Shell Telly Bingo Tuesday Night with Crime-Fighter Paul Williams

by supporter Tue Jun 02, 2009 09:30

Will the real facts get discussed?

Great Gas Giveaway: How the Elites have Squandered with our Health and Wealth
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/92540

Download report as a PDF
http://rapidshare.com/files/239679956/GreatGasGiveaway.....html

by Sundaworl Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:50

Paul Williams is an embarrasment to the profession of journalism. He's been allowed to carry a firearm because of the supposed threats he's received from gangsters ( a figment of his imagination- they love him because he glorifies them), and some people have expressed the opinion that he is a danger to himself and others because of it.

Handguns and heavy drinking don't usually mix well.

Only in Ireland would a nobody like Paul Williams get paid for writing the same story over and over again- here's an article dismissing his smears from indymedia three years ago! http://www.indymedia.ie/article/78890

by old codger - pensioner Tue Jun 02, 2009 13:41

I can't remember the exact date but i think it was around Christmas time 2 or3 years ago.
On Pat Kenny's Late Late showThe retired superintendant of the Criminal assets Beaureau was praised for his great work .
Paul Williams was there to sing his praisesand he made a most amazing statement in asmuch as the (IRISH GOVERNMENT HAS FAR MORE CONTROLL OVER IT'S POLICE FORCE THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE EU.) He went on to say that this was not good for democracy.
IT SEEMS THAT TREASON DOES'NT BOTHER HIM THOUGH.
If any body has the ability to go to the RTE archives they may find this program, if it has'nt been deleted.

by Observer Tue Jun 02, 2009 15:43

Indeed. Has turned a lot of semi literate thugs into alleged Masters of the Underworld, while never mentioning the real people who are behind the drugs business in this country. And making stuff up in the interests of politicians during election campaigjns, Hardly surprising his take on Rossport!

by Brian Tue Jun 02, 2009 15:53

Paul Williams is a glorified Garda propagandist.
His invention of 'gangland' figures in every city in the country as well as generally prodding at the publics fear of crime has aided the passage of repressive and archaic legislation eradicating civil liberties. His sole purpose aside from selling mondays fish and chip wrappers has been to portray the Gardai as helpless little freedom fighters protecting joe public from the big bad world.
Thankfully this show is on TV3, a channel which no right-minded individual would give time of day to.
Did anyone see there lawles Ireland show on football hooligans in Ireland? I genuinely thought it was a parody until informed otherwise.

by Spike Tue Jun 02, 2009 16:05

I know a few Gardai, decent fellas in Limerick who told me that one of the reasons that the ordinary Guards hate him is because he uses crime as entertainment. Some fairly nutty types in Limerick are given 'nicknames' by Williams that are figments of his own fertile imagination and nothing else. Cue inevitable bravado, reprisals and deaths on the basis of sh@t he makes up. The man is a disgrace to journalisim.

by James Kelly Tue Jun 02, 2009 16:59

Call out to friends and supporters to mail PKenny show re tonights TV3 hatchet job on Shell to Sea
The Corrib issue will be discussed in the morning Wed May 3rd between 10 and 11 am on the Pat Kenny Show.

Supporters and opponents of Shell to Sea will be on the panel including P McKenna.

All friends and supporters are asked to email todaypk@rte.ie as it will be discussed in the aftermath of Paul William's "report" tonight on TV3 at 9pm.

On the safety issue, please Stress that this is an odourless mega pressure pipe and that it is not covered by Bord Gais.

by mangina Tue Jun 02, 2009 19:35

No idea why people are being urged to complain to RTE over a TV3 documentary?

Why not just email paul - paul.williams@sundayworld.com

by text Tue Jun 02, 2009 19:52

Text Pat Kenny Show Text the word TODAY followed by the comment to 51551

Is it true that Pat Kenny is a friend of Shell boss Egan who was a journalist in Nigeria?

by Tim Hourigan Tue Jun 02, 2009 20:03

Seeing as Maura and Patricia McKenna will be on Pat Kenny's show, I will tune in, and send in e-mails.

I wonder will Pat mention anything about the gas giveaway at the Porcupine Basin, and how Providence Resources did a deal to extract the gas, by outsourcing to Chrysaor. Something the Irish govt could easily have done, while keeping a share in the gas field.

I am fairly certain that Williams won't mention it (seeing as how his paper is part of the O'Reilly Empire that has links to Providence.

by Web-bot Tue Jun 02, 2009 20:10

Providence, Sosina sign Spanish Point discovery farm-out

Offshore staff

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Providence Resources and Sosina Exploration have signed a staged farm-out agreement with Chrysaor Holdings for the Spanish Point discovery, in the Porcupine basin, off the west coast of Ireland.

The agreement allows for Chrysaor to conduct a significant appraisal work program on the Spanish Point discovery in return for a minimum 30% interest in the license. Chrysaor then has the option to earn up to a maximum 70% interest in the event that two wells are subsequently drilled on Spanish Point.

The agreement is subject to certain milestones being achieved with an initial commitment by Chrysaor to fund the budgeted cost of a 3D seismic program on Spanish Point as consideration for the initial 30% interest. Providence will retain a 56% interest in, and the operatorship of, Spanish Point for the upcoming seismic program, with Chrysaor taking a 30% interest. Sosina will retain a 14% interest.

Dependent on the results of the 3D seismic program, Chrysaor may then finance the drilling of up to two appraisal wells where it will commit not less than 60% cost share, while also capping the other partners' cost share, to earn an additional interest of up to 40%, thereby reducing the other partners' stakes pro rata.

08/12/2008

by ec Tue Jun 02, 2009 21:10

it identifies so much with the bad guys that no-one will believe a word of it

too much

by Fintan Lane Tue Jun 02, 2009 22:15

Well, Paul Williams has proved himself to be even more of an establishment mouthpiece than I thought he was...and that's saying a lot. This documentary marks a new low in Irish broadcasting - lies and unvarnished propaganda. Disgusting rubbish. Williams is a scumbag and a disgrace to Irish journalism.

Well done to Niall Hartnett for putting himself out there for interview! I think Niall came across very well despite Williams' efforts to blacken him.

by BH Tue Jun 02, 2009 22:16

I missed it as my Sky is down! Can anyone upload a recording of it to Youtube as I'd say it was the best farce in years, given that its on TV3 it would have to be better than any of RTE's Section 31 bias.

by W Tue Jun 02, 2009 22:18

Just by way of consolation, here are excellent articles from the past two issues of Phoenix Magazine, which pick holes in the garda-issued and media-swallowed versions of events and expose the nonsense spouted by Peter Murtagh in The Irish Times.

The Phoenix, 21st May, 2009

IRISH TIMES SHELL PR

TWO years ago The Irish Times penned
an editorial criticising the government
for having “ignored local needs and the
concerns of individuals” and accusing
Shell of “bully boy” behaviour in the
local furore caused by Shell’s pipeline
in north Mayo. This followed Shell’s
hired PR handlers’ over-kill against IT
western correspondent Lorna Siggins
and a letter of complaint from the same
handlers to the IT board over the top of
Madam Editor Geraldine Kennedy’s
head. Since then, however, opinion
editor Peter Murtagh has more than
compensated for Siggins’s objective
reporting — Siggins has always given
both sides of the case —in articles that
have abused and pilloried the local
protesters, calling them liars and
subversives with abandon.
This week Murtagh derided Willie
Corduff, hospitalised after being ‘removed’
from the Glengad site by Shell’s security
men, because the Shell to Sea campaign did
not send on his medical records when
Murtagh demanded same. There was,
therefore, “no supporting evidence” for the
claim that Corduff was beaten up.
Murtagh would once have described
himself as an investigative journalist but he
seems not to question why Corduff was
brought to hospital in the first place — an
ambulance was called by those on the scene
(Shell security and two gardaí) as a
“precaution”, according to a Garda
spokesperson. Neither did Murtagh query
why the local hospital detained him
overnight in a much-needed hospital bed.
The IT’s opinion editor has also sneered at
the “ginormous conspiracy” theorists of the
protesters; does he himself believe that
Mayo General Hospital was in a conspiracy
involving Corduff and local protesters? If so,
we really ought to be told more.
In another article last March, Murtagh
lumped in the late “notorious INLA
murderer” Dominic McGlinchey (because
his son supports the protesters) — as well as
the Continuity IRA and the IRA — with the
protesters, describing their united efforts as a
“poisonous mixture of lies and propaganda”.
According to Murtagh “anyone associated
with the Corrib (Shell) project” has been
“the victim of sustained abuse and
intimidation”. That’s a lot of people to
intimidate and another very good story if
Murtagh ever investigates it — even a few
factual examples would be worth reading
about. The paper then denied the protesters a
right to reply to these charges.
Another example of the newspaper’s
capitulation to Shell’s PR handlers since
Madam asserted herself two years ago has
been the recent deployment of the paper’s
‘crime correspondent’, Conor Lally,
whenever protests are being organised at
Shell’s operations. This looks suspiciously
like an effort to criminalise the protesters
who are mainly local residents with little
history of political activity; apart, that is,
from the great majority of councillors on
Mayo County Council and the town councils
of Ballina, Castlebar and Westport, all of
whom voted for the government to
renegotiate the Shell/Corrib deal two years
ago.

by W Tue Jun 02, 2009 22:35

Here's the other one.

Click for bigger version

by William de Worde - The Truth News Journal of Ankh-Morepork Tue Jun 02, 2009 23:39

No engineering reports.
No human rights reports.
No Centre for Public Inquiry reports.
No opinion polls.
No Afri reports.
No environmental reports.
No legal history of the project.
No history of Royal Dutch Shell.
No interviews with local representatives.
No economical analysis of the project.

This list, focusing on things required to make a documentary, like facts, but ignored by tonight's corporate pornography, could go on and on.
If some one had the time to sit down and make a comprehensive list that would be great, but then again it could be seriously harmful for your health. The toxic bull espoused by the electronic bastard of a television station would seriously damage your ability to think, in any capacity. It brings to mind the film "Heat" by Michael Mann where whose-his-face looks out to the ocean while piano music flutters in the background.

Then there are the basic and blatant misrepresentation of the people.
Every clip was carefully chosen to portray the "swallows" of protesters and locals as deranged, militant, criminal, ultra-right wing, communist supporting, solipsistic, benefit receiving, backward, hippie hugging , ignorant, abusive and greedy continuity/ real IRA supporting terrorists.

Some attempted implications contradicted one and other. At one point "every shade of green and red in Ireland" was behind the campaign while a moment later it was "fascist" elements that really controlled the minds of "1%" of the population.

The basis of this programme was not the deluded imaginations of some whacko. It wasn't a mistake that was made by a young, inexperience journalist in the heat of battle. It wasn't a situation where the overwhelming evidence is in favour of the project and a "Deep Throat" had to be found.

This programme was made by experienced journalists, with easy access to information, living in this country where the overwhelming evidence is against the construction of a Shell oil site in its current form. There can be no excuse for this vile attack on the truth.

In 1867 Colonel R.I. Dodge at Fort McPherson in the USA said “Kill every buffalo you can, for every buffalo dead is an Indian gone.”

Tonight's programme took the same approach:
Tell as many lies as you can, for every person you dissuade is another metre of pipeline built, another cubic foot of gas extracted, another €1000 taken for the corporate rulers.

REGARDLESS OF MEDIA LIES THIS PROJECT IS INDEFENSABLE.

" Speaking the Truth in times of universal deceit is a revolutionary act. " George Orwell.

by tv Wed Jun 03, 2009 01:00

It would have been better if no one had spoken to him. Niall Harnett came across as okay, Mary Corduff less so. Maura Harrington as a spokesperson is a complete disaster for this campaign. The sooner she realises it the better.

by JM Wed Jun 03, 2009 01:13

I begrudgingly watched tonight's broadcast to keep myself informed, and because it had been hyped up to the last through any number of media outlets... and I was very disappointed!

Instead of the expected onslaught on the local community I was treated to the beauty of the place; instead of frothing-at-the-mouth "provos" I saw Niall Harnett being semi-reasonable and Maura being Maura. Willie Corduff under a truck, men and women with placards, young and old strolling along the road, all very mundane. The only act of vandalism shown was Gardai smashing Maura Harrington's windscreen.

Paddy Cosgrove worring about a Soviet plot to spoil his breakfast, and Father Kevin Hegarty getting basic facts completely confused (I think he'll find the fascists are wearing hardhats and hi-viz jackets) were particularly amusing highlights, but overall the show was a damp squib.

Maybe Paul Williams came down to do a hatchet job for his buddies in the Phoenix Park, but discovered he had no story and no "facts" and simply lost interest. It looks like we'll just have to do with Kevin Myers for another while...

by Error Wed Jun 03, 2009 01:39

Hey, you can not download the great gas give away report anymore. When you click on the link this error message comes up...

This file is neither allocated to a Premium Account, or a Collector's Account, and can therefore only be downloaded 10 times.

This limit is reached.

To download this file, the uploader either needs to transfer this file into his/her Collector's Account, or upload the file again. The file can later be moved to a Collector's Account. The uploader just needs to click the delete link of the file to get further information.

Cheers

by Grover13 - none Wed Jun 03, 2009 09:00 hackinthebush at yahoo dot com

Why are Maura Harington and Niall Hartnett allowed to be spokespersons for the local community opposed to this development?

When asked on his reasons for protesting, he had no legal facts, or articulate argument against the development. He came across in my opinion as an outsider with nothing better to do.

Where to start with Maura....

Everyone in the campaign should have the facts and the center for public inquiry's report off by heart, well at least the executive summary anyway.

Paul Williams did raise one good point though, why isn't anyone involved in Shell to Sea or any of the other local interest groups running in the local elections???

Why aren't there any advertisements in the local papers stating the facts as understood by the locals? In the program PW also stated that protestors had a slick propaganda machine...where???

by Supporter Wed Jun 03, 2009 10:11

Q) Why can practically everyone attack the Corrib gas issue with false information and undermine the entire issue?

A) Because there is no centralised political advocacy group doing a positive media/information campaign.

by ARTY -EEEEEEEEEEEEEE Wed Jun 03, 2009 10:38

Shell in Rossport being discussed on pat kenny show now, and discussion of last nights show.
sister magella is speaking and more-

by Miriam Cotton - MediaBite Wed Jun 03, 2009 10:51

Article from June/July 09 issue of Village
Given Paul Williams latest salvo against the Shell to Sea protest in Erris, it seemed fitting to post this analysis of media coverage of the Corrib gas issue. I'm sure the timing of the broadcast is no concidence - just days before the EU and local elections. Supporters of S2S and the residents of Erris need no explanation of the media's performance on this issue. Sadly, however, the idea that the campaign is some sort of terrorist recruiting ground is taking root in some minds round and about the country. That lie needs to be challenged vehemently.
Having visited Erris for three days in April and spoken to several members of the community there, the challenge to write a piece that did justice to all of the many issues was greater than I was equal to - not least because of being restricted to 1500 words. I wish I could have included more information -especially about the planning processes that have been used to force the project through thus far - especially the strategy known as 'project splitting' which is illegal and which has been relied upon by government agencies and the gas consortium/Shell. Thanks to the media, both they and the majority of Irish people remain ignorant of facts like these.

The decision was taken to focus on the coverage of one issue - the attack on Willie Corduff - to illustrate just how inaccurate and manipulative the media can be. Hopefully the piece does some justice to his treatment at the hands of mainstream journalists:

http://www.mediabite.org/article_Irish-media-failing-ov....html

by Mark C Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:21

.

http://www.archive.org/download/CorribDebateOnPatKennyJune2009/Corrib.mp3

Audio of Pat Kenny Show Interview

by John Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:35

Is this documentary avaliable on the internet to download?

by Seán Ryan Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:54

Brilliant article. For me it was the highlight of the content in the current issue of Village. I seriously hope that they ask you to contribute more. I'd like to see more on this issue of "project splitting." It's only in the last few months that this subject has come to my attention in a meaningful way.

It's about time that some of the issues surrounding the Great Gas Giveaway were highlighted. Rather than the usual crap we see and read every week.

I'm very keen to find out more about project splitting, particularly so, if there are examples in case law that bear consideration.

Unfortunately, it becomes clearer each and every day, that we live in a nation where those who call the shots choose to lead by ignoring and scandalising the very law they pay others to brutally enforce. This is not to suggest that the brutalisers follow the law in their alleged upholding of it either.

by Shane Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:59

Is Paul Williams now woking as a propagandist for Shell as well as his day job re-printing Garda press releases? He should have his NUJ card revoked if he even has one. Worst piece of pseudo-journalism in a long time. Williams and TV3 are a disgrace.

by Miriam Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:17

The resdent expert on this in Erris is Imelda Moran who has meticulously followed the planning and licencing processes. I'm not an expert but it refers to the practice of applying for permission for different aspects of the project in isolation from each other. Under EU law it's illegal. As I understand it the refinery was given the go ahead before the pipeline was.

The environmental and other effects of the project cannot be considered in their totality. This is extremely dishonest and it just goes to show how ruthless the government and Shell are being.

by ciaran - atomised international Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:22

They’re no centralised political advocacy group doing a positive media/information campaign.
I think this is the most fundamental problem here. Given that the issues are being played out in the corporate media are our only options ‘image management’? Is it possible everyone can agree that our resources should not be given away to corporations for nothing and disagree on everything else?
All other issues on how this money should be spent and possible visions of the future could be the disagreements that might be the birth of something resembling a public sphere. There need to be a public meeting in a public space:
Is it possible this meeting does not follow the usual model of one speaker talking / Audience listening?
We should be agitating among ourselves and searching for models of public events that might take on new and unexpected forms that counter the usual speaker / audience model.
Can we build our own stage and stop relying on the corporate one that has been set for us?
Is it possible to meet in public space and be a crowd of conflicting voices in agreement on one basic principle??
Ideas anyone???

by Seán Ryan Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:33

On top of project splitting causing pressure when latter stages of the project need to be approved, it creates an extra financial and temporal burden on anyone who'd be interested in objecting to the project. More than the project is split. The natural consequence of this practice are more time in court, more objections required - if there is to be any impact, and a requirement that any politician who states that this project is fully approved, be a liar or else massively uniformed.

by old codger - pensioner Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:47

Lets not have any delusions about where this criminality is coming from. BERTIE AHERNE Sent the Gardai to beat these Culshies into submission when his Fianna Fail mediator failed to cover up his crime. Micheal Mcdowell then justice minister gave permission to the Gardai to use whatever means it took to accomplish this. The Gardai then instructed Paul Williams to write a pack of lies accusing the protestors of being subversives, IRA terrorists,intimidating thugs, TO ENABLE THEM TO ASSAULT NON VIOLENT PEOPLE
etc.
The fact that these tactics turned out to be a GREAT MONEY EARNER FOR THEM WAS A GODSEND.
The Garda crimes have escalated since then, Continuos lies, agravated asault, greavious bodily harm, colusion with fascist foriegn mercenaries wearing balaclavas and no identification NOT TO MENTION LYING IN COURT etc.
IF LAST NIGHTS PROGRAM IS AN INDICATION OF GARDA HONESTY , INTELIGENCE ATTENTION TO DUTY AND ADHERING TO THE OATHS THEY SWORE TO WHEN JOINING THE GARDAI, THEY HAVE SHOT THEMSELVES IN THE ASS AS WELL AS THE FOOT.

by Fred Johnston Wed Jun 03, 2009 13:39

Having watched last night's appalling and deeply-biased programme on the campaign, where the stops were out to suggest, blatantly and clearly, Republican involvement in the Shell2Sea movement, I have no doubt whatever that the State will produce more media darlings to support their collusion. The programme, to me, went out of its way to paint the notion of sinister elements infiltrating the operation: this will have considerable appeal. The programme used fresh-faced young Shell workers to emphasise the notion of Ireland's future depending on operations such as Shell's; the enormous group shot of the workers was a clear give-away that the programme makers had worked very closely with Shell management on the ground to get over their message. Williams, who will no doubt be in the process of writing a book on this and he'll launch it with an appearance on the 'Late Late Show,' spoke of roadblocks and intimidation or a paramilitary style. (It goes without saying that if there is the least hint or rumour of this sort of thing it should be denounced publicly by Shell2Sea.) All in all, the programme was a promotion for Shell and nothing else. It worked hard to drive a divide between the activists and the local community. Can a complaint be lodged?

by Fred Johnston Wed Jun 03, 2009 13:47

If the campaign had a properly coordinated and centralised media office or group, it could immediately set about issuing a complaint, if it wished to, about the programme. The lack of informed and guided PR is a problem here. What's needed (I am serious, here!) is someone to step forward in a suit and tie and speak directly to the media in a calm and informed way. Press releases with headed notepaper should be issued. Journalists are lazy and will not listen to or read diatribes. You need to counter every Williams statement point-by-point; his outrageous claim that Willy Corduff was not injured needs to be pointed up. Has anyone been in touch with TV3, for instance?

by Grover13 - none Wed Jun 03, 2009 14:02 hackinthebush at yahoo dot com

I completely agree Fred. At one point in the program Paul Williams said the protestors had a "slick propaganda machine", where, they could do with one ;)

And an organized PR office would definitley help.

by linker Wed Jun 03, 2009 14:04

http://www.tv3.ie/videos.php?date_mode=1&locID=1.2.141&...nel=1

by PJ Wed Jun 03, 2009 14:25

Maura, would you ever keep a civil tongue in your head?

When you're talking to the media, remember, it's THEY who will edit it, and you want to come across well to the audience.

We listened to a priest talking soothing assurances about Shell taking care of the environment, but in a calm voice, and that pro-Shell guy read his script calmly as well, even though he was talking rubbish.

It does not help that you use bad language on telly, especially with hostile media. You'll fall into the stereotype they want to pin on you.

You can do better than "shits in suits" Maura.

That being said, even if you were the height of dignified protest, it would still have been biased against you by design.

by Dunk Wed Jun 03, 2009 14:47

Commentry about the documentary is happening on politics.ie at http://www.politics.ie/environment/73839-paul-williams-...27365

added in the revolt vid THE PLUNDER to their discussion in hope more people will learn about the truths of all this.

by the way, did mr farrell (IRMS), outline how some of his ex workmates were associated with bolivian attempted assisinations and wanted neo nazis ( wonder how many of them are still working in rossport)

vid from revolt here:
http://politube.org/show/957

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Mtj2fZGGg

Caption: Video Id: 957 Type: Politube
The Plunder - revolt video

by Rationalist Wed Jun 03, 2009 14:56

A new structured national based group is definitely needed. Whether we like it or not and for whatever irrational reasons, the Shell to Sea campaign has been discredited across the entire public domain.

Thus, I would throw my support behind the creation of a new national group that is autonomous from S2S and Tir Na Connel, and the Rossport Camp. These are excellent groups but something different is needed, and none are likely to reform into a national stuctured association. The group would be based nationally and concerned primarily with disseminating truth, information and factual advocacy about the Corrib gas project.

Something akin to what I am talking about would be inclusive and transparent but with formal roles and responsibilities (i.e. formal structure). It would deal with national energy policy, unapologetically interact with politicians/policy makers, and proactively advocate taking the Corrib Gas into public ownership. Almost like a policy think tank that would have a presence in national energy policy.

We need something akin to TASC; www.tasc.ie

Any supporters for the establishment of the National Corrib Gas Association (NCGA) ?

by PJ Wed Jun 03, 2009 15:07

Director of News & Information Programming Andrew Hanlon 01-4193344 andrew.hanlon@tv3.ie

Deputy Director of News Bob Hughes 01-4193347 bob.hughes@tv3.ie

by James Kelly. Wed Jun 03, 2009 15:22

Myles Dungan on RTE 1 radio read out a text after the 11 am news this morning., it went :

"Myles how would your listeners like to live near a gas pipe that is 72 times the pressure of town gas and is Odourless ? That is the net issue on this project apart from the ownership question ."

While there sholud be a reference in there to the environmental scarring and destruction of the area, the relevance of the pressure, in what will be an odourless gas pipe, is something that every human being (within reason) can relate to in an instant.

Likewise the ownership issue is something that people can instantly recognise and comprehend and Patricia McKenna adequately put the case this morning on that score.

Well meaning references on radio, to the fact that the media have ignored the nuts and bolts of the planning dispute and the legal issues at the oral hearings etc, and then attempting to ventillate same, are in the main,completley lost on the listeners.

These are listeners moreover, who apart from this morning's discussion,have got wholesale mushroom treatment from the media on this issue.

Odourless, High Pressure Gas Pipe run by a multinational consortium led by Shell and no return to the nation.

Would you like that set up?

Woddy Guthrie said something like "Any fool can get complicated, the trick is to keep it simple".

PS : Many thanks to whoever put up this article, it is concise,cutting, very informative and updating and very humourous, welldone.

Solidarity JK

PS : Williams was woeful as expected . It brings home more forcefully the neccessity of advertising the info networks that are on the websites and advertising them on the streets etc.

by supporter Wed Jun 03, 2009 15:29

Try this for PDF download

http://www.mediafire.com/folder/bd0d0bc2e7709c1e08f8df7...94287

by paul o toole Wed Jun 03, 2009 15:38

Couldent stomach any more. Like that other disgrace to telly journalism Miriam O Callaghan when she done a local broadcast from Belnaboy her opening line...'Before we get down to the Substantial Issues'......and then proceeded to completely ignore them instead trying to expose a crack in the communityby continnually refering to it as 'the split'. Dont care how mank kids she has . The one comment resembling approaching integrity, which mentioned Burke and aherne was quickly thwarted.
Despicable, farsical, greedy, fascisistic, lying cowardly, self interested corrupt bastards.

Donno why anyone pays for a TV license.....to get lied to every night, or 'entertained ' with their lo budget muck.

by andy wilson Wed Jun 03, 2009 18:12 andy at sustainability dot ie

Agree with some of the earlier comments that a new approach is needed regarding the use/misuse/development/degredation of resources, whether they be oil or gas deposits; renewable resources like wind or biofuels that are also exploited by the corporate sector for the benefit of shareholders; land; seas, or the air we breath. The great gas give away should really read the great resource rip-off.

Pity more people didn't give this some thought before now as the local elections have provided a good platform for debate. As an independent candidate standing in Mayo I have found the election a valuable opportunity to raise important issues about where we are going as a society. My main handicap has been the fact I am one of a very small number people standing country wide who is offering an alternative narrative of the way the world is. This has made it easy for the media to write me off as a no-hoper, thus undermining by campaign at critical times.

I am a candidate for both Westport Town and the Westport electoral area. I have consistently opposed the Corrib gas project as currently configured - for a variety of reasons including the terms given to the developers of the resource, ownership of the resource, flawed planning procedures, non-compliance with EU directives on planning, and Ireland's continued and wilfull failure to honour the 1998 Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making, and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters.

I have written extensively in the last few weeks on matters related to the Corrib project. Some of the pieces have been carried by the local media - the best one being in the Connaught Telegraph on May 5th, when I commented on the widespread local (Erris) perception that Judge Devins, who is married to a Fianna Fáil TD - recently also a Government Junior Minister - is biased against local protesters who come before her in Court. In the article I called on the Judge to step down and drew attention to the precedent of Judges O'Donnell and McDonagh in the trial of Shannon protesters in 2004 and 2005.

Another local paper, namely the Mayo News, chose not to not carry the same piece. When challenged about this by members of my electoral team, a reporter working for the paper claimed that "no-one wants to read that Shell to Sea stuff". The piece I had sent in did not include the phrase 'Shell to Sea', nor refer to any members of S2S. Strangely, the same reporter was at the recent community meeting in Inver - attended by two Government Ministers - at which members of the Erris community expressed their feelings about the disgraceful way in which this project has been facilitated by Fianna Fáil, and more recently by the Green Party.

On the S2S issue, my own view - and this is only a personal opinion and not intended to offend - is the name S2S has passed its sell by date. It limits the options to off-shore only. Personally, I believe that processing should take place on-shore at an industrial location. The technology is there to make landfall almost anywhere on the West coast.

I visited Willie and Mary Corduff at their farm in Rossport, some two and a half weeks after Willie was assaulted, and saw at first hand the injuries sustained by Willie at Glengad. I have no reason to doubt Willie's account of events. I find the mainstream media (non)coverage despicable.

Regarding the local elections, I am not standing specifically on a 'stop the refinery' ticket, but have a wide ranging manifesto covering policy issue on matters such as employment, justice, local democracy, transport, education, energy, agriculture/food security and environment. These are posted on my election website: andywilson.ie. I have also posted a piece on corrib: http://www.andywilson.ie/corrib.html. Some of the site is a bit rough and ready, as might be expected when resources are very limited.

My election leaflet, copies of which have been distributed to all households in the electoral area, emphasises the need for justice and local democracy, and calls for "greater local community participation in decisions concerning the use and development of renewable and non-renewable resources, including off-shore oil and gas."

The Corrib issue cannot be separated from other social, environmental,economic and justice-related issues, and especially Ireland's continued subservience to multi-national corporations, and to the corporate sector in general. The 'great gas giveaway' is only part of a much wider and more systemic economic and resource rip-off. In order to challenge this electorally, there needs to be more candidates who are prepared to stick their heads above the parapet and offer a coherent alternative narrative to 'business as usual'.

People need to put their heads together on this one, and find common ground. I appreciate some people are completely opposed to participating in the conventional political process, but I don't see grass roots activism (which I support and admire) succeeding on its own.

Best wishes,

Andy Wilson

by Margaret Wed Jun 03, 2009 19:29

Michael Dwyer was shot dead in BOLIVIA by govt.forces.He had previously worked for IRMS security based in Glengad in MAYO and owned by JIM FARRELL Kildare &TERRY DOWNES.Now thats the stuff that a crime investigator should investigate.How many more IRMS/SHELL employees had gone to BOLIVIA ,Who financed these trips?Who are these hooded /masked men in Glengad who work for SHELL,will any of them ever stand trial for beating up GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL prize winnerWIILLIE CORDUFF.?
Maybe he/she could also take a look at the corrupt deal done by AHERNE& BURKE.
There are many areas that a "Crime Investigator" could work on, all associated with SHELL.
Now ,thats a challenge for a real CRIME INVESTIGATOR .

by crookstown Wed Jun 03, 2009 21:25

The prime mover in this documentary was Gerry Gregg.

Gregg is a former workers party member and RTE producer.

While in RTE he supported section 31 strongly.

He is a close friend of Eoghan Harris and would share Harris' viewpint on many issues, like supporting invasion of Iraq.

The one-sidedness of the documentary was to be expected

by jj - none Wed Jun 03, 2009 22:49

In reply to Rationalist suggestion for the need for another group i d agree. Im in??
Also
Why is anyone surprised that a tabloid journalist makes a tabloid style documentary? Is there a danger within this that people are unwittingly reinforcing current power structures (Media serving (capitalist state interests) By focusing in on the bullshit details of this program and the' Personality Interests' involved in this people are losing focus of the real debate?
Why is anyone surprised that a tabloid journalist makes a tabloid style documentary?

by Mick Thu Jun 04, 2009 02:32

Absolute hatchet job... Another group? I'm against the idea, its divide and conquer just keep fighting!

by billy idle Thu Jun 04, 2009 04:00

Paul Williams is the gardai's favourite media jester. I didn't even watch it since i couldn't justify wasting a whole hour of my life

by Waul Pilliams Thu Jun 04, 2009 09:15

Thursday, June 4, 2009
Man alleges 'sinister' media plot by gardaí

GARDAÍ have been accused in the High Court of deliberately mounting a sinister plot that could lead to the shooting dead of a 33-year-old Dublin man suspected of crime.

Eamon Dunne told Mr Justice Bryan McMahon that gardaí were responsible for a campaign of orchestrated adverse publicity by feeding crime correspondents with fictitious stories that he was a notorious gangland boss.

Barrister Alan Toal, counsel for Dunne, said his client would be pleading not guilty to charges in connection with an alleged conspiracy to rob about €900,000 from a Chubb cash-in-transit van in Celbridge, Co Kildare, in 2007.

Dunne, of Dunsoghly Drive in Finglas, said in a statement that he had been identified, through nicknames, in many newspapers since the murder of Martin “Marlo” Hyland and the Celbridge robbery. He produced articles by crime correspondents Paul Williams ( Sunday World ) and Ken Foy ( Star on Sunday ) as well as writers for the Sunday Independent , Irish Independent and the Star .

Dunne said the information in the articles could not have been established by the journalists involved without the unlawful assistance of the gardaí.

He said some of the writers had referred to their source as senior Garda personnel and detectives intimately familiar with him and his supposed criminal empire.

He said he denied all the criminal assertions.

by paul o toole Thu Jun 04, 2009 09:24

R.efuse to T.ell the E.lectorate.
It seems that Rte's remit is to keep us in the dark, although their role as 'national broadcaster' states otherwise. I wonder are there any teckkie heads who could cobble a 20 minute piece on all the lies(just the main ones) RTE have spouted in recent times.
Could be good laugh but more a tool to expose the corrupt pro government one sided nature of their agenda.

I dont really think the general population actually bought the paul Williams/pro shell bulls**t. It diddnt work. People are at last getting sceptical and questioning a lot more than they used to cos there getting hit in their wallets.

A lot done...more to do. Well done to all involved in opposing Shell's disasterous work and corporate reckless greed .
Hopefully RTE's days are numbered and people will reailse that you dont need a national broadcaster...especially one which dosent mind lying to the people who actually pay for it, expecting balanced reporting.

by Frank - none Thu Jun 04, 2009 15:04

While I agree with much of what Paul O’Toole says about RTÉ in the above piece, I would remind him that the “documentary” was on TV3 and that that station is completely independent of RTÉ. I think what he is referring to is commonplace throughout the media in Ireland, newspapers, radio and internet as well as terrestrial television.
I would, however, recommend Raidió na Gaeltachta whose reporter Máirtín Mac Donncha from Mayo spoke very well about the campaign this morning and ripped Williams’ programme to shreds. It’s also worth pointing out that the station has also been praised by Tara campaigners as the only part of the media that was interested in their campaign.
Éachtanna iriseoireachta amach is amach!

by Miriam Thu Jun 04, 2009 15:22

Nobody here is 'surprised' that a tabloid journalist does tabloid journalism. That's not the issue. We might as well say that it is no surprise to find that politicians behave like politicians and not bother to comment on them either.

Besides it's not just the tabloid journalists, it's the so-called 'respectable' ones who are peddling misinformation too. And many people do believe them. It's no use being superior about it and making out that only one form of protest is of any use. By all means do your thing but don't diss other people's efforts!

by James Kelly Thu Jun 04, 2009 16:51

Woeful Williams tv3 "documentary"was faithfully reported in the evening herald yesterday.

The "terrorist links" were flagged up along with quotes from protesters saying that the "IRA had not killed enough of the c... ts in the North".

Woeful Williams also told Carrie Crowley on RTE radio that he has the "same mentality as criminals" and if he was'nt reporting it he would be a major criminal himself.

How do we counter this media onslaught that will take public opinion with it ?

In the tumult and avalanche of lies that may now unfold the authorities and Shell may well literally get away with murder in North Mayo.

by Fred Johnston Thu Jun 04, 2009 20:14

Let me be blunt. I worked in PR many years ago and was a card-carrying journalist too. If you continue to have seemingly aggressive or apparantly ranting spokespersons for Shell2Se you will lose. It doesn't matter how deep their convictions are. Many's a poet was the worst person to read his own poetry. We do not have investigative journalism in Ireland, outside Frank Connolly. Journalism otherwise is lazy and inept, for the most part and depends on press releases and official spokesmen for tip-offs and news. Journalism thinks in black-and-white: long hair, shouting demeanour, bad language, shoving at Gardaí in front of cameras . . . this means 'hippy' to journalists many of whom are too young to remember what the original word meant. But it means something they are not and that's enough. Suit and tie, soft-spoken, clean-cut, speaking directly to camera . . . this means informed, educate, ordinary (ie, 'respectable') person to journalists and they will believe the known and reject the different and the unknown. That is a rule of thumb. Now what you need to think about is (1) image (2) speaking ability (3) presentation. Talk to someone in PR. Select someone who is absolutely the guy or gal your mother would like to see you bring home. No, I am not joking here. And buy an inexpensive briefcase. Here's where you'll throw rocks at me: get someone with a neutral or flat accent - NOT an English one (that says 'outsider' and fuels the idea that locals aren't involved - and which doesn't if possible have a strong regional inflection. Example: often I have gone into a bank looking for a loan or sponsorship dressed in jeans and shirt. I don't get past the front desk. Last year I bought a suit and shirt and tie, rang a bank: I walked in for the appointment and before I had time to sit down I was escorted directly to the Manager's office. Forget Williams. Get prepared for the next media onslaught. Release any press information or updates through people wearing conservative gear and do it in a hotel room - not the bar! - or in an office, anyone's office, and for God's sake invest in headed notepaper. For really major events go to Dublin and hire a hotel room: remember Erris, from Dublin journalists' eyes, is on the far side of the moon. Select ONE PERSON ONLY to be the spokesman so that the media get to know him or her. Always address journalists by their first name - this diffuses the them-and-us sense and balances the authority play. Always thank them for turning up. You have to project not difference but a feeling of 'we're all in this together, lads, and you're just doing your job, same as me.' Call me an idiot if you like, but a make-over is necessary. And one very important thing: if someone in the media accuses your campaign of being hijacked by or providing cover for extreme Republican elements make damned sure they are wrong and can be proved wrong. One photo can destroy your efforts. And I support your cause.

by The Eskimo - s2s Fri Jun 05, 2009 09:58

i agree with the above. Remember Mark Garavan, reasonable debate,
ability to convey fact with ease, public speaking ability . . . . . .

by pragma s2s Fri Jun 05, 2009 12:38

the last 2 posts hit the nail on the head. Johnson's advice is sound, and Mark Garvan''s image/stragtegy has been the best the campaign has had.
Listen to what is being said here.

by PR Fri Jun 05, 2009 13:37

It's wise to be more conservative in presentation- I don't agree that environmental protesters have to wear suits, but speaking clearly and calmly, and not acting up, and not doing nutty things like smoking on camera, are essential. Niall Harnett made a reasonable job of it, given that the documentary makers were trying to make him look as bad as possible. Maura Harrington was hopeless. This is not to downplay the contribution of Maura Harrington to this campaign, but as a Public Relations figure she's a disaster.

Instead of always trying to have a single spokesperson I would suggest a rotating group of people who make statements on behalf of the campaign. Individuals will be targeted by the media as Maura was and as Niall is being. A single face of a campaign is in danger of becoming too closely identified with the issue, and when that person is attacked, the campaign will suffer.

Make the media engage with the issue, not the personality of the speaker.

No one watches TV3, so make this a learning experience.

by Local resident Fri Jun 05, 2009 23:26

Just for the record, none of the Shell to Sea people, Maura or Niall, spoke to Paul Williams at all. The interviews were done with producer/director Gerry Gregg before Williams ever came on board to present the programme. It was a surprise to Shell to Sea interviewees that Williams be brought in to 'investigate', and no further interviews were given to him. But Shell to Sea people were fairly happy with what they had said to Gerry Gregg. However, a comprehensive interview with Paul Lynch of the Rossport Solidarity Camp, on the issue of natural resources and the Great Gas Giveaway was not broadcast at all.

A proper investigation of the issues, it was not.

by paul o toole Sat Jun 06, 2009 15:38

Ignore RTE, dont facilitate their propaganda posing as news.
LIke Fianna Fail-ures in local elections, RTE needs a changing of the guard. Like voting this time for tweedledum or twedledee RTE could be greatly disenfranchised by some swift thinking.
Everything you do is a political adventure no matter how small. Watching RTE, or even commenting on it actually adds to their mandate. Less time spent watching and talking on this subject allows more inventive ideas to flow which would change the norm which befits RTE's illegitimate standing as unbiased national broadcaster.....

by T Sat Jun 06, 2009 15:47

You know that the programme was made by TV3 don't you Paul?

by J K Sat Jun 06, 2009 20:16

Maura Harrington was released last week.

Was it just me that missed this or was it reported anywhere ?

Anyone ?

by Fred Johnston Sat Jun 06, 2009 20:21

The elections look like providing a swing away from FF politics so maybe there's hope yet. I do, however, cling to my view that one spokesperson suited up for the occasion is better to represent the face of the campaign than a sort of 'floating' spokesmanship. You have to establish a relationship with the media, a first-name relationship and be firmly on-message: there can be no question of one person handling it his way and someone next up handling it is. The spokesperson NEVER argues on camera with his interlocutor. Armed with a clear, concise message, he or she walks to the interview, greets the interviewer (smiling) by his or her first name, issues the statement or answers the question and takes control of the interview by saying: 'That's all we have for you at the moment, and thank you for your questions.' He or she then walks away. NEVER argue and NEVER frown! NEVER turn round and go back. This is not about everyone in the campaign getting a chance to speak: it's about delivering a direct, clear message in an orderly and on-control fashion, dressed as conservatively as any politician the news-person would interview. Anyway, I'm only a supporter, it's up to the people in charge.

by old codger - pensioner Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:05

That's the problem Fred there is no leader in this campaign against corruption, just diferent irate citizens trying to fight for their human rights against a totally corrupt system.

by Praxis Pictures / TV3 Sun Jun 07, 2009 18:58

On Youtube.

First of six parts here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf1CQneDCvA

Caption: Video Id: nf1CQneDCvA Type: Youtube Video
Battle for the Gas Fields - Part 1

by paul o toole Sun Jun 07, 2009 19:07

To me TV3, RTE, there all the same. All strugles are the same strugle once you draw the line between right and wrong.
I believe half the battle is always the mainstream medias bias in favour of their powerful bedfellows. And there abilty to manufacture the point of view the powerful wish to convey to a public they keep asleep with their brand of news and 'entertainment'. Power, politics and media are inextricably linked. They need each other to survive, and the truth is irrelevent and peoples lives and livlehoods, when theres money to be made.

Does anyone remember North-West Radio. 11 awards in a row for broadcasting, and soon as they started cutting sod on the Shell refinery, N-West Radio's license was revolked, arround the time the BCI came into being. Everything happens within a context. Local radio with no restraint on media context HAD to go.....

Ive watched TV3/RTE doing their hatchet job on their news from the west over and over again and see nothing different in the result they wish to convey to the public than RTE tries to achieve also.

I agree to some extent with Fred Jhonston in that presentation to a public you might want to connect with is of utmost importance, especially when there seems to be a lack of political weight behind the campaign, and those that are are convieniently ignored.

Press conferences in Buswells Hotel opposite Dail Eireann, to an invited press by a speaker / spokesperson who might be unmoved by challenges from antagonistic media types, would fit the bill.

I remember well the Dublin City Council spokesperson that was used to convey the view of DCC on the Stardust Disaster on the RTE documentary. A well educated English accent stated....." I gladly refute that testimony"......regarding the three eye witnesses who saw the blaze through the roof long before the fire was allegedly reported. No one questioned his credentials or who asked him to speak for DCC......yeah he wore the Armani uniform of the Capitalists......

I think that for the campaign against shell to suceed the press must be constantly challenged on their terms, by there rules, in their back garden. It dosent matter how enthusiastic or honourable thecause.
It seems to me that the only real skill politicians who suceed have is the skill to look calm , unmoved, relaxed, thoughtful, caring, and unruffled.....no matter what sort of allegation is thrown at them........a skill i sorely lack....as do most activists i meet.....and thats a good thing.......were not that callous.

A good press conference to call would be on the lack of unbiased coverage afforded by TV3, and challenge Paul Wimpy to answer this charge also.
The good news is I believe that there would no doubt, be far bigger waves created which could not be ignored, which are easily ignored at present form the backdrop of rugged terrain of West mayo compared to the luxurious accomodations afforded RTE and their entourage of 'press' men/women. I dont even agree with the principle but its their arena.....for now.
The press war is half the battle...

by Andy Wilson Sun Jun 07, 2009 23:39

Some good comments about spokespeople. A lot of protesters don't look at it from the point of view of the Joe or Mary Soap, who are being drip fed stuff from media channels we know to be biased. But I think there are things that can improve the odds. Local spokespeople with Mayo accents may not be essential but it would be a help. I agree Mark G. was/is very good. But if not a local accent then someone else Joe and Mary can identify with. Its definitely worth working on the presentation. Doesn't mean a suit and tie, but it means being organised and presenting well. Script prepared. Someone else in a supporting role, possibly drawing up the script and checking the facts. This may not sit well with some people but it will actually be more effective if someone can be found to represent most all or all the groups in opposition to the project. By definition they will have a 'neutral' position and can focus on big issues like human/civil rights/erosion of democracy. Keep the big picture view and try and make what is happening relevant to people outside Mayo.

The vote of no confidence in the Govt this week will be interesting. Good tactical call by Kenny: one of the very few. But even if there was an election and FF were gone, will FG offer anything different? As a result of friday's local elections they already control Mayo Co Council and may feel they can do what they want if they won a general election as well. The Greens are gone. Sad that they have come to be synonymous with corporate terrorism but that was entirely their call.

by shoegirl Mon Jun 08, 2009 14:07

You know, coming from a systems practice perspective, I'd dearly love to support campaigns like this one as the systemic impact of anti-democratic "infrastructure projects" are far reaching and will occur again nationwide, but I live on an old Victorian terrace where more than 50% of the houses are broken up into rented flats. As most are in fairly poor condition, rent allowance rules the roost, and proably about 60-70% of the tenants do not appear to work (most appear to be single 20-seomthings, mostly male and about 50/50 Irish and abroad).

There are two large, slightly decrepid vans which are painted "loudly" with "Shell to Sea" and various pictures. They are all residents in one of the 100% rent-subsidised places. They very conspicuously appear to spend most of their time "protesting", and on the road. They fulfill the stereotypical image of the self-appointed "eco warrior" of previous protests. Maybe some of you are reading this now and recognising yourselves. The residents appear to "live" at least some of the time in some of the rent subsidised slums and its very obvious that they are not, shall we say, "economically active."

What I am trying to get to here is that ultimately, a lot of working people resent the fact that people who don't work and live off the state are "protesting" at their expense while the rest of us are struggling to pay our way. It DOESN'T lend credibility to the campaign. A previous poster complained about the "armani" and "english accent" of a county council apologist, but doesn't a hippie-clad English-accented "eco warrior" not bring up the same negative images? My point here is I see people who are clearly living off the state - which means taking other peoples hard earned taxes, and then choosing a self-appointed path of protest. The original protest had huge moral justification but a lot of ordinary people now see it as a magnet for professional protestors who are all too happy to live off the taxes of others.

You keep complaining about "corporate ruin" but in fact most of the most conspicious failures are those of government at local, regional and national level. Be it county councils, Bord Gais, the Gardai. I worked in the oilfield services industry for 3 years and I can tell you that yes, these guys don't give a crap. But one of the reasons they don't give a crap is becase a) everything is outsourced out to such a distant level nobody is accountable and b) they work within the local laws and if those laws don't protect the interest of people they permit such companies to do what they like. If you knew about Shell's transgressions of the law were in fact transgressions of their contractors (which included my ex employer, amongst others).

So my question is that we work within a democratic structure, why have you not used the elections to elminate the real culprits?
More than 65% of the electrorate in the local elections in Bellmullet voted FG or FF in the . Overall, the share of the vote for the two largest parties, in the Mayo council area for these 2 parties is slightly above 75%. Where was the protest there? If there was a genuine local desire to eliminate this project, there would be enormous protest votes against them. So where is it? I am not suggesting there is no local opposition - it may well be there, but why the choice to continue a process of protesting by civil disobedience rather than using the democratic process to wipe out those who've supported the project? To be frrank, thats exactly what the electorate in an entirely unorganised have done to the so-called "Green party."

Amused at the claim on 60% of gas being provided by this project. I recall a figure of 90% being promised for 7 Heads off Kinsale, which eventually ended up at less than 5% because of water contamination.

What I do think is badly needed now is a "fresh" green party - whether an original organisation or a movement that can work within existing structures, to promote initiatives that are environmentally friendly and to protest against future bad plans by democratic means, leveraging existing inrfrastructures to crush these before they get to the point of implementation.

by Mayoman Mon Jun 08, 2009 14:17

A SFeiner just kicked out the sitting FF coucillor in Erris which suggests locals are indeed getting more and more fed up with Shell and the government. Also notably that Ian McAndrew, the most pro-Shell candidate in the Erris area and many peoples favourite to win a seat failed to get elected - interesting times in North Mayo!!

by TQ Mon Jun 08, 2009 20:55

"A SFeiner just kicked out the sitting FF coucillor in Erris which suggests locals are indeed getting more and more fed up with Shell and the government."

The person who posted that doesn’t know much about Erris politicians, the FF Councillor who lost his seat was Tim Quinn, the only politician in Erris who openly supports the opponents of the project, and who’s son is a fiancée to Willie Corduff’s daughter.
The “Shinner” Rose Walsh was the only candidate in Erris who mentioned the Corrib project in her Campaign literature, and her main aim was to exploit its benefits for Erris, not stop the project.

by shoegirl Fri Jun 12, 2009 16:03

This is exactly the same in other parts of the country though guys - not necessarily anything to do with Rossport. If there was an outright and complete public opposition to Rossport there would not be a single FF or FG candidate left sitting on any seat in this region. The fact that they still have some kind of vote does suggest to me that local feeling is a little less polarised and more complex than the simplistic, ideological or (on the pro-Rossport side) views driven by vested interests shown by the media and some commentators.

I thought that the TV3 programme raised some very fair questions that are routinely glossed over by different stakeholders in the debate.

by Not the Phoenix,but anyway. . . . Sat Jun 20, 2009 13:24

The lastest issue of the Phoenix says that Williams was a guest of Shell at a Rugby Game in Croke Park. Is anybody surprised? No.

All the same, it is the coterie of former RTE stalinists who produced the programme that really need to be examined. Their establishment ideology. Their anti working class bias on any issue, from hard won civil liberties to employment protection. Their overt links in Independent Newspapers, and the involvement of Tony O'Reilly in the Great Gas Giveaway.

Williams is just their puppet. An irrelevant sideshow.

by drawlite Wed Jun 24, 2009 00:36

there is the other question, which is overlooked, that being the nature of TV3 itself.
TV3 being a private for profit company, who's main goal is to sell something, that being viewers to advertisers.

i wonder if Royal Dutch Shell have a clause in their advertising contract with TV3 requiring any programme of detrimental content to be provided in advance to Shell and all advertising by Shell be pulled 24 hours before and after.

it's bad enough this embarrassment to investigative journalism gets to make a programme for national tv (martha gellhorn and ed murrow must be turning in their graves to see their profession and ideals debased by the likes of Williams)

But was the whole documentary fully guided by TV3 themselves and not just by the former RTÉ crew in an attempt to appear to be unbiased, and yet not lose any advertising revenue?
Considering the majority of TV viewers today are unquestioning and somewhat uncritical what what they are shown (Walt Lippmans 'Manufacture Of Consent among the bewildered herd)

just a thought.

by bcci Wed Sep 30, 2009 11:34

Complaints decisions can be found here (none upheld, surprise surprise)

http://www.bcc.ie/decisions/sep2_09_decisions.html

by Oscar Tue Jan 12, 2010 17:40

the film has been nominated for an award

http://www.ifta.ie/pressreleases/2010/nominees11-01-10.html

by Garda Stooge - Saturday Globe Wed Jan 13, 2010 15:55

Some sort of boycott of the IFTAs is called for? The documentary was, like all TV3's output, absolutely shit technically speaking and in terms of composition, so this is a political decision. TV and film folk tend to be fairly liberal, an effort should be made to prick some consciences and get people to pull out or denounce Williams from the stage.

by own harasser Thu Jan 14, 2010 00:26

"TV and film folk tend to be fairly liberal,"

Er, who told you that?

by eco joe Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:37

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9-tjdQYQ4&feature=play...edded

Irish Television and Film Awards Paul William's piece of black propaganda is nominated as "best Irish current affairs".

This will set a dangerous precedent for protesters, as if this mockumentary keynote is that protesters are crinimals

by Curious Sat Jan 16, 2010 07:41

It would reveal a few enemies of justice if we knew who voted for this POS because it was clearly linked to an agenda and possibly a brown envelope. Always good to know your enemy and his stooges in the media. What a blatant set up!

by co co Mon Jan 18, 2010 10:49

To enter the Irish and television awards you need to pay to enter. The "documentary" was not picked out of all the productions of 2009. More likely for political reasons that it was nominated (promote TV3 current affairs department), rather than a chance to slam people who oppose Shell's plunder.

It is very unlikely to win consider the competition (prime time). I think if this won many of our even conservative current affairs heads would be raising an eye brow or two.

It is not current affairs program basing on reality as it distorts every issue it covers. and above all has an agenda of supporting shell. Paul Williams does not have much credibility, even him winning this award will give him any extra, he is no Frank Connolly (talented & skilled investigative journalist ) by far, polar opposite (sensational tabloid rubbish, with makes money).

by raoirse sonan Mon Jan 18, 2010 14:55

Still, Gregg and Williams will get to sit there with all the great and the good of the Irish media world and eye up all the young actresses, and Shell will be able to spout nonsense about how the documentary must be true because it was nominated for an award don't ya know? (and if you can pay to be nominated, then, believe me, you can pay to win...)