Sunday World Article by Paul Williams - 'Why Sinn Fein are a bunch of lying.....

by drat sab Sun Feb 13, 2005 23:07

By trying to cash in on the use of the word "bastards", Williams is merely trying to ape Kevin Myers and hopeing for some of the same kind of notoriety that Myers "achieved" last week.
Truely pathetic.

by Sean Crudden Mon Feb 14, 2005 19:48

Congratulations, Michelle, on an excellent article and many thanks.

by Ruri Tue Feb 15, 2005 17:31

The above point is indeed true about Williams piggybacking on Myers deluded comments.

However, the man is also right in calling Sinn Fein the lying, cheating scum that they clearly are. They are an embarassment to anyone who ever felt they could be trusted or that they could ever change.

A truly vile organisation.

by RJS Wed Feb 16, 2005 14:48

Without understanding the causes of conflict (e.g., greed for oil, imperialism and subjugation etc.), Ruri is in danger of becoming one of those homogenous lemmings; fodder for the mass-media on a daily basis. Simplistic black&whiteisms are the hallmark of right-wing tendencies (lazy brainisms, absolutisms, the killing of all logic with knee-jerk emotions).

I am alleging no illegalities on the part of Paul Wiiliams but; Paul Williams makes more money from crime than many criminals, At least, the latter (even those in the big league with Lawlor, Burke and Co.) have initiative: they are the authors of their own nitharious industries. Williams, however, thrives off the alleged criminal careers and pain of others. His sources are gardai or other criminals - each contributing for their own reasons.

The sensationalist and simplistic pap that he excreted over the years, should, by now, have led to mistrials due to prejudicial media coverage; but for years now, the gardai seem to use the media as a means of by-passing thorough investigation, and likely-as-not, the garda leaks get paid for their services.

The moral-righteousness that suffuses every clause he utters or writes can be nausiating for those of us who are not content with the us and them idea of good and bad. SF are such an easy target for the likes of him, because that particular issue/band-wagon has been shorn of all complexity by the self-appointed 'great and good'.

by Ruri Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:55

Lemmings, hmmm. Strange that you mention that in relation to Sinn Fein since most posters on this entire site seems to offer nothing more than tacid support for a quasi-terrorist organisation, following each other off the same cliff of delusion.

As an irish person I am allowed to express my contempt for an organisation which i think is vile, reprehensible and a disgrace to this country. That does not mean I am 'media fodder.'

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics campaigner Fri Feb 18, 2005 21:32

Your reply was profound. We have too many lazy homogenous lemmings lurking around. These have fixed views and care little about the ethics, governance, politics and human rights of our Island of Ireland.

Paul Williams article reeked of that 'Moral Righteousness'......

I collect quotes and often interact them with thoughts. I include a few for consideration at this time........

For Paul Williams, I would suggest a book called 'The Politics of Cruelty......by Kate Millett.

This is an essay on the Literature of Political Imprisonment.......(the cage can be the widening of the Rich to Poor group and particularly children)

'The French, who have a word for this kind of writing, call it teimonage, the literature of the witness; the one who has been there, seen it, knows.. It croses genres, can be autobiography, reportage, even narrative fiction. Buts its Basis is Factual, fact passionately lived and put into writing by a moral imperative rooted like a flower amid carnage with an imperishable optimism, a hope that those who will hear will Care, will Even Take Action......'

We have all known about Ireland and corruption. We are all believers that the major advantage of the protracted Tribunal hearings into planning corruption is that people would learn and avoid the temptation of corruption. Then there is wealthy Church with large banks of land that have trebled in value since 1995. The Church have done great work but please let not power, control and greed, leave people who were subjected to physical and mental abuse without respect and equitable compensation. Closure is a Right for every person......let not Government and the Church combined breach this rule of humanity.


We know that this was to be the Governmental Path; we have Transparency Ireland established with eminent members; we are aware that former President Robinson is now involved in Globalisation Ethics out of New York. As far as I know the public service members have access to Anti-Corruption publications......Apparently codes of ethics apply........This begs the question as why we have so many consultants and PR related to government departments........

Then what has happened today......Commissioner Conroy, as the news broke of money laundering etc. and potential SF members involement, came to the fore with a public address. The accusations and pre-judgments abound.......I wonder could this be a similar type of outcome to the collapse of Barings Bank via the main initiation by one dealer........or the like of Rusnak in AIB the US.

What is the situation with AIB? Did the Senior Fraud Squad intervene? In fact, were members of staff paid 'Goodbye' money with a promise of no prosecution. Why do the share prices not reflect the reduction that one would expect in the case of such corruption......British Commonwealth, for example, went broke in the UK in the 1980s.

Then the major banks here basically have a cartel with little regulation yet. That is of course until the 'Raider' Bank of Scotland entered the fray.....via ICC ....... now there appears to be implications here as per todays news. The man is alleged to be a member of the ICTU; Chairman of Bank of Scotland.......and then this finance company in Cork........Let's hope there is no more insider dealing in Ireland. We face enough with scandal of Fyffes in the courts presently.

Back to Kate Millet and Paul Williams......

'In the Politics of Cruelty, she sets out a theory of politics for our time and offers a harrowing view of the modern state based on the practice of torture as a method of rule, as conscious policy.........In assuming the power of torture over its citizens, government has made itself omnipotent, threatening the social and political progress of countries..............

Corruption is a reality as is economic plunder of third world countries. There are plenty of website that indicate what is known about corrupt practices engaged in by financiers even the World Bank; the IMF; the UN; the EU are investigated.......

Oil is a product.......Iraq has want the US want.....it is limited in supply.....yet the US among others want it......in abundance......to squander and waste.......The cost is war. People, like you and me, children suffer. What greatly disturbs me is that we in Ireland sold our soul by allowing Shannon usage by the US.......I also ask how many arms related to US/British organisations emanate from here be the designers or producers......People need to take account.

In the light of Mary Harney's latest 'breach of human rights', the deduction of a large proportion of an elderly/psychiatric/vulnerable person's stay in hospital, is taken without independent review to the needs of the person in their home situation........is abhorrent. As a psychiatric patient it happened to me.......it put back my progress because not alone had I to re-adapt to society.....but I had to sort out affairs and pay bills......Morally, at the time, I knew it was wrong but the truth was I had not the health, energy or personal care to help me. The same has happened with medications and administrative hindrances from the department of health....This need not happen......

This is a quotation from the Irish Advocacy Network, I would like to share with people who might be interested.
'A civilization is measured by its treatment of its most vulnerable groups. We must remember that citizens in care are no less citizens and their voices should be heard, their views respectetd and their interests defended (EC 1990).

I saw an article in Daily Ireland about suicides, self-harm at Maghaberry prison.....Straitjackets/isolation/lack of medications/suicidal focus/social problems.....merit respect of the human being........suicide need not be the outcome. There are answers. Research may be needed but then let it be shared.

Again in the South, I question the treatment of people with psychiatric diagnosis sent to prison. I somewhat recall a forensic psychiatrist in the Central Mental Hospital speaking about diagnosis. Apparently defined diagnosis like bipolar etc. are equally represented as a small percentage outside and inside prison. The point made was that many admissions to the Central Mental Hospital related to Social Issues and often for incidental public order offences like stealing food......Would people realise that if people are on heavy dosages of medication, taking some alcholo and no care support......they become confused and addled so in reality they may not even have the Mens Rea for the Actus Reus.

I will say Goodnight.

I hope the Peace Process survives this tall hurdle........but then maybe the revelations of today were needed..........

The disabilities bill: I sincerely hope that people like me are granted 'Rights' to.....like all other people and that Independent Assessors are appointed to act as advocates and level the playing pitch.......


Michelle

by Gerry Sat Feb 19, 2005 03:35

Ruri: '...most posters on this entire site seems to offer nothing more than tacid support for a quasi-terrorist organisation, following each other off the same cliff of delusion.'


That remark is incorreect Ruri. Most posters on this site have never expressed support for either the quasi terrorists in the British army or their lackeys in the UFF/UVF/DUP at any stage. Check your facts.

by Reality Check Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:47

If any of you had read the Sunday World article, you would have noted that Paul William's piece included an implicit criticism of the Kevin Myers article.
He was basically suggesting that the word bastard should be reserved for those who actually deserved it.
The headline "Sinn Fein are lying murdering bastards" has been borne out this week by the by-now-clear links between SF/IRA and the Northern Bank Raid and the McCartney murder in Belfast.
No amount of obfuscation by Adams, McGuinness and Kelly will undo the self-inflicted damage SF/IRA have taken this week.

by Jim Bob Sun Feb 20, 2005 16:32

Different fish altogether.

Myarse picks a new target to condemn whenever the whim takes him and goes off on his usual high moral ground. His foray into playing detective landed him in hot water before... when he wrote about a rogue garda who, according to Myers was involved in setting up RUC men for an ambush. Myers of course coudln't prove any of it.

Williams uses dogdy info drip fed to him by 'security sources' at Garda Press Office, combines it with a few snippets of the obvious truth, and a few things that 'may or may not' have ever happened. He likes to present himself as one of those intrepid crime reporters that roots out the truth.

In reality, he doesn't dig anything, he types for a living, and spouts out what he is fed, and what his editor wants.
Williams is only interested in reported in reporting the criminal activity by IRA members (of which there's plenty), but dirty tricks by the PSNI? perish the thought.

William's slant is in making the government forces look like angels of mercy.

by Gerry Sun Feb 20, 2005 20:36

R EALITY CHECK SAID: 'The headline "Sinn Fein are lying murdering bastards" has been borne out this week by the by-now-clear links between SF/IRA and the Northern Bank Raid and the McCartney murder in Belfast.'

What clear links were shown between either Sinn Fein or the IRA this week Reality Check? Was it the money from the Northern Bank raid discovered in an exclusive, high security RUC/PSNI Club? I suppose you'll suggest next Adams and McGuiness dropped in for a pint unnoticed amongst all those Special Brancg and Brit intelligence officers and dropped a bag of stolen money there?

Or is it the discovery of a large sum of money on an individual who subsequently was charged with, wait for it, membership of the Real IRA, a group vehemently opposed to everything Adams, McGuinness and both SF and the iRA do?

What are these links that you are talking about? Only one of the people arrested had any SF connection and he was subsequently released without charge because there was basolutely no evidence against him. He had as much to do with what was going on as McDowell or anyone else had?

Some of the people questioned had closer links to both Fianna Fail and the Government but I dont se any suggestion that that these peopl ewere laundering money or engaging in criminal activity. Then again, stealing millions of euro from pensioners in nursing homes isn't really a crime, is it? Notice the silence and lack of outrage from McDowell over that crime and over the discovery of ther Northern Bank money in the RUC/PSNI club?

We have had all this politically motivated nonsense before. Martin Ferris and 13-14 SF activists in the Kerry area were arrested and the Gradai were leaking like mad to the media that charges were imminent in relation to charges of vigilanteism in an attempt to damage Ferris' chances of winning a Dail seat. Not one single charge was subsequently brought because there was nothing to the allegations whatsoever, just the Gardai providing political muscle for their Government bosses such as McDowell and Ahern.

The raiding of SF offices at Stormont, accusations of a spy-ring at Stormont and the charging of a number of SF and other republican people with charges relating to spying. What has happened since? All the charges relating to any spy-ring at Stormont have been quietly dropped because there never was any spy-ring inthe first place, the accusations were bogus and had done their job, which was to allow for the collapsing of the Storont Assembly.

Waiting with anticipation for all this clear evidence that emerged this week reality check?

by sportsman Sun Feb 20, 2005 23:55

Hugh Orde says the money found in the Newforge club was planted as a deliberate diversionary tactic. Oh thats alright then no story there for the Sunday World or 'Independent' to get themselves worked up about. As Hugh says its a lot more open these days. In fact half of West Belfast happens to take a stroll down to enjoy a drink in convivial surroundings and to have a chat with their old friends from the RUC now known as PSNI.
Its not that I doubt Hughs integrity but I would like to know how many republicans have membership of the club or if its so open that there is no security on the door. Its just that if watchtowers are still needed all over South Armagh and elsewhere because of a perceived threat it would seem that a club that retains strong RUC connections might also still need a bit of security.
I'm not one for conspiracy theories and I dont know who carried out the robbery in the Northern Bank but given the lack of video evidence of the white van entering any republican area there must be some doubt. Those who reside in the comfort of Dublin 4 might not realise the blanket monitoring of those areas which still exist and which makes it strange that no such evidence has been produced. It is just possible that some state sponsored group with the capability to carry out the raid and the motivation to exclude those on the Pilling hate list from politics could have been involved. Who knows Williams could find some more criminal lying bastards if he choses to look under a few stones. In the interests of clarity it would be helpful if he could investigate just how easy it is for someone outside the PSNI/RUC family to walk into Newforge with a large bundle of notes and conceal them.

by barry Mon Feb 21, 2005 03:20

While it is sensible indeed to be highly suspicious about any statement whatsoever emanating from PSNI, I dont see why they would plant money in their own clubhouse, and publicise its discovery, except out of sheer and utter laziness. .ie too lazy to even leave the bar. Are Sportsman and Gerry suggestng "securocrats" robbed the bank in order to embarass the cops and frame them for the robbery ?

Surely it would make more sense to plant it in the likes of the Felons etc. if they were looking to blacken the shinners.

My own opinion is if the provies robbed the bank, fair play to them. Of more concern to myself is the horrific "Shankill Butchers" type murder of Robert McCartney by people who can only be described as the absolute scum of the earth. The name of republicanism has been dragged through the mud by not just this depraved action alone, but by the subsequent intimidation of the people of Short Strand by the butchers associates, provisional IRA members.

Principled and brave republicans such as Billy McKee spilled their own blood defending the people of that area. They were the thin green line and their heroism was rewarded by the peoples respect and support. Those members of Gerrys stormont militia who now claim to be Billy McKees political/military heirs have now disgraced the very name of republicans by this and other criminal acts in that area particularly. These crimes now include murder, as well as rape, attempted rape and numerous brutal beatings over simple personal disputes. They are now regarded as facist gangsters and a menace to the people of that area.

It would be ironic indeed if the birth of the real Provisionals , by their heroic defence of Short Strand, and their vow to blow Stormont off the face of the earth, is followed by the disbandment of Gerrys Provisionals, who are now despised and feared as a menace within Short Strand, and whose vow is to "Bring back Stormont".

Those people busy defending Adams here would be better off asking themselves how he was conveniently out of the country when these raids took place, and how his line on the robbery subtly shifted on the very day before the raids took place. That is more than just slightly suspicious.

by Devil Dog Mon Feb 21, 2005 14:04

on your analysis of the McCartney murder. However, do you also consider the imprisonment and terrorising of the families of the N Bank officials "fair play" as well?

Ironic that you denigrate the Shinners as "$inn £ein" yet seem to have no problem with the latest adventure in fund-raising...I guess the Donegal holiday homes on the Costa del Provo are expensive to run...

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Thu Mar 31, 2005 02:13

Justice is about people. It is not about abuse of power situations.

Blame games are easy. I like a comment by Eduardo Frei, Former President of Chile.
He comments about 'blame being a form of dependency'.

The analogy holds good for a person who has been through psychosanalysis.
The outcome ought to be a more balanced view of life events and the experience to move forward with a more balanced view.

In the absence of concrete evidence (unlike today's event when the security van people took a detour for a cup of coffee; the outcome being over 2 million stolen, I would ask the PSNI and our own Force for Evidence first. I suspect that they have done nothing other than prejudiced a potential case if it can be proved that the IRA is responsible!!! Just a though.....I value the Rule of Law and Justice.

Michelle

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Tue Oct 25, 2005 01:12

The importance of Freedom of the Press.....the foregoing articles throughout the year indicate same.

The reporting regarding former Minister Liam Lawlor has shaken me to the core.

It has removed that assuredness that an ordinary individual requires relating to a report. In this case, a totally inaccurate report both on the factual details and damaging to a the reputation of a husband, father, grandfather, a former minister of Government.

Let us not get a skewed view from this. We must at all times remember that Freedom of the Press is an essential component of a democracy.

Michelle Clarke

Gandhi 'Live as if you are going to die tomorrow and learn as if you are going to learn for the rest of your life'[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[

by STEPHEN BURN - Wolfe Tone Society Tue May 30, 2006 12:40

Do we really need this daily influx of character assassination such as the recent articles villifying Martin McGuinness?
I have known Martin for a number of years and am proud to have worked alongside him during the 1990's.
I am deeply suspicious of any "leaked reports" from whatever source that can throw fuel on the fire from afar. Gerry Adams has always said that whenever there is a prolonged period of inactivity or political progress,a "political vacumn" is created and is a dangerous time for everyone.
Such attacks on leading republicans such as Martin McGuinness should never be allowed to overshadow the fact that he, along with other members of the Republican Movement, have brought peace to the north of Ireland.
That alone should be enough to discredit yet another attempt by the faceless pen pushers who use every opportunity to snipe at Sinn Fein knowing that at least some of the mud they throw, will, unfortunately stick.
Remember, a relative peace is better no peace.

by Willie Nilly Tue May 30, 2006 14:51

Don't forget that when Paul William's colleague Hugh Jordan arrived at the cottage where Donaldson was holed up that he was accompanied by a former RUC man. We know what happened after that and why was there no inquiry?

by bollocks Tue May 30, 2006 15:32

Tell that to the McCartney family.

by Jerry Cornelius Tue May 30, 2006 15:39

Would you rather go back to a death toll of 100 a year?

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Sat Jun 24, 2006 21:40

Its Sunday so it is sensation and time to promote your book on Crime...

This man seems to be single mindedly tackling this whole issue.

CAB I believe has yielded the State some 7 billion euros between 1996 and 2004. I find this quite an exceptional amount........but then people like Paul Williams can act as media organiser, Special Branch, and cohort of the late Veronica Guerin in her persistent determination about crime and the identity formed is suffice to cover the good of CAB......

I feel cynical about the large sums collected and want to know how are the funds redistributed to people who are addicted to drugs and community rehabilitation and community gardens.......We never hear the amount stated?

To me: there is always a form of equlibrium needed. To make pursuit via CAB without equal regard to helping those who have been affected by the crimes........then something is not quite right.
Partly, maybe Ego problems....The gun crime and unprecented deaths resembles a cleansing...

Legislation and social responsibilities are needed around the many programmes run in Ireland. Regulation has been promised but it vital to know that there is transparency and most important accountability to the people of Ireland.

Let's do something in rehabilitation to help those addicted to drugs, their familes and try and prevent people moving on to dealing........

Michelle

For the people we lose to addiction:

Franz Kafka Austrian Writer
Seeing Beauty.....
'Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.....

To a young woman I met seeking a hostel, money, a sad life.....give her Hope and others give them Hope

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Fri Apr 04, 2008 21:34

I must say that while the ambitions of those involved in the production of programmes on Crime and Crime 'Lords' and the enthusiasm to deliver a verdict by Paul Williams is too motivated by the wrong emotion - namely hatred.

The programme about the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Monk - the inability to locate evidence over a decade surely runs contrary to the rights of the person accused and to the Rule of Law. Monday night's programme focused too much on the delipidated premises and the the money and smuggling carried out by the IRA. Where is real evidence? If the premises is as it appears on the TV programme, then how come nobody copped on.

The Irish people are educated, even some of our so called criminals are highly educated. If you take this into account, it is time for RTE to start avoid this 'hit and miss' type of cover' that only jeopardies other important factors, like the Peace Process (which is still on tender ground); to take account of Sinn Fein and the fact it is now fully involved in representative politics, with a vision towards the Island of Ireland.

What do these programmes cost? Only today, we hear that Ms. Beverly Flynn has been accepted back to Fianna Fail and that the Author who published the researched the programme on Drugs/Ireland/Middle class series for RTE 1, that some shop manager placed her book under the fiction heading.......Bright man or even woman.

Michelle
'Knowledge is load' but not fairytale prejudiced motivation and narcissism