SAOIRSE32

BreakingNews.ie

06/12/2005 - 18:37:50

Irish soldiers may be deployed to Sierra Leone as part of a United Nations mission to secure a court trying people charged with war crimes, it emerged today.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said the Cabinet had granted permission for members of the Defence Force serving in Liberia to be deployed to Sierra Leone as part of the extension of the mission.

But the Dáil also has to grant permission for the expansion of the United Nations Mission in Liberia before Ireland can participate in the expanded mission.

The extended role of the troops on the UNMIL would include providing security detail for a Special Court in Freetown and to evacuate officials in the event of a serious security crisis.

The Freetown Court was established by the UN and the Government of Sierra Leone to try those charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country’s Civil War between 1991-2002.

Six trial judges – including one Irish judge and five appeal judges – preside over the court.

“13 people have been indicted by the Court already, nine are in custody in Freetown, two are now deceased and one is currently missing presumed dead,” Mr O’Dea said.

“The remaining indictee is the former President of Liberia Charles Taylor who has been in exile in Nigeria since August 2003. The possible extradition of Charles Taylor would serve to heighten tensions in the area and would have a serious impact on the security situation.

“As part of the UN Resolution approved today by my Cabinet colleagues and I, the Irish troops’ role in Liberia has been extended to include the apprehension, detention and transfer to the Special Court in Freetown in the event of Charles Taylor’s return to Liberia.”

Mr O’Dea said the security situation in Freetown was likely to become more volatile when verdicts in the case of some detainees are handed down in January 2006 – the proposed start date for the troops’ involvement.

Mr O’Dea said the Cabinet also approved the continued deployment of the Defence Forces for peacekeeping service in Liberia, Bosnia and Herzegovina for another 12 months.

Around 427 Irish troops are involved in the UN Mission in Liberia, which commenced in December 2003.

Around 56 members of Ireland’s Defence Force are currently serving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Belfast Telegraph

By Tom Brady
06 December 2005

A man, who was interviewed by police investigating the massive Northern Bank robbery in Belfast, has been detained in Australia.

The man and his girlfriend, who is an employee in the Irish Embassy in Sydney, were held early yesterday by the immigration authorities there.

The woman was later released by the authorities after questioning.

Police in Belfast last night stressed that the man had not been arrested in relation to the bank robbery last December.

A direct link between the robbery and the IRA money laundering operation smashed by gardai in Cork earlier this year has since been alleged by gardai.

The PSNI said last night they were aware of a hearing relating to an immigration issue in Australia and concerning an individual from Northern Ireland.

But they would not comment on any particular line of inquiry in their investigation or whether they were interested in any particular given individual.

The man had been interviewed in the past by the PSNI after police established he was a friend of an official of the bank and might, unwittingly, have been aware of some crucial information on the events leading up to the heist.

As a result of inquiries over the past few months, detectives have been considering whether to seek to interview the man again about fresh information that has come to light during their investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators were continuing last night to question Northern Bank employee, Chris Ward (24), who was arrested by police at his home in the nationalist Poleglass area of Belfast last Tuesday.

Mr Ward, who has been on sick leave since the robbery, is being held at the serious crime suite at Antrim police station.

He and his family had been held hostage by the IRA in the lead up to the robbery and they were warned they would be killed if he did not co-operate.

Mr Ward said gunmen burst into his home and he was then bundled into a car and taken to the home of a bank supervisor, Kevin McMullan in Loughinisland, Co Down.

The two men were then ordered to report for work as normal the next day while their families were kept captive.

Mr Ward said he was given instructions to stuff £1.2m sterling into a sports bag and carry it out of the bank as a dummy run.

After the money was handed over to a gang member he and Mr McMullan had to fill 24 green boxes with cash and carry them to a loading bay where they told security guards that they were bringing out rubbish which was to be collected in a van.

CCTV footage later showed a white van making two large collections from the bank premises.

The arrest of Mr Ward and another bank official, who was later released from custody without charge, came as Gardai and the PSNI worked closely together on the probe.

“Speak urged supporters to tell the pub staff about two macaque monkeys ‘imprisoned’ for over 15 years. ‘Why not point out that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that while the staff of the department of experimental psychology party the night away, countless primates and other animals are huddled in barren cages, lonely, scared and suffering.’ added the email message.”

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BreakingNews.ie

**See DUP suspends member…

06/12/2005 - 17:30:53

A suspended member of the Rev Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionist Party has launched libel proceedings against the BBC and two newspapers.

In a statement issued through his solicitors, Newry and Armagh Assembly member Paul Berry insisted he had no intention of resigning from the party despite newspaper claims at the weekend.

Mr Berry confirmed in a statement issued through the law firm Madden and Finucane that he had initiated libel proceedings against the Sunday World over a report which claimed he met a male masseur in a Belfast hotel.

He announced he would also sue the BBC and the Irish News.

The Assembly member said: “This article has caused considerable personal stress and anxiety to me and my family and I intend to challenge the newspaper in court.

“I will take whatever legal action necessary to clear my name.

“I have taken time to consider my position and have formulated a strategy that I am continuing to implement.”

Mr Berry was suspended by the DUP in August following the allegations.

Last month the Newry and Armagh MLA took injunction proceedings against the party, blocking disciplinary action.

Mr Berry said he reluctantly took this action against the DUP.

“I have no intention of resigning (from the party) and I intend to continue to represent my constituents to the best of my ability,” he vowed.

“Over the past few months I have received many messages of support and encouragement from friends and constituents and I would like to thank everyone concerned.”

BreakingNews.ie

06/12/2005 - 12:37:02

Police in the North have made another arrest in connection with last December’s £26.5m robbery at Northern Bank headquarters in Belfast.

The 35-year-old man, who was detained in the city this morning, is the 12th person to be arrested in connection with the raid over the past month.

One has since been charged with carrying out the massive theft, while another two were charged with less serious offences.

A 24-year-old Northern Bank employee who was held hostage by the raiders also remains in police custody following his arrest last week.

BBC

Senior police officers have said they are worried about plans to allow paramilitary fugitives to return to NI without serving a prison sentence.

The first hearing in the committee stage of the Northern Ireland (Offences Bill) will take place on Tuesday.

The plan covers up to 150 people wanted for crimes committed before 1998.

The Superintendents’ Association vice-president, Wesley Wilson, said if fugitives did not have to appear in court would damage public confidence.

“A victim and a witness will have to appear in one of these courts - and if they didn’t answer a subpoena from the court they would be liable to fines or imprisonment,” Chief Superintendent Wilson said.

“How fair is that to the victims of these crimes when the potential offenders don’t even have to appear?”

On Monday, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the law was “badly flawed”.

He was speaking after meeting Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

“They (the British government) are intent on covering up the past with the OTR legislation,” he said.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan raised his concerns with Mr Ahern

Those covered under the legislation would have their cases heard by a special tribunal, and if found guilty, would be freed on licence without having to go to jail.

The government and Sinn Fein argue that it clears up “an anomaly” left by the release of those already in jail after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The proposed law would set up a two-stage process. First a “certification officer” would decide if someone was eligible for the scheme.

This could be a paramilitary on-the-run, someone living in Northern Ireland who is charged with an offence before 1998 or a member of the security forces accused of an offence committed when they were combating terrorism.

The case would then go to a special tribunal, consisting of a retired judge sitting without a jury. The tribunal would have all the normal powers of the Crown Court but the accused would not have to appear for their trial.

If found guilty they would have a criminal record but would be freed on licence. They would have to provide fingerprints and DNA samples to be granted their licence.

The scheme will be temporary but a precise cut-off period is not specified in the bill - instead its expiry is linked to the lifetime of the chief constable’s historic cases review team, which is looking at unsolved murders during the Troubles.

Belfast Telegraph

Parties urge Rooker to think again

By Noel McAdam
06 December 2005

A clash over the Government’s creation of seven councils across Northern Ireland was on the cards today.

Direct rule minister Lord Rooker was today expected to face the anger of DUP, SDLP, UUP and Alliance members opposed to the radical blueprint.

The cross-party council leaders were holding their first meeting with the Government since the decision to form seven councils from the present 26 was announced.

In their first salvo against the direct rule team, the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) urged Lord Rooker to think again.

And they were due to demand the minister sets up a joint meeting with them and party leaders before Christmas to see if the seven-council verdict can be reversed.

SDLP NILGA vice-president Helen Quigley said: “It is not appropriate for direct rule ministers to come into Northern Ireland, albeit for a short-term period, just to simply split the province.

“We will stand strong and united to prevent this from happening.”

Only Sinn Fein, among the major parties, is in favour of the seven-council model, a stance which has lead to the suspension of senior member Francie Molloy, a former NILGA president, who shares its view in favour of 15 councils.

Today’s meeting with Lord Rooker comes after discussions last week between NILGA and party representatives who agreed to “work together in the coming months to ensure the seven-council model is overturned and a more democratic system is put in place”.

NILGA chief executive Heather Moorehead said after the suspension of Dungannon councillor Molloy, no substitute nomination was made and no Sinn Fein representative was present.

Alliance leader David Ford attended, however, along with DUP MP William McCrea, SDLP MLA Tommy Gallagher and UUP MLA David McClarty.

Mr McCrea said he feared the £235m projected savings from the review will not be realised and had been flagged up to gain public sympathy.

It would also amount to a “carve up” along sectarian lines, with three unionist-controlled councils in the east of the province and three nationalist-dominated councils in the west along with a keenly-balanced Belfast - which would have the potential to be politically explosive, he added.

Mrs Quigley, a Londonderry councillor, also argued that Secretary of State Peter Hain’s denial that the seven-council model will not lead to a “sectarian carve-up” was “scandalous and irresponsible”.

“He should take note of the vast majority of opinions and concerns expressed by citizens at a local level who now realise that the seven-council model is not practical,” she added.

Belfast Telegraph

By Chris Thornton
06 December 2005

Two Troubles widows could end up on opposite sides in a court battle over the appointment of the Victims’ Commissioner.

Brenda Downes, whose husband was killed by the RUC, may take a case against the Government challenging the appointment of Bertha McDougall, whose husband was murdered while serving in the RUC.

Yesterday Mrs McDougall visited the victims’ group to which Mrs Downes belongs, but it is understood the two women did not meet.

Lawyers for Mrs Downes, whose husband Sean was killed by a plastic bullet in 1984, have written to the Secretary of State Peter Hain about the appointment of Mrs McDougall.

Mrs McDougall was appointed to a one-year term in October.

Her husband, Lindsay, was an RUC reservist. He was shot in the back by the INLA in 1981.

When she was appointed Mrs McDougall said she would “be treating people equally” as Commissioner.

Several political parties have claimed Mrs McDougall’s appointment was a “political handout” to the DUP. The DUP said it “supported” her selection.

Mrs Downes, a member of Relatives for Justice, said she believes the appointment ignored quality legislation.

“It is not an independent appointment and will erode confidence in the post,” she said.

She said the legislation was “about ending the situation whereby government simply made political appointments and discriminated against individuals and communities.

“The appointment of Mrs McDougall is clearly politically motivated and as such the NIO and Peter Hain did not follow any procedures or processes in line with the law,” Mrs Downes added.

Belfast Telegraph

By Debra Douglas
06 December 2005

The Co Down village where Lisa Dorrian lived held a minute’s silence for her as the Christmas lights were switched on last night.

A lone piper played a rendition of Amazing Grace as local residents who had gathered in the green at Conlig to see the lights switched on fell silent for one minute to remember the missing 25-year-old who disappeared ten months ago.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph today, her sister Joanne said it was an emotional night.

“The Mayor asked everyone to take a minute to remember us and everything we are going through at this time of year. It was hard for us and very emotional, but we also took great comfort from everyone’s support,” she said.

“It is really nice of people to take the time to remember Lisa and afterwards, a couple of people came up to mum and threw their arms around her, saying they didn’t know us but that they are thinking of us all and that they hope we find some peace.

“We had no idea of what was planned until the piper called at our door to ask for permission and it was a really nice thing for the council to do for us and Lisa.”

Joanne said the prospect of a Christmas without her sister was unbearable.

“It is getting more and more scary by the day. We are going to have to try and get through Christmas without her which just doesn’t bear thinking about,” she added.

Lisa, a 25-year-old shop worker, disappeared on February 28 after a party at a caravan park in Ballyhalbert on the Ards peninsula. Despite extensive air, land and sea searches, her body has not been recovered.

Belfast Telegraph

By Maureen Coleman
06 December 2005

A priest who refused to celebrate funeral Mass because the coffin was draped in an Irish tricolour today defended his stance.

Fr Brendan Beagon, parish priest at the Church of the Holy Spirit on the Glen Road, removed the flag from the coffin and replaced it with a pall, saying that it breached the rules of the Catholic Church.

But the family of the dead man, Billy McDonnell - a lifelong republican - replaced the flag and refused to remove it, prompting Fr Beagon to say he could not celebrate Mass.

Mr McDonnell’s funeral went ahead at Holy Trinity Church in Turf Lodge.

His son Liam said that the body was taken to the Church of the Holy Spirit on Sunday and that the coffin was draped in the tricolour at his father’s request.

He said that a priest in the church objected to the flag but relented after the family said they would take the coffin elsewhere. The priest then continued to carry out a blessing.

However, when the family returned the following day for Requiem Mass, the flag had been removed and had been replaced with a white pall.

Defending his position, Fr Beagon said the family had told another priest, Fr Tarmey, that they would take the coffin back to the deceased’s home if the flag was removed.

He said that when he was told this, he removed the tricolour and replaced it with the pall “in accordance with the provisions of the Liturgical Commission”.

“On Monday morning the tricolour had been replaced on the coffin and the deceased’s son, when it was explained that the proper liturgical covering for a coffin in a church is a pall, refused to remove the tricolour,” he said.

“I then informed him that the liturgical funeral service could not be celebrated, but that Fr Tarmey would say the prayers at the graveside. He told me that they would get someone else to do this.”

Bishop of Down and Connor Dr Patrick Walsh said relatives were asked to respect the right of the Church to regulate how the funeral Mass should be celebrated.

But he added that it should be celebrated in any case.

“Having explained the regulations and the reason for them, one would trust that the relatives would accept the regulations,” he said.

“If not, this poses a great difficulty for the priest, but in the circumstances the funeral mass should be celebrated so that the deceased will be buried with dignity.”

Belfast Telegraph

By Chris Thornton
06 December 2005

Government plans for restorative justice could be heading for a stalemate today after the most prominent restorative justice scheme in republican areas said it will not sign up to the plan until their is an overall settlement on policing.

Community Restorative Justice Ireland gave a cautious welcome to yesterday’s publication of draft guidelines for restorative justice, which brings offenders and victims together to decide on penalties.

The guidelines would see all cases referred to the PSNI, leading CRJI spokesman Noel McCartney to state: “We will not be able to actually implement agreed arrangements until there is an overall political settlement on policing”.

But Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson said police involvement is “not negotiable”.

This raised an immediate question mark over how effective the Government regulations will be if a group is determined to operate outside them.

The Government does not fund the organisations, so it cannot withdraw money.

Under the guidelines, the Government will accredit the schemes, but it is not clear whether any scheme operating without accreditation would be violating the law.

The Government addressed concerns that the schemes could bypass the PSNI in the guidelines, saying restorative justice schemes must have an “unambiguous and appropriate relationship” with police.

But the SDLP and unionists said they remain concerned about the proposals.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the proposals could unleash a situation where “local warlords will be acting as if they are law lords”.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly accused the SDLP of peddling myths.

“These schemes have been operating successfully in the north since 1999 and we have not heard this hysterical opposition before now,” he said.

BBC

The groups are seeking the support of the European parliament

Campaign groups from NI which claim the British state colluded in the murder of their relatives are seeking the support of the European parliament.

Twenty-five representatives will meet human rights organisations and European politicians over the next two days.

Robert McClenaghan, from the group An Fhirinne (Irish for The Truth) said they wanted to raise the profile of their campaign.

“We will be meeting with MEPs and those who are interested in truth,” he said.

“Part of the reason for the visit to Brussels is to secure the promise of an EU fact finding mission to Ireland in order to deepen their understanding of this issue.”

BBC

Thomas Devlin was murdered in a knife attack

Detectives investigating the murder of schoolboy Thomas Devlin have carried out several searches in north Belfast.

The police said premises in the Mount Vernon and White City areas had been searched in connection with his death.

A number of items were removed for further examination. Police said the searches were part of an “ongoing and active inquiry”.

Thomas, 15, was stabbed five times as he and two friends walked along Somerton Road on 10 August.

In September, the police confirmed the prime suspects in the investigation were two young men with a black and white dog.

Thomas, a student at Belfast Royal Academy, was a talented musician who played the horn at school.

He had just bought sweets from a nearby shop and was on his way home when he was stabbed in the back five times.

His 18-year-old friend was injured in the attack, but not seriously. A 16-year-old boy managed to escape.

A number of people detained for questioning about the murder were subsequently released without charge.

Thomas’ mother Penny Holloway has said whoever attacked her son meant to kill him.

BBC

Police have been given more time to question Chris Ward

Detectives investigating the £26.5m Northern Bank robbery in Belfast have been granted a further 48 hours to question a man.

Chris Ward, 24, was arrested by police on 29 November.

This is the third extension detectives have been given to question Mr Ward, an employee of the bank which was robbed in December last year.

After the robbery, Mr Ward described on television how he was held captive in the run-up to it.

Last week police carried out searches of grounds belonging to the Gaelic Athletic Association in west Belfast in connection with the robbery.

The GAA expressed shock at the investigation at Casement Park, where Mr Ward worked part-time.

A police spokesman said the search was part of an investigation into serious crime.

Of the 11 people questioned to date in connection with the raid, three have appeared in court.

Some money seized in County Cork last February was linked to the robbery, but virtually all of the missing millions remain unrecovered.

Police on both sides of the Irish border subsequently blamed the IRA for the raid.