Editorial May 2004

Marching Season

The marching season for 2004 is underway and already the signs are that the loyal orders and our excellent bands will parade and perform to a very high standard. Thousands of pounds are raised voluntarily by all involved to ensure that their banner, flags or uniforms are all in pristine condition. All are a credit to our community, both here in Northern Ireland and on the mainland. The loyal orders and the bands all hope that the season passes off peacefully and that we are allowed to express our culture without interference from republican agitators.

However, there are already signs that republicans want to increase tension in certain areas. Our own community in east Belfast has already this year been on the receiving end of unprovoked sectarian attacks from republican Short Strand. Cluan Place was attacked following the Rangers - Celtic game in March, within 48 hours republicans had attacked a memorial garden on the Newtownards Road and within a week of that paint bombs were thrown at pensioners bungalows in Susan Street. There are also reports that Protestants have been attacked walking along the Albertbridge Road.
In addition in North Belfast the memorial garden belonging to young Thomas McDonald was attacked yet again by republican thugs.

Joe O'Donnell (Sinn Fein east Belfast Councillor) stated that the republican movement would work hard for peace in 2004, is it not about time they started? The loyalist community can only turn the other cheek for so long before it replies to republican violence. But then is that what O'Donnell wants? If it is should we retaliate? The answer has to be YES. We cannot turn the other cheek ALL the time. Once we have, tell the world why we hit back.

As I said before it is not violence we want but peace, peace to enjoy our marching season and celebrate our culture but if we are provoked once too often then so be it.

Public Enquiries

The Government has decided to hold public enquiries into 4 murders. What will they tell us that we do not already know? What have we learnt from the Bloody Sunday Enquiry? Nothing. My favourite moment from the Bloody Sunday farce was a member of one of the families saying that he knew what the outcome was going to be before the hearings were complete! With the greatest respect to some of the families the tribunals are a waste of time and more importantly a waste of money. The government in Dublin has agreed to hold an enquiry into the murder of two senior RUC officers. Why? We all know there was collusion between members of the police in the Republic of Ireland and the Provos. So what will we learn? Nothing. Money will be wasted, money that could be used for hospitals, schools etc. The Bloody Sunday Enquiry has seen huge amounts of taxpayer money going into the pockets of the legal profession. It is nothing short of disgraceful.

Truth and Reconciliation

It is noted that Hugh Orde our Chief Constable wants to forget murders committed in the recent past. He only wants to investigate recent murders. The reason - he doesn't have enough officers to do it. There is a simple reason for that - the Patten report. Our new police force, whose recruitment policy discriminates against Protestants, has been downsized, experienced officers have left and now there is little or no experience left. Orde is failing in his duty and just wants to take the easy way out.

Other people including Orde want to devise something, which allows us to put our history behind us. Something similar to the truth commission that was held in South Africa has been suggested. That idea would not work in Northern Ireland simply because two of the most important players Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness have already proved themselves to be liars. Adams says he was never in the Provos whilst McGuinness states he left in the early seventies. Bullshit. If these two have done well for themselves out of the troubles will tell lies what is the point of even considering a commission? How will the community from, which I come from believe anything republicans say? We don't now, so why would we in some sort of truth commission? Not even Bertie Ahern believes Adams.

Why don't the PSNI do their job? What about the victims families? Does Orde give them a second thought? No. He spends more time abroad than he does at home and now he wants a house bought fro him to the value of Ł700,00 on the Gold Coast.

Sinn Fein Hypocrisy Continues

Nothing knew with that header anyway but here are two classic examples:

Example one
Radio One the BBC radio station arranged a massive musical weekend in the City of Londonderry. Some 20,000 free tickets were distributed to all and hotel accommodation etc was fully booked as people descended on the city to have a great weekend. However, republicans were not happy and couldn't understand why the local council had to make a donation to the running of the event. Is this anything to do with the fact that it was a British event run by the British Broadcasting Company? The same political party demanded that Belfast City Council use ratepayer's money to support the republican Paddy's day bash. The theory is that if it is an event run by republicans then the council should support it but if it is an event for all to enjoy then it should receive no financial assistance. Unbelievable.

Example two
Again it involves the name given to Londonderry City. Nationalists and republicans want to call it Derry while the community from which I come wish the name to be left unchanged.

Sinn Fein are now writing to many organisations, which have the name Londonderry in it's title instructing them that the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce for example should be called Derry Chamber of Commerce. The reason, the majority of people in the city want it called Derry. Isn't it funny when they want the majority to have their way it's fine i.e. in this example. But let us have a Unionist government as they have the majority of seats in the assembly - no chance it must be an Ireland of Equals they cry. All must be treated the same unless it doesn't suit the Sinn Fein agenda and then the majority clause comes into play. As there are more Unionists in Belfast let's call it King Billy City!

Anyway, let's enjoy the marching season, celebrate our culture, and welcome our visitors. Do it in a manner that will not discredit our community.

ENJOY.

Steve - UJS

The above are the thoughts of the author and not that of the UJS.