How painful for Shell will this get?

by Eve Sat May 19, 2007 18:45

.

MD activists question van der Veer on Nigerian flaring

MD activists dressed as accountants inform shareholders of Shell's unpaid bills in Nigeria

Media scrum around Shell CEO Jeroen van der Veer

Shell to Sea activist Bob Kavanagh invites van der Veer to Erris

by . Sat May 19, 2007 18:52

.

Shell's man in Nigeria Basil Omiyl answers questions

The Mayo lads arrive

Bob, John, Willie and Terence

After the AGM, Willie does an interview with mid-west radio

Looking at the smoke stack of Rotterdam

by . Sat May 19, 2007 18:55

.

Relaxing at the pier in den Hague

At the Dutch houses of parliment with MP Krista van Velzen

by Eve - Shell to Sea Sat May 19, 2007 18:58

Statement to Royal Dutch Shell AGM - 15th May 2007

Mr. Chairman

I address you all here today not only as a fellow shareholder, but also as a stakeholder in a Shell-led project.

I live in a remote village on the west coast of Ireland, called Rossport, in County Mayo, along with my fellow visitors, including Willie Corduff.

Willie was recently awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize - formerly awarded to Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa - for his opposition to the proposed Corrib gas project, currently being developed in our area by Shell and partners Statoil and Marathon.

This project is of interest to everyone here today because of its importance in opening up a new exploration frontier off the Atlantic continental shelf. Vast new upstream opportunities await those who can develop the untapped resources off our coastline.

However, the potential effects on our coastal communities have been largely ignored by Shell so far, and relations with the receiving community are now at an all-time low.

The project as envisaged by Shell is a sub-sea tie-back development of an off-shore gas field to an in-land refinery. The local community has been consistently concerned about the potential effects on the currently unspoilt and uniquely protected environment and it's people.

As it now stands the refinery is at the very early stages of construction, but the original upstream pipeline route has been withdrawn, a new route has not yet been identified and will eventually have to go through the planning process. The necessary licence to operate has not yet been granted and is being vigorously opposed, and the project as a whole is the subject of several legal challenges and ongoing daily community protests.

It is important to point out that community consent does not exist for this project. The Corrib partners have proceeded with a fragmented scheme - project-splitting - and seem only concerned with bare-minimum legal requirements with scant regard for the people or the area.

Construction is only proceeding under police supervision. Men, women and children are being physically and verbally abused, baton-charged, and even jailed at Shell's request, because of an insistence to continue with a fundamentally flawed concept. The many documented cases of human rights abuses are now under investigation, and the situation is causing division in the area that for some will never be healed.

As a community we have been lied to and lied about for over seven years, and are continually subjected to propaganda and intimidation by Shell and their partners... but we are not willing to turn our backs on our future.

For those of us interested in the economics of the development, first gas from the Corrib field - estimated to be worth at least €8 billion - was to have been achieved by 2003... but Shell E&P Ireland Ltd recorded a loss of €50 million last year alone, the gas cannot flow until late 2009 at the earliest, and that will only be achieved if there are no more delays.

There will be more delays.

However, Corrib gas can still be developed. Everyone can still benefit. All that we ask is that our concerns are listened to.

We call on Shell to stop the current development... it will never be accepted by the indigenous people, because of project mis-management on every level. It is a risk to the area's primary drinking-water supply, lying in the catchment of Carrowmore Lake, which is also a Special Area of Conservation. It is to discharge waste products into our air, and through Sruth Fada Conn, an estuary of historical importance in Irish legend and a Special Protected Area; and proceed through Broadhaven Bay, another Special Area of Conservation, a breeding ground for whales and dolphins and waters of vital importance to the local fishing and recreation industries.

Alternative development options have never been fully explored, and this fact has been well documented. Meaningful community consultation has never existed. Community concern has never been addressed. The proposed expanding in-land refinery complex will never be acceptable.

Recent events in Northern Ireland have shown the people of our island to be a reasonable race. We will never accept being treated as second-class citizens, we will always rise up against injustice, and we'll fight our corner if pushed hard enough… but we can talk, argue, listen, disagree, debate and compromise. We can be reasoned with, but never bullied.

John F. Kennedy, a great man of history and Irish descent, said in his Inaugural Address as US President in 1961 "Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate". The people of north Mayo have nothing to fear except not being heard, because Shell are not listening.

We hope today that our voice has finally been heard. Go back to the drawing board on the Corrib gas project - even now it is still not too late - and we'll help you solve the problem. The "good-neighbour" principle demands nothing less.

The people of north Mayo will accept nothing less.

Thank you

by JF Sat May 19, 2007 19:56

Jm in his submission to shell says
"John F. Kennedy, a great man of history and Irish descent, said in his Inaugural Address as US President in 1961 "Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate". The people of north Mayo have nothing to fear except not being heard, because Shell are not listening."

Below is another statement by "John F. Kennedy, a great man of history and Irish descent" is it not hypocritical for JM/ S2S to quote JFK to further their cause, when they ignore his oponion when it suits them!.....................

....Third, and finally, the educated citizen has an obligation to uphold the law. This is the obligation of every citizen in a free and peaceful society--but the educated citizen has a special responsibility by the virtue of his greater understanding. For whether he has ever studied history or current events, ethics or civics, the rules of a profession or the tools of a trade, he knows that only a respect for the law makes it possible for free men to dwell together in peace and progress.

He knows that law is the adhesive force in the cement of society, creating order out of chaos and coherence in place of anarchy. He knows that for one man to defy a law or court order he does not like is to invite others to defy those which they do not like, leading to a breakdown of all justice and all order. He knows, too, that every fellowman is entitled to be regarded with decency and treated with dignity. Any educated citizen who seeks to subvert the law, to suppress freedom, or to subject other human beings to acts that are less than human, degrades his heritage, ignores his learning, and betrays his obligation.

Certain other societies may respect the rule of force--we respect the rule of law.

by barry Sun May 20, 2007 15:24

JF speaks of irony and quotes Kennedy, managing to capture the words but not the meaning.

Taking the quote above and applying it to the situation in Mayo:
1. He knows that for one man to defy a law or court order he does not like is to invite others to defy those which they do not like -- leading to a breakdown of all justice and all order.

Presumably intended to refer to the Rossport 5 (or 6 as they might have been) who refused to accept a temporary injunction (rather than defying an order), accepting instead what the law construed as lawful punishment for such refusal and who have subsequently been vindicated in their objections to the permanent injunction which was refused by the courts who found shell had no lawful grounds for seeking access to the disputed lands to build their pipeline.

2. He knows, too, that every fellow man is entitled to be regarded with decency and treated with dignity.

Ahem, that might be construed as another way of stating the points made from the outset by the Erris residents.

3. Any educated citizen who seeks to subvert the law to suppress freedom, or to subject other human beings to acts that are less than human degrades his inheritance, ignores his learning, and betrays his obligations.

I think that this section, where it might be applied at all in relation to the rossport saga probably encompasses the actions of agents of the state/corporate side of the argument (see below).

4. Certain other societies may respect the rule of force. We respect the rule of law.

Really I think that the Garda Review magazine interview (Nov. 2006 edition) with Supt Joe Gannon, where the senior police officer for the area descibes how the protestors are and will be dealt with on an extra-judical basis kinda sums up which rule is respected in modern ireland.

by m.m.mccarron - o.s.i Sun May 20, 2007 16:31

Please accept my appreciation in persisting to the Shell AGM and your ability to draw international support. It must give you a sense of achievement. What an opportunity to directly address Shell shareholders and stir their thoughts. Thanks to the shares donor. And to the international groups who speak and act for the ignored in Ogoni and Erris. Shell to Sea has made may friends over the last several years as Ogoni had before it.

by JF Sun May 20, 2007 19:57

"where the senior police officer for the area descibes how the protestors are and will be dealt with on an (extra-judical) basis kinda sums up which rule is respected in modern ireland."

Three of the protestors appear at a special sitting of Belmullet court tomorrow (monday 21st) on charges of assulting gardai last october,
extra-judical? I think not!

I was actually referring to the protestors, breaking the law.
where does it state the courts who found shell had no lawful grounds for seeking access to the disputed lands to build their pipeline.
I thought that case was ongoing?

"He knows, too, that every fellow man is entitled to be regarded with decency and treated with dignity. "

even the men who are trying to earn a living close to their family!

"Any educated citizen who seeks to subvert the law to suppress freedom, or to subject other human beings to acts that are less than human degrades his inheritance, ignores his learning, and betrays his obligations."

most of the shell to sea front men/women are well educated dr/teachers/barristers/lecturers/ect.
they know eneough that they should realise the only way to proceed is through the lawful channles.
the europeen court if neccicary.

by DK Sun May 20, 2007 21:41

The law said that Rosa Parks should have to sit at the back of the bus

by black man ray Mon May 21, 2007 17:48

Good point DK but surely it was by Peaceful protests and legal boycott that segregation in the US was ended! Instead of (some) protesters assaulting Gardaí and stopping innocent workers from earning a wage why not boycott Shell and Statoil products. if the belief was there the financial implications would be too costly for Shell. If you want to succeed hurt shell not the workers.. Shell are insured comprehensibly for the hold-up in work, they are probably sitting back laughing at you right now for earning them free money.

by Art - wsw ( Per Cap ) Mon May 21, 2007 18:01 Dublin

What are you talking about man, the contractors should not be allowed on site full stop, they are contractors to shell, and I don’t care if they are builders from Mayo or Dublin they should be ashamed of they self’s breaking the picket being mounted by the local community which includes fellow workers who are also employed in the engineering and construction industry.

by R. Isible Mon May 21, 2007 18:34

How is stopping the workers furthering the cause I ask you?

Well, it's not a question of whether or not you "support Shell", which is a very abstract thing. It's a question of whether or not the young families with mortgages and the older people living out their retirement can afford to allow this dangerous and unsightly development to take place. It seems obvious that they can't. The potential for injury, death and ill health is just too great and anyone planning on raising a young family in the locality would have to consider the possibility that their little daughter or son might at best suffer respiratory illness from the fumes and at worst be burnt to death during an explosion.

The possibility of the above is disturbing and there's already been a lot submitted about the unprecedent nature of this development, and the cavalier attitude of Shell towards engineering standards and planning permission which makes it seem more probable than anyone except a child-hating monster would want to stop this.

Add to all of it that the long-term economic viability of the area (dependent on tourism as much of Ireland is) will be diminished with the only financial advantage going to Shell who get to run off with the gas and I have to ask you: why would you support a hypothetical blow-in worker as opposed to the people that actually live there?

There will always be scabs, strike-breakers and kapos. Just because we understand their base motivations doesn't mean that we should accept any middle-class guilt trips about how they'll have less chance to feck other people over if they're stopped.

Shell To Sea are doing the right thing: defending their livelihoods and families and coincidentally benefitting the rest of the nation by stopping a massive theft of our natural resources engineered by FF and supported by FG and the PDs.

by R. Isible Mon May 21, 2007 18:39

The point of stopping the workers is to stop them building the on-shore refinery which will need to have a high-pressure pipeline routed past the cribs of children and the armchairs of pensioners. note: people of normal age, not possessing mortgages are not worthy enough to merit consideration of their health and happiness.

by black man ray Mon May 21, 2007 18:47

um.. I support all this . my simple point was stopping the workers is not ACHIEVING anything. Its Shell who are stealing our oil not the workers. a boycott would be a much fairer and democratic process and probably much more successful. sorry if everyone seems to misunderstand my point. by the way they cannot be referred to as 'scabs' if anybody was referring to them as such since this is not an official strike by a union of workers with a voted mandate. We are still living in a Democracy (although then again......)

by R. Isible Mon May 21, 2007 18:51

my simple point was stopping the workers is not ACHIEVING anything.

My simple point is that stopping the workers stops them building the dangerous refinery and that is the only point of this: to stop the refinery being built onshore.

by black man ray Mon May 21, 2007 18:58

And if they succeed in building it anyway what then? The Democratic process which was never fully worn out ? . I do wish you the best of luck and hope it all pans out.. I'm just not sure about the way in which it's being done. good luck

by R. Isible Mon May 21, 2007 19:04

If Shell To Sea had sat around waiting for politicians or judges to do anything through the "democratic process" then the refinery would be already built and they'd already be at risk. Really, when a situation like this, which is so obviously fraught with complex arguments and massive dangers, is under discussion there ought to be a moratorium on any work being carried out until there has been a fair and full hearing.

Instead the local incompetents hired by Shell have bungled the process by trying to force the building of a dangerous refinery through. Whoever the project manager was on this one isn't going to be advancing anywhere other than sideways within the company!

Democracy is taking over now and Shell will be lucky if they get to even build an offshore refinery.

by correction Mon May 21, 2007 19:45

black man ray said "Its Shell who are stealing our oil not the workers."
actually shell arent stealing our resources! it was given to them by the ff/pd goverment.
so why not let the people deciede? or do you not beleive in demoricy?

by Rt Hon Maj Sinclair Yeats - Shell to Sea Legal Team Mon May 21, 2007 20:08

The 3 Local heros who appeared at belmullet court this afternoon are innocent

by witness Mon May 21, 2007 20:53

actually the case has been adjurned until 30th may (post election) http://www.rte.ie/aertel/107-01.html.
not looking very promising for the three men involved, I sat in the public gallary today and it is obvious that this judge is not impressed.
I would suspect the defendents wont sleep too well between now and the end of the month.
there were a few S2S supporters at the court house, but no sign of support from the local fishermen (two of the defendents are local fishermen).
the gardai have said they will show video evedence to prove the charges when the case reopens.

by EC Mon May 21, 2007 23:16

I was in court today. From what we saw today things are looking good for the three accused.

Today the prosecution's case was heard. About 14 Gardai were on the stand. Their evidence was conflicting and the solicitor for the accused picked out several short falls in procedure relating to the way in which the three accused were processed at the station. For example the acts under which they were charged, the duration for which they were detained and the way in which the interviews were conducted were all called into question. Sgt Dermot Bulter was shown on video to call Pat O'Donnell "a fucking liar" in the course of the interview, later admitting it was inappropriate behaviour.

There was no film footage of the alleged assault despite several cameras being present. The Garda 'assaulted' did not see who pushed him. Those who claim to have seen the 'assault' gave conflicting and inconsistent evidence and the accused emphatically denied assaulting any Garda.

The case will resume on the 30th May when witnesses for the defendants will be called.

by curious Tue May 22, 2007 00:11

According to RTE this was a special sitting of the District Court;
why was it a special sitting?
is there a hurry to process these cases? After all these men are not
exactly hardened criminals.

by Shell to Sea Supporter Tue May 22, 2007 05:22

Thanks to EC for the detailed report. Facts are very important. Defendents are in a vulnerable position and are the ones upon whom punishment may be laid. It would be of concern for them and their welfare that we would first ask what kind of support they would appreciate from the Campaign when the time comes. Meanwhile goodwill visits and messages ...

by Noman Tue May 22, 2007 18:21

"My simple point is that stopping the workers stops them building the dangerous refinery and that is the only point of this: to stop the refinery being built onshore."

There are trucks loaded with peat coming out of the site every day. I have to agree with Black Man Ray, unfortunately the protests are not stopping them building. What's the point in continuing? Surely effort should be focused elsewhere or the protests stepped up so that they actually do achieve their goal of stopping work in the site. I genuinely admire your persistance but if it's not achieving anything why continue?

by Niall Tue May 22, 2007 19:37

... Isn't really that 'special' only that this case is being heard outside of the 'normal' sitting of Belmullet District Court because it requires more time than a normal sitting to hear the case in full, which in this case looks like 2 full days to hear both the prosecution's and defence's evidence. Belmullet District Court 'normally' sits on one day a month, that being the second Wednesday of every month. A 'special' sitting is fixed to suit the judges diary, with the consent and availability of both the prosecution and the defence. Next suitable date for 'special' sitting to finish the hearing is Wed 30th May, which suits all. It is estimated by all concerned that the case will be finished by Wed eve, but you never can tell for sure.

Hope that clears things up for 'curious' above and all.

by len - Mayo Fri May 25, 2007 21:48

The people of Mayo spoke to the Rossport 5 today.

Dr Crowley is in the poliitcal wilderness. 72 thousand out of 98 thousand voters spoke.

Get out of the way of progress.

Rossport polling station gave Mr Murray 4 votes, not even the rossport 5 could give him their support.

by Little Mark Fri May 25, 2007 22:27

Yeah - Bye Bye Cowley. Still, having picked up half a mil in fees last year from the medical card scheme he'll hardly be worried.

http://www.ireland.com/focus/election2007/results/mayo.html

by cool j Fri May 25, 2007 23:07

All in vain though since it looks like Kenny and FG will be left one again taping there feet and powerless on the opposition side of the dail. At least when Cowley was elected he got stuck into the real issues in Mayo and has the scars to prove it. in many ways Gerry Murray's credible performance probably did Cowley no favours since it split the support of people who voted on the Shelltosea issue. If one combined Cowley and Murrays vote there would be a good chance of one of them in the absence of the other taking the final seat. In any case the result is certainly not a ringing endorsment of the way the outgoing government handled the issue. I'm particulary happy Mcdowell was shown the door, pity donkey conroy and his boot boys down here cannot be got rid of so easily.

by shocked Fri May 25, 2007 23:55

cool j will you please cop on, your claim "in many ways Gerry Murray's credible performance probably did Cowley no favours since it split the support of people who voted on the Shelltosea issue. If one combined Cowley and Murrays vote there would be a good chance of one of them in the absence of the other taking the final seat."

cowley+murray = >7000 votes thats less than10% of the electrote in mayo.
that is hardly a majority of people in mayo.
murray got 4 votes in rossport, cowley got 70, Ring (who just last week on mid west radio said the refinery should be built at bellanaboy)got over 100 votes from rossport.
now what would that suggest to a person of average intelligence?
I would assume it means the people of rossport and mayo wants their life back, and wish for S2S/cowley/and murray to disappear.
of cource S2S will say it means something different, but even they know the writing is on the wall and the refinery will be complete, and the rerouted pipeline will be installed.
In fact I would think that if not for the corrib gas issiue cowley would have been re-elected no problem, and murray would have done better.

by cool j Sat May 26, 2007 00:27

Before you go mouthing off and making a fool of yourself. Cowley got 4% of the vote this time as opposed to double that back in 2002 - With Gerry also getting roughly 4% simple addition confirms the splitting of the protest vote in this case. In any case your assumption that Cowley actually lost votes because of the Corrib issue is simply Rubbish since nearly all commentators agree that all the small parties and independents suffered in this election because the campaign in the end went off the main issues out there and instead concentrated on Kenny and Ahern's personalties. Since kenny was based in Mayo,FG obviously benefited from the prospect of having a potential taoseach in their midst, though that now seems to be a forlorn hope with another 5 years of FF who's only interest in Mayo is in pumping the gas from the Corrib field through it to market on behalf of Shell and Stateoil - And you think thats a great result for mayo!! Cop on twit!!

by Bill and Ted - . Sat May 26, 2007 13:21

30/04/2007

The Corrib gas conflict is a key election issue in Mayo.

With the election campaign now begun, it is incumbent on all candidates to clearly state their position on the Bellanaboy project and to state how they propose to resolve this conflict.

The voters of Mayo can look to this issue as a defining test of those qualities in the candidates before them

by Len Sat May 26, 2007 13:59

Brilliant result for Mayo brilliant result for Ring, looks like when the ppl of rossport got the opportunity they voted for Ring even after his radio interview. Democracy works, well done to those individuals who voted, says a lot.

Well Done all.

by Cl Sat May 26, 2007 18:43

I don't intend to gloat, but I did tell Dr Cowley he would suffer because of his attachment to S2S. (I wonder if he remembers the day).
The way the numbers are looking he could have been a valuable asset to mayo if he had been elected.
It looks like FF 78 +pd 2 +Beverly+Healy rea +R O'Hanlon= 83.
Cowley could have been in the fray if he had got elected, truly a wasted opportunity for mayo.
where now for S2S, rossport has spoken 70 votes Cowley/4 votes Murray and 104 votes Michael ring ( who as recently as last week said the refinery should be built at bellanaboy.)
If that isn't a clear message to S2S, then I ask what they need to convince them the people of mayo doesn't support them.
when FF forms what is essentially a single party government they will bulldoze anybody who stands in the way of this project without fear of public disquiet, because the people of Erris and mayo have shown they support the project.
Virtually every TD who voiced support for S2S has lost in this election, while the supporters of the project have all been elected, Dempsey topped the poll, Kenny topped the poll, Bertie topped the poll. Ring got a huge vote Callery was elected, Flynn elected all have stated support for the corrib project.
sergeant was lucky to be elected as was Gormely, M.D Higgins likewise, he was fortunate to get the pink vote to see him cross the line.

by decetive Sat May 26, 2007 21:53

where is shell 2 sea? they have been silent since cowley and murray lost the election, are they gone for good or dreaming up some spin as to why the people rejected them

by cool j Sun May 27, 2007 01:37

In what way! - With FG still languishing powerless in opposition and another FF Bertie brown-noser in Ballina things aren't going to change much in a county that has had little or no clout at any level in government since the time of P.Flynn. This result won't change that, in fact it re-inforces it.

On the subject of Gerry Cowley, I don't think his support for the Rossport 5 actually cost him any votes since poll after poll showed that people in mayo viewed the ShelltoSea cause as a legitimate one.

However i do concide he has been badly let down by the people of Rossport and Erris in general. The only TD in Mayo to put his neck on the line over this important issue and in my opinion he was shafted. People in this part of Erris had an opportunity to send out a clear message and instead they deceided to support a candidate who got a few people medical cards over the years. Beleive me they'll need more than that when Shell get going for real. Personally I feel very let down myself and I know many others who put in alot of time and effort into this feel the same way. Particulary people from outside of Erris.Being taken for granted is not a nice feeling.

The report in yesterday's irish times concerning Gerry Cowley from the Castlebar count centre says it all!!. Indeed is as ludicrious as the people of Galway West returning the same set of PD and FF wasters who were part of a government responsible for them having drinking water of a worse standard than many third world shanty towns.

The whole campaign now hangs in the balance - maybe with a possible green element in the next dail things can still be turned round, but last Friday certainly was not ShelltoSea's, Rossport or Erris's finest hour.

by painful Sun May 27, 2007 11:43

maybe the title of this thread should read "How painful for "Shell To Sea"will this get?

by Mayo connections Sun May 27, 2007 14:20

SW , you appear to have wasted your vote on Flynn since not only does she come from a morally bankrupt background she soon will be actually bankrupt according to reports over the weekend. So bye bye Beverley. The is no constituency in the country that does not have a FFailer so Calleary's election is no suprise. As has been proven in places like Galway West etc. a large number of people will vote FF no matter what.

In any case I beleive the ShelltoSea campaign has indeed suffered probably a fatal blow given the local result in the election. So best of luck folks down their with your heath and environment when Shell get going next door - Going on their record elsewhere , you'll need it!!

by happy Sun May 27, 2007 16:39

"In any case I believe the ShelltoSea campaign has indeed suffered "probably" a fatal blow given the local result in the election"
I would remove the word "probably " from that sentence.
and shells record globally isn't that bad, the flaring in Nigeria is one instance of bad practice, but the oil spills there are caused by thief's stealing oil.
but we will have to watch them closely in mayo, and ensure they do things properly .
It was fortunate we got the opportunity to express our true feelings on shell to sea through the general election.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!up democracy!!!!!!!!!!!!

by cool j Sun May 27, 2007 19:18

"Shells record globally isn't that bad" - Thats akin to saying the Nazis treatment of the Jews was midly inappropriate. I suggest you read February's edition of National Geographic. The pictures alone would suggest Shell aren't the best neighbours to have to say the least.

"We'll have to watch them closely in Mayo" - Who's we?? - Given that the only people monitoring Shell are themselves I think dim-wits like yourself won't know anythings wrong till your hair is on fire or fallen out.

by cool j Sun May 27, 2007 20:47

And I want to wish Cl and his merry band of Shell ar*e lickers all the best for the future. Erris is now theirs and i hope they enjoy its "fine shores" until the rapidly approaching day when they will be in the same wretched condition as the beachs near Shell's Texas city refinery on the Gulf of mexico, not that it would matter to them. By the way Shell in texas city had another little accident their earlier this month when hundreds of tonnes of carbon monoxide and ethylene escaped into nearby inhabitated areas causing a masive evacuation of nearby residential areas and a large number of hospitalisations, thanx to faulty equipment on the site. Good ole Shell, their nothing if not consistent.
I enjoyed my time in Erris. In my seven years here I met my wife(a native of Barnatra) purchased my first home and met some great local people who will always be my friends, I had always planned to move back to Leinster were I'm came from even before this Shelltosea issue got going. I consider my self one of the lucky ones in that regard in that i can get out fairly easily. I feel deeply sorry for the genuine people in Rossport and the surrounding areas who over the years have had the intellegiance and energy to expose Shell, their goverment lackies and a handfull of local fellow travellers for what they were. Ultimatly it came down to a numbers game, where a tiny isolated rural community miles from any town faced a massive multinatioanal like shell with their financial, corrupting might backed by the state and their uniformed thugs.Sad but I guess the type of world decent people must live in and cope with.

by CL Sun May 27, 2007 23:38

"By the way Shell in texas city had another little accident their earlier this month when hundreds of tonnes of carbon monoxide and ethylene escaped into nearby inhabitated areas causing a masive evacuation of nearby residential areas and a large number of hospitalisations, thanx to faulty equipment on the site. Good ole Shell, their nothing if not consistent. "

I am very surprised NUI, Galway hasn't that story on their shell to sea website.
besides we will ensure shell behaves properly in our area.

"I met my wife(a native of Barnatra)" Cowley got 18 votes in Barnatra!

"I consider my self one of the lucky ones in that regard in that I can get out fairly easily"
anybody can "get out easily" people of Erris have been getting "out " for generations because there was no work to be had locally, now when we have a chance at progress, blow ins are trying to protect us, go figure!

"I feel deeply sorry for the genuine people in Rossport and the surrounding areas who over the years have had the intelligence and energy to expose Shell,"
are these the same people who told you to get lost last Thursday?

"Ultimatly it came down to a numbers game, where a tiny isolated rural community miles from any town faced a massive multinatioanal like shell with their financial"

It was that "tiny isolated rural community " that sent you/Cowley/Murray and S2S a very clear message last Thursday. now stop whining and enjoy the east coast!

by Jack Sun May 27, 2007 23:42

Saying J.Cowley lost because of his support for S2S is like saying that McDowell was booted out because he sent the uniforms to erris to beat up the locals.
If any contributor to this thread wants to be taken seriously he should start making sense.
Some of you are starting to become seriously unhinged.
I'm normally against Indymedia censorship but maybe we should make an exception for
the blatantly daft.

by cool j Mon May 28, 2007 00:41

The incident at Texas city was mentioned on Wikepedia under its article on Shell and its corporate image listing its shamefull reocrd around the world.

"We will make sure Shell behaves" - Since the EPA, Mayo Co.Co. Fisheries etc. don't appear to be up to the job of calling Shell to account for the damage they've already done i doubt that you and your merry band of Uncle Tom's will do much better as you appear totally ignorant as to how this company conducts itself when running such operations world-wide.

"Chance of Progress" that arguement has been long ago discredited - SIAC, Roadbridge etc. all firms from outside mayo and employing mostly transient outsiders will certainly do well from building it. For the locals there will be little or no benefits post contruction work unless you consider a handfull of security, cleaning jobs as "progress" for Erris. Personally i think Erris deserves more than that given the billions of euros that the Corrib and other gas fields off the West coast will generate for your friends at Shell, not to mention the Norwegian exchequer via Statoil

But selfish types like you are merely concerned for your own worthless hides and how much you can make from sucking on the hind teat of Andy Pyles PR team in Mayo.

by frank Mon May 28, 2007 14:14

The shell to sea website hasnt been updated since last wednesday, and they havent made any comment on the election results.
Are they gone, or re-grouping.
I think they should contunie their campaign, this issiue is too important to give up on.
If the people of rossport and eris dosent appericate the effort then we must win this for our childern.

by munster Mon May 28, 2007 15:33

As someone who considers themselves shell to sea I am a little perplexed by the fact that there has been no public statement from Jerry.(not overly) Hopefully he will vanish for a while, he's chaired one too many meetings, kissed one too many babys and played part in cancelling a good few many days of action/support/national meetings. Well, this will be a test of his genuine intrest in the campaign or maybe he feels he's backed the wrong horse and will take up a greenwash issue for five years time. I do feel sorry for people who put a lot of effort into his canvassing and election bit. Maybe those who did will see that the power is in their own hands and not in some DR. Senator. TD. etc... however who knows? Its been a roller coaster ride of a campaign and this is just another nauseating turn. Hold on, breathe deeply... if you must puke turn your head to the right side... THE ENEMY!!

by observer Tue May 29, 2007 17:57

does anybody expect the shell to sea campaign to be successful after what happened in the general election.
it is clear that the public are tired of this issue, and dont see it as important.
with bertie back in power with a few independents, the chances of the refinery being stopped are nil.
it wont make sense to have protesters at the gates for years with no hope of success.
Shell to Sea and their spokespeople were making big play that the corrib project would be decisive in the election, but it didnt feature outside Mayo, and in mayo the policitions who supported shell to sea lost their seat.
where to from here?

by Ed - supp Tue May 29, 2007 18:41 mayo

The outcome will have no bearing with the ongoing shell to sea campaign, it has been shown that the public are not tired of this issue and will continiue protesting.
Even if Bertie had clean sweep in the election the terminal would still be stopped, the fact is that even if one truck is stopped every few days and locals refuse to work on the site can be all classed as mini victories.
Shell to Sea PR did not make a big play that the corrib project was an election issue in mayo , it is merely a local issue with national issues interlinked ,in regards to politicians who failed to get elected can you name one who publically stated that the corrib dispute was their main priority

by H Tue May 29, 2007 19:19

It seems there are people posting on this site who wish the elections had more bearing on the Shell to Sea campaign, but they must have noticed that one of the recurring debates on indymedia is whether elections have any bearing on anything at all.

This time two years ago Shell were gearing up to force through the high pressure pipeline, jail anyone who got in their way, and build their massive refinery. All of that has been stopped by Shell to Sea.

Now they have to come up with a new pipeline route, get planning permits for it, construct it, and keep all the politicians in a very rickety coalition on board. Why do you think the campaign is over?

by Ricky - stssupp Tue May 29, 2007 19:45

Correct, they can not do anything with out the pipeline, and they can not afford to bulldoze the pipeline through.
I say let them build the terminal with out any protests after all its creating employment with in the area.
Then stop them when they decide to lay the pipe line after all no pipe, no gas.

by judas Tue May 29, 2007 21:15

some examples of what S2S are trying to deny

"The Corrib gas conflict is a key election issue in Mayo." With the election campaign now begun, it is incumbent on all candidates to clearly state their position on the Bellanaboy project and to state how they propose to resolve this conflict." (mark garavin) http://markgar.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/corrib-gas-is-a...ssue/

"Of the eleven declared Mayo candidates for the upcoming election, three have been visibly, actively, supportive of the Rossport 5 and the Shell to Sea campaign - Independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley, Sinn Fein councillor Gerry Murray, and Labour Party candidate, Harry Barrett.

(The Western People Corrib gas could be wild card in election battle 3/14/2007 - 12:30:37 PM) http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=1310

It will also ensure that government TDs have to come clean on whether they support the Corrib gas scheme.”
Supporters of the Rossport Five braved the wet weather to gather at the gates of Dáil Eireann.
Independent TD Jerry Crowley, Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan and Green Party TD Dan Boyle were among those present. Families of the Rossport Five were also present. (by David Lynch 28/06/2006) http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=754

Shell to Sea is hoping the matter becomes an election issue. http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=746

by Communard Tue May 29, 2007 21:30

By way of illustrating the extent to which some of the above anti-Shell to Sea posters have their ears to the ground......

"Rossport polling station gave Mr Murray 4 votes, not even the rossport 5 could give him their support."

Errr only 4 of them live in Rossport. I might also point out that "soft" Shell to Sea votes are likely to go to Ring - who spoke out against the project for way longer than Cowley, but was never involved in the campaign, the committed Shell to Sea votes to Cowley first preferance, and Murray second preferance, failing a particular preferance for Sinn Fein. Incidentally the lack of an extensive vote for Sinn Fein gives lie to the claims in the Sunday Independant etc... about all Mayo west of Ballina being run by the IRA.

"how long do you think (post election) it will be before Mayo Co Co will demolish your camp at rossport?"

I expect it to take them some time - there being no camp in Rossport. Anyone who knows the area or who knows the score would know that.

by correction Tue May 29, 2007 22:05

the people who voted at rossport were from rossport/porturlin and other villages around that area,
"Anyone who knows the area or who knows the score would know that."

"I might also point out that "soft" Shell to Sea votes are likely to go to Ring - who spoke out against the project for way longer than Cowley, "
micheal ring is on record (mid west radio few days before election) as saying the refinery should go ahead at bellinaboy, and a agreed route should be found for the pipeline.
"Anyone who knows the area or who knows the score would know that."

judas forgot to point out one more......

"On the Corrib gas question he has involved himself directly in an issue that has been contentious and difficult. The easier option would have been to have withdrawn and confined himself to banal platitudes from a distance. Instead, he has attempted to perform his representative duty and has sought to resolve the problem.

I hope that the voters of Mayo will recognise these qualities of commitment and leadership and give their support to Jerry Cowley."

(mark garavin StS) http://markgar.wordpress.com/2007/05/18/support-for-dr-...wley/

by wageslave Tue May 29, 2007 22:07

So what is your point here? That shell have managed to successfully steal our gas and the people of ireland have been too foolish to do anything about it with their vote?

Well isn't that really great? So why are you gloating over this? Whats in it for you? And if this were true then why do you think this is such a great thing?

The difference between S2S and people like you is that they still have a value system. Keep up the fight folks. ignore this crap.

by Communard Tue May 29, 2007 23:38

News Flash politican swings this way and that.....

Letter in Irish Times of September 2005:

Madam, - We the undersigned support the Rossport Five in their demand for the natural resources of Ireland to be used for the benefit of the Irish people, and for those same resources to be extracted in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

We demand the immediate release of Philip McGrath, Brendan Philbin, Vincent McGrath, Willie Corduff and Micheál Ó Seighin from their unjust incarceration.

- Yours, etc,

ROBERT BALLAGH, FRANCES BLACK, LUKA BLOOM, EAMON DUNPHY, CHRISTY MOORE, LEO MORAN (Sawdoctors), BARRY MURPHY, FINTAN O'TOOLE, DES BONASS DCTU, NOEL MURPHY IWU, JACK O' CONNOR (Siptu), MICK O REILLY (ATGWU), EDDIE PUNCH (ICSA), GERRY ADAMS MP, TOMMY BROUGHAN TD, JERRY COWLEY TD, SEÁN CROWE TD, BAIRBRE DE BRÚN MEP, PAT DOHERTY MP, MARTIN FERRIS TD, MICHELLE GILDERNEW MP, TONY GREGORY TD, SEAMUS HEALY TD, MICHAEL D. HIGGINS TD, JOE HIGGINS TD, CAROLINE LUCAS MEP (UK Greens), MARY LOU McDONALD MEP, FINIAN McGRATH TD, MARTIN McGUINNESS MP, ARTHUR MORGAN TD, CATHERINE MURPHY TD, CONOR MURPHY MP, SENATOR DAVID NORRIS, CAOIMHGHÍN Ó CAOLÁIN TD, AENGUS O' SNODAIGH TD, PAT RABBITTE TD, MICHAEL RING TD, TREVOR SARGENT TD, JONAS SJOSTEDT MEP (Swedish Left Party), Senator JOANNA TUFFY, Senator MARY WHITE, Dublin Shell to Sea, Dublin 1.

by Jack Wed May 30, 2007 00:03

I think we can add the GREEN PARTY and most of LABOUR to that list

http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/20050816162146.html
http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0466/D.0466.199605280195.html

http://www.greenparty.ie/en/news/latest_news/sargent_ca...works

by judas Wed May 30, 2007 08:41

look closley at your list , now look closley at our present TD's. a lot of people on that list are now laypeople (a result of signing the petition perhaps?)
i can list the "presently missing and the barley elected later"(gregory elected on "eight count ".)
and jack pointing to labour and the greens, is a bit silly as they will most likley be in oppisition.
My advice to S2S is lobby gregory and mcgrath,(they "might be in goverment if they arent too greedy) but be prepared to be dissapointed,
and there maybe an possible option you are forgetting, some labour back benchers may be fed up with the leadership (rabbit) so it is possible that a couple of them may defect to FF.
Food for thought!

by Jack Wed May 30, 2007 09:02

"some labour back benchers may be fed up with the leadership (rabbit) so it is possible that a couple of them may defect to FF"

Start your day with a laugh.

by WP Wed May 30, 2007 18:52

from the western people .................

In Rossport, the scene of the Corrib gas dispute, Dr Cowley won 78 votes while Fine Gael’s Michael Ring won

103.

Referring to his support for the Shell to Sea campaign, Dr Cowley said that he had been advised to walk away from it, that it wasn’t politically wise.

"But to me, it wasn’t about votes," he said.

Cowley said he is going to continue his support for the campaign and that he still believes the dispute can only be resolved by an independent commission.

"A lot of people said to me about the Corrib Gas issue. I fought for it to be done safely and for a better deal for us locally and nationally. I still think there is still the same need for that political solution and an independent commission. I have no regrets about anything."

"I stood with people on issues that nobody else stood with them on and people walked away when I felt that wasn't fair. I didn't do that, I stuck with the people and I was warned, people phoned me and friends said, 'Jerry, you are going to lose votes over this', but it was never about votes, it was about doing the best I could for the people. Thank God, I slept every night for the past five years because I did the best I could. To me, there was no contest about walking away. It was to do my job in the Dáil."

by Rory - su Thu May 31, 2007 09:48

what is wrong with the shell to sea site ? it appears that it has not been updated since 21st may.

by Peter M - n/a Thu May 31, 2007 12:49

For the life of me I can not understand why shell to sea put john monaghan in as spokes person. What was wrong with Dr Garvan? …..
Dr Garvan was unbelievable, everything was so professional, his presence, attire, manners, even when outnumbered and outgunned by his adversaries he stood his ground and gave an excellent account to why he opposed the project.
While john has many qualities which are suitable on the ground, he is no front man. He has no presence, his media skills are null, his attire, and mannerism is also unacceptable.
Nothing against you john but you are not the man for the job, and if you remain any longer in the spotlight you will not only damage yourself but the campaign also.

by L Thu May 31, 2007 21:05

Dr G is no longer the head of the S2S movement cos he got his nomination for his own private cause. Chances of victory are slim if any.

We have had many years of scaremongering and drama, the people of mayo told the S2S group that they are able to make their own minds up. We dont need opinioneers telling us what to do.

For to many years the parents of mayo have sent their children to other counties and cities. For to many years homes have been emptied of young people to work on the east coast.

This industry will benefit not only the economy but also the social fabric of mayo.

Proud to be a mayo man last saturday. well done.

by Jack Thu May 31, 2007 22:53

"Shell admitted to us that it was not impossible that the whole project might fail."

http://www.eccr.org.uk/news_main.html

This would be a pity when a resolution is possible but Shell must lose its arrogance.

by Dr.Seuss Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:52

"
This industry will benefit not only the economy but also the social fabric of mayo. "

With less than fifty jobs?

by wageslave Fri Jun 01, 2007 13:58

since we are getting nothing from it, IMHO we would be better off if this project did fail and we avoided having to deal with the pollution shell will inevitably cause.

All we have is our environment and when they fuck that up, what have we then?

by local Fri Jun 01, 2007 16:42

We are only losing out by seeing property prices fall (who wants theiir home or holiday home next to a refienry?) and the loss of a couple of jobs here and there in the tourist sector (b and b's, pubs, hostels, etc) and the ending of any hopes we had of growing interest in things like boat trips, diving in the estuary, surfing holidays, music, good places to eat, nice hotels, etc etc

What's all that when you compare it with the fifty jobs Shell might let us have, and sure they won't give them to their already trained staff from Scotland and England, they'll have training sessions for the locals, and we'll have Beverly Flynn making demands for us in Dublin. It'll be great!

by Local 2 - - Fri Jun 01, 2007 17:39

Next week you will be telling us that Ryanair and easy jet will are planning to fly in to Rossport 5 International and all the major hotel chains will be scouring the area for sites , then again they will have their hands full when shell to sea start reinvent them self’s as "everybody and everything to sea".
As for the jobs, 700 Plus during construction for a 2 year period , 100 Service jobs once completed and 50 Jobs for the terminal Operation and Maintenance.

by judas Fri Jun 01, 2007 20:13

Local "does A. I. mean anything to you?" your rant "ending of any hopes we had of growing interest in things like boat trips, diving in the estuary, surfing holidays, music, good places to eat, nice hotels, etc etc .
who do you think you are fooling , a hotel or boat trip at bellanaboy (-: .
for god sakes get real, the S2S campaign has warned us for two years of the impact of the emissions from this refinery and discharge to sea, without giving us the science to back up the claims, shell just compared this refinery to existing examples of emissions from other sources, and put the emissions into context (ever hear of the boy who cried wolf!).
the people of rossport and surrounding areas had the opportunity to make their voice count last Thursday, and they did.
they told S2S and Cowley/Murray/barret/enright to F**k off and leave us alone.
now I say respect our wishes and find a cause to fight where you are wanted.
S2S tries to say the election results were nothing to do with the corrib project, but they know the truth.
There is nothing s2S or anybody else can do to stop this project, it is now time for the people of Erris to stand up and demand benefits from this project for the Erris area

by JM? Fri Jun 01, 2007 20:20

Shell threaten to clear Ogoni 9 memorial crosses from site opposite Bellanaboy http://www.corribsos.com/.
these crosses repersent the lives of the nigerian men who lost their lives because of shell. we need people to help in our 24hr vigil to save the crosses.
the crosses are special and must be proctected.

by Communard Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:22

RIng is quoted in recent edition of Mayo News as follows:

“If the Government and interested parties had backed me, Jacinta Healy and the people of Bellanaboy back in 2002, we wouldn’t have this problem now. Remember, the only two politicians who objected to it, at the planning stage, were Eamonn Ryan [Green Party] and myself. Gerry Murray was a Fianna Fáil councillor then and supported it with the Fianna Fáil majority on Mayo County Council.
“I got castigated that we were anti-gas. I am pro-gas but I was never happy in relation to where the terminal was being built. The next Government will be faced with the issue of the new pipeline route and I hope it will be more sensitive to the wishes of the people.”

http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&tas...id=71

by Jack Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:37

Glad to see MR has recovered from his severe laryngitis.
Hindsight is always perfect. Its now that S2S need political assistance.
Can we expect more than "if only" and "I told you so"?

by Poll topper Mon Jun 11, 2007 18:34

michael ring said that on local radio before the election and still got the majority of votes in rossport!

by Shell shocked Mon Jun 11, 2007 18:44

He said he didn't want to see the refinery at Bellanaboy, and the new govt would have to deal with the issue of the pipeline, and still people voted for him and not John Carty, who openly supported Shell, or Enda Kenny, who was much quieter about the whole Corrib saga. Strange isn't it?

by fact Mon Jun 11, 2007 20:11

he is on the record as stating "I got castigated that we were anti-gas. I am pro-gas but I was never happy in relation to where the terminal was being built. but it now has permission and I have to respect the law.
I now hope an agreed route can be found for the pipeline."
that is what he said on mwr's tommy marren programme a few days before the election

by Jack Mon Jun 11, 2007 20:24

Isn't it strange how FG have such respect for 'the law' when it suits them.
What about the 600,000+ euros owed to the Irish taxpayers since the FG-led govt. of 1995?
-Money misappropriated by individuals within that govt.
Taking that money was against the law - wasn't it?
Speak up! I can't hear you.

by bemused Mon Jun 11, 2007 20:26

"and still people voted for him and not John Carty"
and not cowley or murray or barret or enright all who supported S2S!
think about that!

by renroe Mon Jun 11, 2007 20:32

jack did you enjoy yourself watching the survey boat and the gardai today
is that a new camera JM has.
where was the 170 fishermen the EIFA claim would be there to blockade the vessel, not ONE fishing boat to be seen, but there was fishermen!
on the survey boat working for shell, "both" from the local area!

by Jack Mon Jun 11, 2007 20:43

Now that is funny.
EIFA is now a wing of S2S and Shell have at least TWO locals working for them.
The odds are overwhelming. Lets call it a day!

by garavin spin Thu Jun 14, 2007 21:04

I received a leaflet from Mark Garavan in the post today. In it he downplays his support for Shell to Sea. In fact, he only says he was a spokesperson for Rossport 5 in 2005 when they were in prison. This is sidelining Shell2Sea big time. He's portraying himself as some kind of solicitor/advocate/representative who was a spokesperson. Garavan aslo says he is neither "left or right" and says he beleives in a "regualted free market". Grab the bargepole I don't want it to touch him!!

Annie, I visited Tina's website and it was poor on issues other than her main one. I've no problem with independents at all. I do have a problem with people running for National Parliament without telling us their general political philosophy and/or party membership that will inform their voting in the coming 5 years. I've no person problem with Tina Lowe. I only reported what I saw. By all means please do engage in a debate and try to convince people to support her. That's what Indymedia is here for.

The Seanad is undemocratic and elitist enough without the mistruths and half-truths of candidates