obligation to conduct themselves in a professional manner let alone THREATENING REMARKS. I hope these spineless fools go down for this... however I won't hold my breath!

by Seanbeag Tue Apr 05, 2011 22:12

The girls weren't in their care. They were somewhere else with different Gardaí.

I'm very saddened by the way this has come out and the media coverage of it. It will seriously damage the relationship between real rape victims and the Gardaí. It seems to me that this damage was done all in the name of gaining publicity for a cause. Sickening.

by Ciaron Tue Apr 05, 2011 22:29

This is a piece I originally wrote on UK indy in response to the issue of sex between female activists and the undercover cop Kennedy/ Stones operating in England, Ireland, Europe
https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/01/472627.html...63590

It descirbes a sexual assault I suffered in police custody in the Darwin watchouse, after we had disabled uranium mining equipment at Jabiluka, Northern Territory, Queensland, Australia.

While I was in jail in Texas there were sexual relationships between some prisoners and guards..if a prisoner, like a minor, can grant consent? Jury still out on that one! Cops getting freebies as protection from sex workers is a long tradition as part of the job in Australia.

Stay staunch up in Rossport! Those Garda boyz sold their soul a long time ago. It effects every aspect of their life. Bash at work, bash at home is that how it works lads?

by míol mór Tue Apr 05, 2011 22:29

can`t believe you call publishing the truth sickening!
this is how local community and their supporters in Mayo are and have been treating for many years, there have been other threats reported over the years but this is first time that there exist recording of it...none of the complaints of people from mayo have ever been heard, on the contrary it`s them who are potraited in medias as "baddies"...and that is to me sickening..
i agree that it`s sad that rape victims can not rely on guardie, but it`s not those who showed the truth about this incident who are to blame!!!!!!!!

by yachew - none Tue Apr 05, 2011 22:34

"The girls weren't in their care. They were somewhere else with different Gardaí.
I'm very saddened by the way this has come out and the media coverage of it. It will seriously damage the relationship between real rape victims and the Gardaí. It seems to me that this damage was done all in the name of gaining publicity for a cause. Sickening".

Or perhaps you could view it this way: If the Guards in question didn't make the distateful comments there would be no adverse publicity and damaged relationship between the Gradai and rape victims to worry about.

by Feudal Castrato Tue Apr 05, 2011 22:40

"I'm very saddened by the way this has come out and the media coverage of it"

I'll bet you are Sean. But evidently not quite as saddened for the protesters who have to endure the corporate friendly sad excuse for a fair policing policy that exists in rossport.

So essentially what you are saying is we should supress this information about our gardai joking about raping a female protester in order to protect rape victims?

how twisted can you get in your efforts to spin things? unbelievable.

by former glory Tue Apr 05, 2011 23:03

Thanks for posting this. The same police who turned a blind eye to clerical abuse in Ireland. Truly depressing.

by mel - 1 Tue Apr 05, 2011 23:38

The garda in question were the arresting officers by the sounds of it, which makes them directly implicated in the outcomes of what happens to to women in custody. ! Once you are arrested you are in the care of every officer you have had contact with in the process.

by Ailis Tue Apr 05, 2011 23:56

Sergeant"like some of the auld timers who were here in the first and second campaign,I,ll tell you one thing,the decisions that were made policing at that time" Did the sergeant mean the baton charge,or the horrendous brutality of the digger at mcgraths pier,or the attacks on selected members of the community,thebeating of environmental award winner Willie Corduff,the sinking of Pat Odonnells boat endangering two lives,or maybe the countless mindless attacks on other peaceful protestors.How many prosecutions or follow up enquiries has there been?We need an independant body to monitor Gardai investigating Gardai.

by Ciaron O'Reilly - Giuseepe Conlon House, London Catholic Worker Wed Apr 06, 2011 06:11

I grew up in Australia in the '70's and had to run the gauntlet of Irish jokes eg. we're all thick ignorant terrorists...aboriginal people have bee running their own gauntlet for 200 years and are still running it...these jokes expressed real attitutdes of those telling them

...like these "jokes" or implied threats of rape (jury is still out on that one up in Rossport...don't hold ya breath for any jury forming on this one)........
and the "Shoot a Greenie" stickers being sold around the uranium mining sites at Roxby Downs, South Australia, when we were there unsuccessfully trying to shut it down in '84 and the Jabiluka site, Northern Terrritory which we successfully shut down in '98

I've spent too much time in police stations in Australia (I've been through3 versions of the Brisbane one!)... anti-aborigine jokes and quips flow fast and furious in these places...I have been in custody a number of times when aborigines have been bashed and two were killed ....such "jokes" are the basis of real action...some fatal some not. In Asutralia the cops see aborigines and greenies as vermin, waste of space, ideally to be erradicated

Of course they are willing to bash, kill, rape, fit up...whatever it takes to get the job done, to serve their corporate masters in Rossport...and what they can get away with. The cops and security can get away with rape and killings while servicing Shell in the Niger Delta...maybe they can get away with it in Mayo. I dunno?

The cops at Shannon and Mayo have made a heap of money out of facilitaing the killing of 1 million Iraqis, patting 4,000 young Yanks on the back on the way to their deaths transiting through the departure lounge of Shannon. They spent 3 million euro on additonal security when I made a statement at our 06 PItstop acquittal press conference, that we were going to go back close the airport until it was demilitarised...........some of that money went on cop extensions to their houses, new car, second car.

Shannon, Tara, Rosspot policing overtime have been a gold rush for the cps and private security.
Minimal work, maximum take!

If they had a brain in their head, like the BAe private security we have dealt with in England, they woud see us/activists... as the goose that layed the golden egg for them ....and treat us nice.

No us, no second car, new car, extension on the house....but they don't think it out and embrace this co-dependent relationship. Thy get all emotional because they are full of a self hatred for the work they do, the communities they destory and people they help kill.

How do people relieve tension? They joke!

Cynicism is the 5th. column of the establishment. Take care we don't become like them. Stay cool, keep hopeful, keep the intiative...don't letthe anger take over or the cynicsim set in. Once that happens you'e lost the initative. Lose the intiative and you've lost (as in boxing..lose ya cool ya and immediately up on ya arse, football, Rossport whatever)

Shell are playing for keeps in Rossport, take care and remember what your dealing with

They killed Ian Tomlinson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Tomlinson

They killed David Chain
http://www.earthportals.com/dchain.html

They killed Mulrunji/ Doomadgee
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Doomadgee

They probably killed Fr. Larry Rosebaugh lat year O.M.I.
http://ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/death-fr-larry-ro...baugh

They ran over Brian Wilson and took his legs from under him
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Willson

Step light, stay free (even in custody)
Stay staunch, you're an inspiration uo their in Rossport both locals and ring ins
to many of us far away

by Cleaver Wed Apr 06, 2011 11:31

Rascist Sexist Gardaí advocating and threatening rape is nothing new, look at the behaviour of Kilkenny Hurler Garda Eddie Brennan and Garda William Dempsey in Tallaght these transcripts of an interrogation were released about 10 years ago:

Brennan: "My God, nothing good."

Dempsey: "Nothing but bullshit." Brennan: "Pure lot of shit is all you have been telling.

You may take your eyes off that door, because you're not going nowhere pal.

Hope you get used to that cell you're in. Six by six, not much room to move around in." Dempsey: "With a big black person." Brennnan: "With a big black fella there." Dempsey: "He might like your haircut." Brennan: "All he'll want is his bit, boy, up the Gary Glitter." Dempsey: "We're not putting wrong on you." Brennan: "How does that appeal to you? Why would you have that?" Suspect: "I have nothing to say." Dempsey: "Are you used to it?" Suspect: "I have nothing to say." Unidenti. ed garda: "Do you take it up the Gary Glitter?" Suspect: "I have nothing to say." Then, later in the interview, Brennan: "You might be a big man here in Tallaght." Dempsey: "When you go to Mountjoy, you'll be a small man, that's for sure.

Those are fucking real men in there."

Brennan: "Hardened men, boy, that are in there seven or eight years. Bent over, boy, and have had soap shoved up the cheeks of their arse. Take it like a man. Someone paying a lad packets of smokes to protect him. Your future looking bleak? Wait until you see lads who are there for 10 to 12 years. They will take a shine to you. I don't know, your future is looking bleak."

And the censure that these fine upstand pillars of the community received, docked 2 Weeks Wages!!!

by Sean MacGreine - Private Wed Apr 06, 2011 11:39

I have been on more protests than I care to mention and I have always heard protesters use language as bad, worse or much worse than the guards at Corrib used.
It is the normal way ordinary people deal with stress.
Destroying the life of a guard for this banter just deflects the issue away from the reality of Bertie Ahern and his cabal handing away our recourses for a song (or worse) and then Fine Gael and Labour rushing in to tie up the loose ends and make the deal secure.
Its hypocrisy and it helps no one.

by Feudal Castrato Wed Apr 06, 2011 12:03

"It is the normal way ordinary people deal with stress.
Destroying the life of a guard for this banter just deflects the issue away from the reality"

so Sean, what you are saying is, we shouldn't mention the fact that those charged with policing the issue of rape are joking about raping female protesters in rossport which they have just arrested (clearly abusing the law as a form of harrassment and intimidation) for exercising their democratic right to peacefully protest???

This is not just about these guys. This is about sending a clear message to all gardai that they cannot engage in this kind of behaviour without consequences. How could any woman feel safe in the custody of such men. After this case maybe gardai will think twice about their behaviour. For too long they have been allowed to bully people under a culture of impunity.

by Ar son na cuise! Wed Apr 06, 2011 12:40

The problem about reading transcriptions of conversations is that you have no idea of the emotions the people used to express themselves. Whether they were serious or flippant or joking. You get no idea of context what relates to what.

I heard the recording first and Its clear that this is not as is being made out in the media. It was a private conversation. The women were not present while the conversation took place. They were not meant to hear it. The recording is over 30 mins long. The "Rape" sections is seconds long. The Gardaí didn't know they were being recorded. Its clear that from the tone of their voices that they don't even take themselves serious at this point. There was no plan by the the group of Gardaí to rape them. No one said that they would commit rape on them in anyway serious a manner. This part of the conversation is a bit of light relief after a stressful time earlier..
If the women feel threatened then its their own fault for listening to someone elses private conversation.

I have to say that when I heard this bit I laughed. Its a typical surreal piece of humour that is group generated. No one is serious about it and its not a joke as such, just an amalgam of mad related sentences. Everyone knows that what's being said is over the top. To take this serious is like taking offence on behalf of awkward people while watching Mr Bean.

To take serious offence at what the Gardaí said is PCness gone mad.

Ar son na cuise!

by Louise - None Wed Apr 06, 2011 13:14

My God

by Feudal Castrato Wed Apr 06, 2011 13:24

"The women were not present while the conversation took place. They were not meant to hear it."

So its ok for on duty gardai in charge of policing rape cases to talk about raping women in their custody, as long as they do so out of earshot?

By that argument, I guess its also fine for them while on duty to talk about hanging niggers when they have a coloured person in their custody, as long as the person doesn't hear them.

where do you draw the line?. Clearly overt sexism and racism like this has no place in the police force. And people who exercise their democratic right to protest should be treated with the same respect as everyone else. protesting does not automatically mean you have less rights as a citizen.

A garda has a special job wielding quite a lot of power which is easily open to abuse and accordingly they should be held to a high standard of behaviour. These guys failed miserably on that score and are not deserving to hold such positions of power. It is people like these that bring the gardai into disrepute.

If you actually cared about the institution itself rather than just being an apologist spin doctor, then you should actually be in favour of rooting these nasty kinds of people out of the force.

by Andrew Wed Apr 06, 2011 13:38

Garda in Mayo took revenge for the publication of the Corrib cops rape threat video yesterday by attacking Shell to Sea campaigners during another protest near the site where the women were arrested. Alongside this there are clear indications of a dirty tricks campaign being waged by the Garda Press Office. The fact that Garda from the same division felt confident attacking the friends of the women only hours after the so called investigation had been announced by the Garda Press office demonstrates exactly how serious they expected such an investigation to be. These actions confirm that the rape threat as an interrogation method discussion captured on the video is not simply an issue of the Garda directly involved on the video but indicative of the brutal nature of policing in the area where individual Garda continue to expect to have a free hand in attacking campaigners.

Continues at

by Rossport Solidarity Camp Wed Apr 06, 2011 14:29 rossportsolidaritycamp at gmail dot com

Here is a 2:10 long video of the conversation that Mayo Gardaí had talking about threatening to rape a woman in their custody

Caption: Embedded video Youtube Video

by Eamonn O'Coillea'in - Republic of Ireland Wed Apr 06, 2011 14:33

9 out of 10 complaints about Garda unlawful behaviour, assaults to ombudsman are then, themselfs charged with trump up perjured crimes against Garda, tied up in court for years in some cases. There is then perjury about crimes that did not happen and the complaint is ignored. What happened last week if you were to really look at what happened, The American girl was only filming what was happening when the camera was knocked forcefully out of her hands to the ground, as she was grabbed and threatened with arrest. It was then picked up by Garda while the girl stated that she was doing nothing wrong, just filming the protest. She was arrested and the Garda put her camera away in her bag an started talking about what they would do to her. There should now be a serious review from the Justice Department as to the perjured way the policing is applied down in Rossport. Everyone knows this Sgt name as he has immunity, He's one of $hells boys that monitor what's going on for them. It's a pretty sad state of affairs what is really going on. I watched with my own eyes a large Garda fold his arms and used them to smash into a young females chest and force her into a fence that bent with force so that he hurt her, why else would he do such a thing, but sheer disregard for this persons well being and safety. The way things are going down here, someone going to get really hurt or worse from the force the Garda are using. Who is giving the orders to use such force against peaceful protesters, When the cab drivers shut down Dublin for the day protesting, the Garda do not assault them or threaten to deport them or what sgt. ...... stated he would do to her. how do you know he was joking just because the others were laughing sad state of affairs the Garda are in now.

by old codger - pensioner Wed Apr 06, 2011 15:58

When a police force is encouraged to act like criminals we should not be surprised if they become criminals.
They have been assaulting women consistantly since the protest began and taking delight in showng their bravery. Together with IRMS thugs who are licenced paramiltaries they are a force that have brought Ireland to shame internationally.
RTE prime time is continuing to make biased programs.on the Rape controversy they brought in their old faithfull liar suprintendant Mcarthy ( retired) who proceeded to state that there is no problem with the policing of Corrib and the Gardai are loved and respected by the people of Erris. It seems that the hundreds of complaints to the ombudsman are a myth.

by Herald reader Wed Apr 06, 2011 16:18

There was an article by Gerry O'Carroll, retired detective, famous for his right wing opinions.

You'd expect him to lay into the protesters, as he has in the past.

But instead we get this: "If these officers are found guilty of behaving in this outrageous manner as alleged, they will deserve more than a rap over the knuckles."

http://www.herald.ie/opinion/columnists/gerry-ocarroll/....html

If Gerry O'Carroll is saying you should be sacked, you're really in deep shit.

by lmnop Wed Apr 06, 2011 16:39

hey all, wondering if anyone out there would be up for a little demonstration at the garda ombudsman office on abbey st. sometime this week? As usual, the garda are investigating themselves, so don't expect too much to come of the investigation. Anyone have any ideas?

by míol mór Wed Apr 06, 2011 17:57

just want to say, that garda ombudsman is "independent" of guardie, only problem is that they have no power...even after they investigate the cases, the case is past onto DPP who IS guarda and he decides if ppl (guardie) involved are going to be prosecuted or not. mostly they`re not, there has been over 100 complaints submitted in last couple years with no result...
so i`m saying let`s protest in front of DPP`s office!!! (or both? :))
i think it`s really good idea

by gerry Wed Apr 06, 2011 18:19

What is most depressing is the way those in power and their media have managed to tidy this 'embarrasing' incident away. What they have done over the past 48 hours is quickly define it as: a) a disciplinary issue concerning only a few 'bad' Guards and b) an issue that only concerns rape/respect for women etc.
The issue of Garda abuse of power at Corrib protests (and indeed elsewhere) has been totally shut out of the discussion and their attitude to protesters in general. You had a woman on the telly yesterday from the rape crisis centre or something being asked to speak for women in general and their attitude to the Gardai; strange they didn't ask for a reaction from Shell to sea. Well, it's not strange really when you think about it....
This is a case study in journalistic complicity with power.

by Citizen Wed Apr 06, 2011 19:02

exactly gerry.

I reckon shell gave the nod to sacrifice a few careless guards as pawns in the interests of shutting this all down quickly so they could get back to the business of pushing through their pipeline before the austerity measures fully kick in and the atmosphere changes and people cop on that they were totally screwed on this whole deal. Depressing indeed to see how slickly the politicial and media spin machines worked together to dispose of this.

The ongoing long term violence and intimidation towards protesters, treating them as less than human is ignored..

by Laurence Cox - NUI Maynooth Wed Apr 06, 2011 19:48

There are two protests being planned to respond to this. One will be a silent protest in Dublin at 1 pm Friday outside the Dail; more details at the link below. The other is being organised outside Belmullet garda station on Saturday at 2 pm; more details to follow.

by Crusty666 Wed Apr 06, 2011 22:02

Whats the difference between Ireland and the Niger delta?
About 10 years if sHell get their way, be affraid be very affraid !!!

by CORRIBGATE Thu Apr 07, 2011 09:57

News from todays Irish Times...

Women to make complaint about gardaí
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0407/1....html

Mayo man alleges garda made sexual remarks in 2006
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0407/1....html

Gilmore tells Dáil he was 'shocked' by contents of Corrib audio tape
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0407/1....html

Loose talk or malice?
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0407/1....html

‘Give me your name and address or I’ll rape you’ - CORRIBGATE

by nostradamus - confused local majority Thu Apr 07, 2011 21:28

Here is how I predict this debacle will impact on policing of the Corrib project.
The practice of non arrest of protesters will come to an end and protesters will be arrested immediately when they break the law, and then processed speedily.
If this means there will be martyrs then so be it, but I suggest that the vast majority of the public always believed this is the proper way to treat those protesters who refuse to abide by the law of the state.
It was always a mistake to let people break the law and then refuse to arrest them, it sent the wrong signal to the youth of this country and was counterproductive.
I predict that if/when independent monitors are watching the protests and the Garda response is a policy of implementing the law rigidly it will be seen as the right way to proceed by the state and the monitors.
Some of the protesters might assume it would be beneficial to be arrested,charged and processed through the system.
Pat O Donnell has been there and been a martyr but has it made a difference, I don't believe it has!

by míol mór Thu Apr 07, 2011 23:28

is it a question of martyrdom really?
i`m a bit confused from what you`re saying....

1. are you saying that it is "better" that guardie don`t arrest people when they are under impression that someone is breaking the law and threaten, harass and beat protesters up instead?
2.
lot of people who were arrested/charged and brought to court were not convicted of breaking the law, big amount of the cases were dropped before getting to court too etc. - i`m trying to say that the fact someone is arrested does not neccessarily mean they broke the law, especially in regard of context of corrib protest were guardie have been abusing their power and using arrests as intimidation...

there are people who act with knowledge of breaking law (public order) in order to stop this wrong project which has been imposed in immoral and unjust way...the fact that government gives permission to something and thus makes it "lawfull" doesn`t make it just, good and beneficial...history of civil disobedience achieving moral laws is long....

has it achieved anything?i think so, this project is decade late, lot of modifications of plans has been already made though still not sufficient, permission for it is challenged in the high court, goverment and guardie misconduct is being more and more obvious to everyone etc etc - and all that due to brave and relentless effort and integrity of the local community in erris and their supporters...

what is needed as that all of us will start to act and stand behind what is just instead of criticizing the people who have not been afraid to oppose to this big bollocks despite the consequences on their personal lives

by me Fri Apr 08, 2011 00:06

I think that arresting anybody who breaks a law is the only course, any other action is wrong.
That includes turning a blind eye to unlawful actions or using bullying tactics against protesters.
Maybe the delays in the project has benefited some, but not the protesters or the locals opposed to the project!
The contractors working onsite, IRMS, and of course the Gardai have all benefited greatly from the delays.
But the people who fought the law have very little to show for their effort!
We have seen some of the high profile leaders of the opposition take a back seat, Pat the "Chief" has not been heard of since his stint in jail, Maura has appeared in court recently and promised she has been of good behavior with the last year and indicated she will be in the future.
It seems to me that the people who are sincere in standing against this project are being used to further the aims of the people who have most to gain from this project!

by Eamonn O'Coillea'in - Republic of Ireland Fri Apr 08, 2011 03:39

Bertie Ohearn broke the law when he gave away the Irish Natural Resources to the tune of up to Trillions of euros, that belonged to the Irish People. Thats the BIGGEST CRIME HERE, so please come down and help the people of Erris help you get back what is rightfully the Irish peoples future. Not the IMF, Delay them until we have a Gov. that has the balls to stand up to $hell; who by the way is Barclays Bank of England who owns 54.6 million shares and is the majority share holder along with other Banks out side of the Republic of Ireland. How sick is that, that Ireland have to borrow money from the banks that Bertie gave away our Natural Resources to. Stand strong and be part of Irish History. Sea you all this weekend :::

by ailis Fri Apr 08, 2011 10:23

The Aarhus Convention.

*Links environmental rights and human rights.

*Acknowledges that we owe an obligation to future generations.

*Establishes that sustainable development can be achieved only through the involvement of all the stakeholders .

*Links government accountability and environmental protection.

*Focuses on interactions between the public and public authorities in a democratic context.

IRELAND despite having signed up to these principles in 2001 remains one of the last contries to ratify it..

May be this new Government will now do this .

by Ferdia - S2S Fri Apr 08, 2011 10:40

What the hell does 'confused local majority' mean? Anybody who's still confused about what's going on here after all that's been

written, published and broadcast over the last ten years would have to have the I.Q of a haricot bean. For the record, once again,

here are the facts:

1. Ireland doesn't own its Natural Resources because the well-known criminal Ray Burke signed them away in a behind-

closed-doors deal with the oil companies in 1987, against the wishes of his senior civil servants, who were excluded from the

proceedings. The previous Justin Keating deal gave Ireland 50% ownership, 50% tax and a royalties take of 7-14%, subject to

volume extracted. Ray Burke's deal removed Ireland's ownership completely and removed the royalties system. We were left with

a 50% tax take which would mean very little in practice, as we now know that Shell, through a series of tax breaks, will pay no tax

on Corrib for the foreseeable future, if at all. The 50% was reduced, in any case, to 25% by the great Bertie Ahearn in the 1992

Finance Act, where Burke's treason was made legal.

2. The current situation, whereby Gardai and foreign security men, many of them veterans of the killing fields of late-nineties

Yugoslavia, regularly beat and abuse both local and outside protesters, is a direct result of the above. We are now in situation

in Erris where Gardai are being used, (and in most cases, they are more than willing ) to beat down any group of people who try

to highlight either the giveaway of Ireland's economic salvation, or the inherent safety issues with the physical project itself
.

It's that simple. If you're still confused after this little lesson I can only conclude that you're yet another so-called local who has

attached himself to Shell and is coming on here pretending to be a voice of reason in order to defend the indefensible

by old codger - pensioner Fri Apr 08, 2011 15:36

Why are our brave Gardai not insisting that these laws be ratified in Ireland?
It is obvious to all but the gombeens that choose to turn a blind eye to corruption in our country.
The politicians are perfectly aware that the state is deliberately denying international law to the Irish people. If they ratify the agreement they will be prevented from controlling their power over the rights of the people to obtain justice and human rights.
It is the politicians that controll the State, Gardai,media and theJudicial system so they should be held accountable for the actions of Thugery commited against peacefull people who are denied fair play.

by SLH Sat Apr 09, 2011 14:52

Further actions in Rossport today
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/99505

by SLH Sat Apr 09, 2011 23:13

This is also covered here-
Gardaí joke about threatening to rape Corrib protesters
April 5, 2011 by Sean McTiernan
http://www.newswhip.ie/national-2/gardai-allegedly-joke...29206

by CORRIBGATE Mon Apr 11, 2011 21:11

- Report on Dail protest against rape comments by gardai
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/99499

- Women's groups fear comments by Corrib gardaí will deter reporting of sex crimes

Maura Lane from Rathmines, Dublin, in front of a group of protesters outside the Dáil yesterday at a protest organised by the National Women's Council of Ireland against the trivialisation of rape.Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0409/1....html

- Irish police chief apologises for officers who joked about raping protesters

Men recorded joking about sexually assaulting women they had taken into custody after a gas pipeline protest in county Mayo
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/08/irish-polic...jokes

- Gardaí investigate alleged death threats to Corrib whistleblowers

GARDAÍ IN north Mayo have initiated inquiries into alleged threats made to a contact supplying information on the Corrib gas project to a British whistleblowers’ website.

Supt Pat Diskin of Belmullet Garda station confirmed yesterday his office was carrying out “initial inquiries” regarding “correspondence in relation to matters raised by a third party”, but could not comment further.

John Donovan, who runs RoyalDutchShellplc.com with his father, Alfred, said he had written to the Garda Commissioner last October and was contacted by Supt Diskin just over a week ago.

Mr Donovan said he had informed the Garda Commissioner’s office last October of alleged “death threats” made to a party or parties that had been sending internal documentation relating to Corrib gas to his website. Mr Donovan said he had no information on the identity of the contact, who began sending e-mails to his website on July 21st last year.

Maura Lane from Rathmines, Dublin, in front of a group of protesters outside the Dáil at a protest organised by the National Women's Council of Ireland against the trivialisation of rape

by Citizen Mon Apr 11, 2011 22:01

"Gardaí investigate alleged death threats to Corrib whistleblowers"

They probably just want to find the shell mole and plug the leak

by Nick - none Tue Apr 19, 2011 23:50

Why has there been so much support in the mainstream media for the Garda at the centre of the Corrib ‘rape tape’? Why have the protestors been vilified even when, in this instance at least, they are clearly not in the wrong. Contrast the attitude of ‘ah sure, they were only messing’ with how protestors like Maura Harrington have had the details of their personal life raked over by the gutter press, whether it had anything to do with the Corrib gas project or not. Ms. Harrington has never joked about raping anyone but she has tried to do what our so-called leaders have utterly failed to do – that is, to act in our best interest.

A Garda joked about raping a woman in his care or custody. It was not – as some commentators would like to have us think – as if it were a private conversation conducted over a pint in the corner of a pub (which would still hardly be acceptable anyway).

It was conducted in the course of duty and wearing the uniform of the State, which makes it a very public matter. Nor did his colleagues upbraid him for it - rather they joked along. I would be skating on very thin legal ice were I to joke -however briefly - about raping one of my colleagues or students. But more importantly the thought of doing so would not even occur to me. It’s not that I don’t have a sense of humour, but I wouldn’t find such a ‘joke’ very funny. Does anyone believe were a priest to joke about raping one of his parishoners the media would be so forgiving and the matter allowed to die away quietly?

Don’t get me wrong - I am not looking for the Garda in question to be hung drawn and quartered for I am not a vengeful person; and I believe there is something deeply un-Christian about the way in which our society has become so vengeful. But I would like to point to a certain hypocrisy. On the one hand we have the Garda Representative Association looking for special status for their members whilst on duty; on the other we have some commentators arguing that there was nothing very special about this Garda sergeant’s remarks. The GRA are suggesting that while a Garda is on duty s/he has a special status and privileges. But apparently not an equal responsibility. You simply can’t have it both ways. The mainstream media cannot have it both ways either. If it's alright for a Garda to joke about his prisoner in this way, why not a teacher about their students or a priest about his parishoners? After all, it's all just 'harmless banter' isn't it?

Criminal psychologists tell us that rape is not about sex, it is about power. The police at Rossport and Corrib have it, the protestors do not. The police have batons, dogs, shields and the powers-that-be on their side, the protestors only have their sense of moral outrage and possible public support. These 'rape jokes' seem to prove the psychologists right and are very telling for the insight they give into the mindset of the Gardai who police the protests at Rossport and Corrib.

Before the action comes the thought, and the rest of the transcript seems to give the feeling that the Gardai at Corrib would love to take the gloves off, dispense with bothersome niceties and give the protestors a much rougher handling. In doing so they would be coming ever more closely into alignment with their moral ancestors - the Dublin Guard who enforced the will of the State after landing at Fenit in 1922 - through atrocities like those at Ballyseedy. Is that mindset something we are willing to tolerate in 21st century Ireland?

by V for vendetta Wed Apr 20, 2011 02:09

A file has been sent to the DPP because of a facebook page making racist comments about travellers.
It seems that is being taken VERY seriously.
Yet his was just some guy who put up a webpage.
not a garda on paid state duty which includes policing rape victims.

However it seems there is one rule for people who make racist comments against travellers
and another for on duty gardai who make sexist comments against women

something is very rotten here

http://changingireland.blogspot.com/2011/03/file-gone-t....html

by Maura Harrington - S2S; Davitt League Wed Apr 20, 2011 14:56

Have just read this post today - must have missed it at the date posted because I would have gone to 'Latest comments' recently and have only taken the time to read the full thread today.

'by me' writes 'Pat the 'Chief' has not been heard of since his stint in jail, Maura has appeared in court recently and promised (sic) she has been of good behaviour with the last year and indicated she will be in future'.

The facts are as follow:

Pat the Chief O'Donnell has been as active as ever; he declared his continued resistance to the proposed project on his release from Castlerea Prison after 158 days in jail. Since then The Chief has spoken at meetings all over the country, the most recent in Clare last week.

In my own case, I was before the Circuit Court in Castlebar in Feb 2010, the day after The Chief was given his draconian consecutive sentence. It is my belief that it was 'nodded and winked' that having two people jailed at the same time would be counter to Shell's interests and therefore didn't happen; anyway, there was nothing major planned on land for 2010 while there was still stuff to be done offshore so it was Pat's turn to 'go to jail'. I was however relieved of my driving license for a period of two years (a nuisance but not insurmountable); in that context I was asked to give an undertaking that I would not use my car to obstruct Shell workers and/or Shell sites. I gave that undertaking since it was no skin off my back - if I couldn't drive it was largely academic! Apart from that, the Judge convicted me of everything before him but put back sentencing for a year. He had been informed by my legal people that I could not accept a suspended sentence because I believed that it would be tantamount to living in an open prison, I would not do Community Service because I've been doing that for the past ten years and would not pay any fines; therefore the only option open to the court was a prison sentence (I had my packed case in court). The Judge cleverly kicked the thing into touch for a year, actually nearly 14 months before I came before him again this year.

When the case came before the court this year, 29 March at Ballina, the State Solicitor for the county didn't speak and left it to a colleague I think from another county. The court was informed that I had not committed any offences in the time since last before the court. I had two character witnesses in the court together with a written testimonial from another but this was disallowed to be heard. There were about 40/50 supporters in court from 10.30 a.m and the Judge at some stage said he would deal with the matter at 2p.m. (I thought at that stage that the plan was for me to buy my own lunch so the State wouldn't have to buy me a bite!). It was also the date that Shell chose to begin their move onto lands at Aughoose.

When it came to sentencing it was still confusing. The judge announced that he was imposing an 'indefinite suspended sentence'. My barrister queried whether this meant that, should I be before the courts in 20 years time would this still be hanging over me; Judge replied that as there was nothing being signed and no conditions attached the matter was now dealt with for all time and could not be re-entered into the courts - a clever judicial solution to a committed resolve to go to jail or nothing.

My undertaking not to obstruct Shell workers/site using my 'mechanically propelled vehicle' stands - just that. Apart from that (and be assured that there's more than one way to skin a cat!) be under no illusion that my resistance to Shell and all its wiles and promises continues and will continue for as long as it takes.

by opus diablos - the regressive hypocrite party Wed Apr 20, 2011 14:57

Surely you agree racist sites should be closed and prosecutions pursued?That reads as though you think Travellers are fair game. No less than women, Travellers and immigrants face a lot of entrenched and idiotic bigotry, often wrapped in 'joke' form. I'm not beyond indulging in such half-witticism meself, but only when i know the listener has a grain of irony in their makeup. The wrong eavesdroper can take it as affirmation of their bigotted outlooks otherwise. And facebook IS influential, particularly with the young and pliable.

by V for vendetta Wed Apr 20, 2011 15:14

No of course I don't condone hate speech. Both are serious cases and should be treated as such.

I was merely contrasting the response of the gardai in both instances. One gets a file sent to the DPP and one gets a short course to attend on "how to pretend to be nice" and a slap on the wrist.

However I will note that there are a lot more women on the Island of Ireland than travellers so the attitudes of gardai to women affects a lot more people. If anything for that reason it should be treated even more seriously than the traveller case. However both should be taken seriously and gardai with those attitudes to women should clearly be discharged as unfit to hold positions of such power and responsibility. Its not as if there is a shortage of people who need a job right now. And they can't be much worse than these guys