SAOIRSE32

CNN.com

Thursday, July 28, 2005; Posted: 3:56 p.m. EDT (19:56 GMT)

Ian Paisley: “We don’t want words. We want actions.” **Actually, he would like republican blood.

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (CNN) — The leading Protestant unionist party in Northern Ireland has dismissed the Irish Republican Army’s move to resume disarmament as a “hollow gesture.”

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) poured cold water on the statement issued by the IRA on Thursday ordering its members to halt its armed campaign to end British rule.

“All units have been ordered to dump arms,” said an IRA statement, which said the move was effective 1500 GMT on Thursday.

“All volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programs through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.”

But the leader of the hard-line DUP, 78-year-old preacher Ian Paisley, all but dismissed the IRA’s statement.

“Do they think that the people of Northern Ireland are fools?” the firebrand Paisley said, noting that unionists are particularly incensed that convicted IRA bomber Sean Kelly was let out of prison Wednesday, apparently a precursor to the statement.

“There is great anger,” Paisley said. “… here is a government which is meant to be fighting terrorists doing deals with terrorists.”

The IRA’s statement, he added, “is a hollow gesture, because we don’t want words. We want actions.”

Gerry Adams, president of the IRA’s political ally Sinn Fein, said he respected the mandate Paisley had from his party.

“This is not a day for the hard word,” Adams said. “This is a day for trying to absorb what has happened, giving Ian Paisley the space to absorb it also and put it to the two governments. They have to create the place where engagement takes place.”

But Adams had strong words for Paisley as well.

“If Ian Paisley does not engage,” he said, “then the rest of us cannot sit waiting, hanging about until the DUP come to terms with the need for equality.”

In the historic statement, the IRA said it had authorized a representative to complete the process of decommissioning arms — the process that halted progress on the Good Friday peace accords in 2003 when the outlawed group refused to allow photographic proof of the decommissioning.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair called the IRA’s action “a step of unparalleled magnitude in the recent history of Northern Ireland.”

“This may be the day when finally, after all the false dawns and dashed hopes, peace replaced war, politics replaces terror, on the island of Ireland,” he said. “I welcome the statement of the IRA that ends its campaign. I welcome its clarity. I welcome the recognition that the only route to political change lies in exclusively peaceful and democratic means.”

The fight between Protestant unionists and Catholic republicans — a war that has become known simple as “The Troubles” — has left nearly 4,000 people dead. The IRA finally called a cease-fire in 1994, and, after a brief resumption of violence, the parties finally came together for a peace accord in 1998.

The 1998 accord’s power-sharing government collapsed in 2002 over the inability of Sinn Fein to affect the IRA’s full cooperation with the accord.

But Adams called the IRA’s announcement a tremendous opportunity for both sides in the long conflict to finally end it.

“All of us … are all now in a new era of struggle,” he said. “And there’s a role for everyone in this situation. Nation-building is too important to be left entirely to the politicians, so I want to appeal to citizens across this island to come together for this new dispensation.

“There’s a time to resist, to stand up and to confront the enemy with arms if necessary,” he said. “There’s also a time to reach out to put war behind us. This is a time for peace.”

The unionists have said they will not participate again in talks until the IRA — which ultimately supports reuniting the Protestant majority in Northern Ireland with the Catholic majority in the Republic of Ireland in the south — ceases its illegal and violent activities.

The group has observed a cease-fire since 1997, but authorities blamed it for a bank robbery late last year, and it was involved in a bar killing early this year that brought the ire of Britain, Ireland and the United States.

Adams said demands from the unionists for the group to specifically renounce its criminal activities would come to nothing because the IRA does not consider its activities criminal.

“When it says that it will commit its volunteers to democracy and peaceful means but forbid them to engage in any other activity whatsoever, what part of ‘any other activity’ do the (Unionist) leaders not understand?” he said

In its statement, IRA said it views its armed campaign as “entirely legitimate,” if no longer necessary.

“There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilize the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process,” the statement said. “This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavors to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland.”

After consulting with its leadership, the IRA found “very strong support among IRA volunteers for the Sinn Fein peace strategy.”

“The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process,” the statement said. “They and friends of Irish unity through the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.”

Irish Republican Bulletin Board

**Posted by ‘terv’

‘Provisional IRA Should Disband Completely’

Today’s (July 28 ) statement from the Provisionals is the logical outcome of the change of direction they made in 1986 when they deserted the revolutionary road and started out on the constitutional path through the partitionist institutions north and south.

It has been clear for many years that the Provisionals have abandoned the armed struggle against British occupation forces. They will now destroy the remainder of their arms, they say.
As an army alleged to be without arms, the Provisional IRA should now disband completely.

But a rump will remain at local level to continue the harassment of faithful Republicans who fundraise for the prisoner’s dependents, distribute Easter lilies, sell the SAOIRSE newspaper or picket for political status for Republican prisoners.

This harassment can be expected to increase into persecution when the Provos finally don the enemy uniform and join the ranks of the British police force in Ireland. This will be a far cry from the heroic strip-strike by the blanket men in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.

The Provisional slogans of ‘No Unionist Veto’, ‘No Return to Stormont’ and ‘Not a Bullet not an Ounce’, ring very hollowly now. How on earth can British rule in Ireland be ended, as the Provos claim, by accepting and implementing that rule through Stormont and other partitionist institutions?

As Republican Sinn Fein has forecast they are being slowly and steadily absorbed into the English system in Ireland. Today’s statement may improve their chances of taking part in a coalition administration in Leinster House but will hardly help them towards a Stormont Executive.

Dr Paisley’s DUP will demand very humiliating conditions from the Provos before allowing them to participate. Eventually they will be unrecognisable.

The Provisionals should discard the trappings of the Republicanism they once served. Like Cumann na nGaedheal\Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Workers Party they have betrayed it. They are no longer Republicans.

Ends.

IOL

28/07/2005 - 19:38:45

Loyalists today greeted the IRA’s statement with suspicion and expressed concern over the motives behind the historic announcement.

UDA brigadier Jackie McDonald digested it for the first time in his office in a prisoners’ drop-in centre at the heart of the Protestant Sandy Row in south Belfast.

He said: “How can they say to wee Paddy, on the border with his AK47, who has spent 27 years shooting at soldiers and peelers (police): ’Give us your AK47. You don’t need it any more’?

“How do they say to the real hardliners ’We are getting what we set out to get’? The Green Book (the IRA constitution) said they would never give up an ounce of Semtex or a bullet until we achieve a United Ireland.”

McDonald, who served half of a 10-year sentence for extortion, said there must be a hidden motive for today’s ground-breaking declaration.

Reading the full statement for the first time, he forecast the loyalist community would be troubled by the hidden diplomacy which preceded it.

He said: “They (republicans) must believe we are within touching distance of a united Ireland. You can’t blame the unionist and loyalist community. They have to treat this with great suspicion.”

McDonald predicated moves towards a united Ireland would have the potential to plunge the North into a new era of violence.

He said: “If there was any plan in the next number of years for it to happen, to bring about a united Ireland, loyalism and unionism would rebel against it. We would become what the IRA were. We would have to fight against it any way we could.”

Despite the statement, McDonald does not believe the IRA will abandon its arms.

“As a loyalist, what the IRA does with weapons decommissioning does not bother me because I know that they will still have enough manpower left to deal with any situation that arises.

“The hawks (in the IRA) would not have it any other way. The most important thing is that the weapons are not being used.”

The former prisoner said some weapons would have to be detained in order for the IRA to defend their communities from drug gangs.

McDonald said the DUP is facing a major challenge convincing its electorate that, just months after the £26.5m (€38m) Northern Bank robbery, the IRA can be trusted.

He also predicted party leader the Rev Ian Paisley would seize upon the fact that the statement does not include the phrase: “The war is over“.

But he called for the statement to be viewed as a starting point.

“We can’t go on the way we are going,” he said. “We have to improve things for our young people so they don’t fall into the same traps as we fell into. We need to give them some sort of future.”

IT tutor Jim Watt also works at the Prisoners Enterprise Project, which is sandwiched between Just William’s Café and the Ulster Society.

Mr Watt said the local community has been left incensed this week by Tony Blair’s comments comparing al-Qaida to the IRA and the release of Shankill bomber Sean Kelly.

The 53-year-old said: “Tony Blair said the IRA never killed 3,000 people but if they got 1,000 police officers in the one place they would have killed them.”

On the statement, he said: “The unionist and Protestant people are being truly betrayed. In one sense it would be great to see disarmament but at what price? I imagine most people will treat it with contempt.

“They are not doing this out of some sense of altruism. They have not been slaughtering Protestants for 30 years just to say: ’We will give up and go’.

Mr Watt also questioned the decision to release Sean Kelly, who planted the 1993 IRA bomb which killed nine civilians.

He said: “If they provided evidence that he was involved in terrorism at the time the IRA were on ceasefire, who was he involved in terrorism with? Was it dissidents and will dissidents decommission their weapons as well?”

Rain lashed down from grey skies wich hung over the Sandy Row as the historic IRA statement was released to the world.

The weather summed up the mood of some locals who felt today’s announcment would make little difference to the North after three decades of bloodshed.

William Hewitt, 35, was painting red lettering on to a white drum as he absorbed the significance of the statement.

The Drum Sounds shop sells instruments and memorabilia ranging from flags and badges, to CDs and DVDs.

A dark blue Ulster Defence Association t-shirt hung over the counter as Mr Hewitt carried out his work on a wooden stool.

He said: “It is disgraceful Sean Kelly was released before the statement was put out. Everyone is disillusioned by the whole peace process as it is just a series of concessions to republicans. I have no faith in the whole peace process and I have no faith in the British government to deliver peace.”

Across the road – which is lined with red, white and blue painted kerbstones - from the prisoners’ drop-in centre, the owner of the Carpet Centre has more reasons than most to despise the IRA.

The IRA killed two of Robert Smith’s cousins and claimed the lives of six of his friends.

On the motives behind today’s statement, Mr Smith, 44, said: “They have seen what has happened in London and New York and they can’t be seen as terrorists any more. They want to be seen as a law-abiding organisation but they are a terrorist organisation.

Of the losses he has suffered, Mr Hewitt said: “The IRA killed two members of my family and six of my friends, who were all members of the security forces.

“It is a bitter pill to swallow that they have put down the gun without even an apology for what they have done. It is a statement 30 years too late.”

BBC

Syringes may have been thrown from train

Police have warned people living near the railway line between Ballymena and Coleraine to beware of syringes which may have been thrown from a train.

It follows an incident on Wednesday during which police seized four knives.

Police recovered them after reports that youths had been annoying other passengers. The youths were said to have knives, syringes and drugs.

The knives were seized at Ballymena, but no syringes were found and may have thrown from out of the train.

The train stayed in Ballymena, and the passengers were taken on by bus to Belfast while officers searched it.

Police had first spoken to the youths while the train was in Coleraine.

“This morning police carried out a detailed search of the train, but so far the syringes reported by passengers have not been found, nor were any drugs recovered,” a police spokesman said.

“As a precaution, in case the syringes were thrown from the moving train, we are asking people living or working along the line to be wary and to report to us any suspicious objects they come across.”

He appealed for anyone who was on the train to contact police to tell them exactly what happened.

::: u.tv :::

THURSDAY 28/07/2005 16:24:00
By:Press Association

Harry McClafferty grimaced as the newsreader announced the IRA was abandoning its armed campaign for good.

All around him a stunned hush fell over Danny Molly`s bar in the republican stronghold of Ardoyne, north Belfast.

Turning from the giant TV screen, Mr McClafferty, 51,
struggled to control his fury and resentment at the Provisionals` statement.

The former hotel maintenance manager declared: “It`s a
bunch of c**p.

“A lot of good men who died would be turning in their graves, just like my stomach is turning over listening to this.”

All through the district people who look to the IRA to protect them from loyalist terrorists were gripped by anxiety.

Young mothers and hardened workmen who lived through three decades of sectarian murders all feared they will be left exposed.

“I wouldn`t have given up a single empty shell because this neighbourhood is going to be defenceless,” claimed Terry McLarnon, a retired merchant seaman.

The 63-year-old and his pal Tommy Jones had met for a regular pint in Ardoyne`s Gaelic Football Club, situated behind rows of terraced houses from where the IRA recruited hundreds of volunteers.

Inside a sign warned that all Northern Bank notes would be refused due to a flood of forgeries in the area.

The fakes are believed to have been printed on top of cash stolen in the IRA`s £26.5 million heist at the bank`s Belfast HQ in December.

“About £360 was passed at the weekend,” a staff member said.

One punter who refused to give his name claimed the Provisionals were attempting to dump the counterfeit cash just like the weapons.

“They are conning their own people,” he said.

After arguing to get his money accepted, Mr Jones, an affable and immaculately dressed 65-year-old, spoke of his disillusionment with the entire peace process.

“I`ll be in a box and this will still be going on,” he predicted.

Before the Troubles erupted in the late 1960s, he would go out with Protestant workmates straight after finishing their shifts as trolley bus drivers.

Now, however, he won`t even venture into the city centre and gave this verdict of the IRA`s decision: “It`s a bad, bad mistake.”

Many refused to openly criticise Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness, pinning their faith on the Sinn Fein leaders` strategy.

But they were puzzled and frustrated by the decision to get rid of all the guns when loyalists remain fully armed.
Widower Jimmy McAley, 50, urged republicans to store their huge arsenal rather than destroy them.

“Give all the weapons up and the swines on the other side will come in and wipe us out like they did in `69,” he claimed.

Mr McAley, admitted the conflict had left him a bitter and committed republican.

Grinning enigmatically, he added: “But they never got me for membership.”

Beside him a 38-year-old woman who only gave her name as Pat was prepared to put more trust in the IRA.

“This will have been done for the people,” she said.
Her friend was less convinced, however, as she dreaded a return to the old days of feeling vulnerable.

“I used to put a plank up at my door because I was afraid,” the 35-year-old woman said.

“Then the ceasefires happened and everybody got a wee bit more at ease.

“But I`m afraid again because the protection might not be there now.”

As the Provisionals went out of business, many suspected the dissident republican terrorists opposed to the peace process would recruit heavily.

A labourer taking in the news during his lunchbreak was outraged by the IRA disarmament but refused to give his name, claiming he would be shot.

“It`s a total disgrace,” he insisted.

“We are handing over the whole show and that shite across the road (loyalists) still have theirs.

“The dissidents came after the ceasefire and this will make them even stronger.

“I never thought I`d see this day.”

In a portacabin used as a working man`s club one man split from the others and whispered his views in an empty corner.

Revealing arms heavily tattooed with intricate republican designs, he claimed: “This is the Provisionals surrendering.”

32csm’s Message Board

Posted on 28/7/2005 at 15:31:52 by The Sovereign Nation

Press Release: 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
28 July 2005.
Contact: Andy Martin Director of Publicity.
Phone 07742439449 or e-mail sovereign_nation@hotmail.com

PIRA statement ‘neither surprising nor historic’

The 32 County Sovereignty Movement do not view today’s statement by the Provisional Movement as surprising nor do we believe that it is in anyway historic. This statement is merely the logical conclusion in a process signed up to by the Provisionals in April 1998. In negotiation that led to the Good Friday Agreement all issues such as Decommissioning and the issue of PIRA’s future were dealt with otherwise an agreement would not have been reached in the first place.
Having accepted that Britain had a right to claim sovereignty in the 6 counties and having accepted that the political views of Unionism had the right to veto political change in Ireland, the Provisional movement are now acting in accordance with what it was they initially signed up to. If Provisional Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA, who supported them at every turn, truly accepted the terms of the GFA, then today’s statement cannot be viewed by republicans as surrender but rather as the final act of a surrender that started many years ago.
The reality of the situation for the Provisionals is that having been constituted to defend the sovereignty of the Irish nation, they have usurped that sovereignty and in the signing of the GFA and releasing statements such as today’s while Britain still claims sovereignty in Ireland and has thousands of armed troops in support of that claim, they have abdicated the national position. In acting in the manner that they have the Provisionals have admitted that the GFA has the ability to settle the constitutional issue of the north, which quite clearly it has not.

The 32 County Sovereignty Movement believe that Irish sovereignty and the national position will be defended regardless of what the Provisional movement does in the future and we urge all republicans to embrace republican principles by upholding and defending the sovereignty of the Irish nation.

IN DEFENCE OF THE NATION.

An Phoblacht

VIDEO link

Click to view photo: Séanna Walsh reading out IRA statement

The historic IRA statement was visually recorded and read by Séanna Walsh at the request of the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Séanna served over 21 years as a Republican Prisoner of War in both the Cages and the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. He was among the first republicans ‘on the blanket’ after his arrest in 1976, the year the British Labour Government began its policy of attempting to criminalise IRA prisoners. Séanna was a friend and cellmate of Bobby Sands, the Officer Commanding in the H-Blocks and the first of the Hunger Strikers who died in 1981.

Since his release Séanna Breatnach has played a key role working with Sinn Féin’s negotiating team and advancing the republican peace strategy.

An Phoblacht

click to view

The following historic statement was issued by Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Irish Republican Army, today, Thursday 28 July 2005.

The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon.

All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.

All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible. We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.

We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted.

The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy. There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties. The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country.

It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.

We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace.

The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.

We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives. Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland.

BBC

The IRA statement said it would pursue a peaceful path

The IRA has formally ordered an end to its armed campaign and is to pursue exclusively peaceful political means.

In a long-awaited statement, the republican organisation said it would follow a democratic path ending more than 30 years of violence. (**see next post)

The IRA made its decision after an internal debate prompted by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams’ call to pursue its goals exclusively through politics.

During the NI Troubles, the IRA was blamed for about 1,800 murders.

When he made his appeal in April, Mr Adams said it was “a genuine attempt to drive the peace process forward”.

Republicans had been under intense pressure to end IRA activity after the £26.5m Northern Bank raid in December and the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney in January.

Political talks last year failed to restore devolution, which stalled amid claims of IRA intelligence gathering at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, in 2002.

The Provisional IRA’s campaign of violence was aimed at forcing an end to the British presence in Northern Ireland, leading to a united Ireland.

Daily Ireland

28 July 2005

EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS: Irish Republican Army orders an end to armed campaign

“The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon.

All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms. All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible.

We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.

We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted. The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy. There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties. The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country. It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.

We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace. The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation. We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives. Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Irish Republican Army orders an end to armed campaign

“The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation. Our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country.

HISTORIC STATEMENT READ BY SÉANNA WALSH

THE historic IRA statement was visually recorded and read by Séanna Walsh at the request of the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann. Séanna served over 21 years as a Republican Prisoner of War in both the Cages and the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. He was among the first republicans ‘on the blanket’ after his arrest in 1976, the year the British Labour Government began its policy of attempting to criminalise IRA prisoners. Séanna was a friend and cellmate of Bobby Sands, the Officer Commanding in the H-Blocks and the first of the Hunger Strikers who died in 1981. Since his release Séanna Breatnach has played a key role working with Sinn Féin’s negotiating team and advancing the republican peace strategy.”

Belfast Telegraph

By Brian Hutton
28 July 2005

Demands were made last night for the closure of a radio station allegedly being used by loyalist terror gangs to recruit new members.

The online station - Loyalist FM - claims to “promote loyalist culture and provide entertainment for loyalists around the world”.

But SDLP MLA John Dallat claims that it is being used to glorify terrorist killers and recruit members to the UVF and Red Hand Commando.

He has called for its internet service provider to close it down and has asked the PSNI to investigate who is running and financing the station.

“The architects of this ‘radio station’ have avoided the normal radio licensing laws to bring their highly dangerous propaganda to the ears of vulnerable young people who spend hours of their free time surfing the net,” he said.

“Not only does this broadcast outlet eulogise the UVF, Red Hand Commando and other killers from the past who slaughtered all before them, but it carries chilling messages of hate.

“All this is expressed through emotional verse, applied to sentimental music, making it clear that the so-called loyalist ‘war’ is not over, but ongoing.”

The station claims to be sponsored by the Bentley nightclub near Magherafelt.

A spokesman for the club last night admitted having made a donation to the station in the past.

“Whether we would again or not is another matter,” he said.

Mr Dallat added: “This is a blatant misuse of the web to propagate one of the most deadly killer gangs, responsible for some of the most heinous crimes over the last 35 years.”

Belfast Telegraph

By Jonathan McCambridge
28 July 2005

click to view - photo by Martin Melaugh from CAIN

Loyalist paramilitaries last night warned that the picket of Harryville Catholic Church would resume if the Parades Commission gives the go-ahead to a republican parade today.

The Commission is set to rule on the controversial parade in Ballymena to commemorate the introduction of internment.

A number of sectarian attacks in Ballymena in the past week have been linked to the parade, which the SDLP and unionist parties oppose.

Sinn Fein warned last night that loyalists are “mobilising against the parade” and said it was “disgraceful” that they are threatening to picket the Catholic church once more.

The Harryville chapel protests made worldwide headlines in 1996 when loyalist protesters gathered outside the church in the middle of the loyalist area and said that if loyal orders were unable to march through nearby Dunloy to a church service then Catholic parishioners would be unable to get to their church.

The protest lasted for 20 months and cost over £2m to police as up to 50 Land Rovers were needed to keep protesters from chapel-goers.

Last night a senior UDA source in North Antrim told the Belfast Telegraph last night that the protest would “definitely be back on” if the parade goes ahead.

Around 650 participants are expected to take part in the parade, which is being organised by the William Orr Commemoration Committee to mark the introduction of internment.

Ballymena is an overwhelmingly unionist town but the parade is scheduled to pass through the north part of the town which has a large number of nationalist residents.

Unionists have warned that there could be open violence on the streets if the first ever republican parade in the town goes ahead.

Sinn Fein North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan said: “This is not a new threat - every time there is any drive for equality in Ballymena loyalists threaten to start up Harryville again.

“What I know is that the loyalist community are mobilising like nothing before against this parade.

“The Parades Commission have not yet made any determination and I think there needs to be cool heads on all sides,” said Mr McGuigan.

“Anyone with an ounce of sense knows the Harryville picket was a disgrace and it is a disgrace that anyone would threaten to start it up again.”

BBC

The police and Army have set up checkpoints in White City

Police and Army have maintained an overnight presence at a County Down housing estate amid concerns about the loyalist feud.

The situation at the White City estate in Holywood was said to be quiet.

Police said the operation was to prevent a repeat of scenes in the Garnerville estate in east Belfast when the UVF forced LVF members to leave.

Meanwhile, the PSNI has revealed the cost of policing the feud over the last six weeks has been more than £1m.

Police have appealed for help from the public to bring it to an end.

During that time, 63 searches have been carried out, with 11 people arrested and seven charged.

As the feud continues in Holywood, police said they were in the area to “disrupt the activities of those intent on increasing fear and intimidation”.

Superintendent Graham Shields said: “It is the role of the police to uphold the law and protect life and property.

“I would like to reassure the public that police are working to help bring this feud to an end.

“I would ask those with influence in local communities to do the same.”