We’re Not Spooked

The ongoing campaign of harassment waged on éirígí activists by British state forces has taken yet another sinister twist. Building upon a sustained campaign of stops, searches and threats by uniformed members of the PSNI, the latest incident saw them operating, seamlessly, with the nefarious ‘intelligence agencies’ – the spooks.

The éirígí activist in question, a family man from west Belfast, was attending a meeting on the outskirts of Belfast organised through his place of employment, which offers advice and support to those in need. Having concluded the meeting, which had been organised at very short notice, he immediately came upon a PSNI checkpoint. The only car stopped, he was asked for his driving license and ordered to pull over to the side of the road.

Once stopped, he was ordered out of his vehicle, which he believed was to facilitate an unwelcome and intrusive search of his person and/or his property. However, upon stepping out of his vehicle he was confronted by two plain clothed men, both of whom spoke with English accents. One of the men in question addressed the activist by his first name, said he had met him over a year ago at a business conference in England and asked if he remembered him.

The activist stated that he didn’t know the man, had never met him before and shouted over to the uniformed PSNI personnel that he wanted his license back or he was leaving. The spooks, realising that the éirígí activist was refusing to be intimidated, began to offer inducements. They stated that they were interested in learning more about éirígí, its future direction and his role within it, for which, they were prepared to offer money. They repeatedly prodded the activist to go down a nearby lane with them, which was within sight, and where a car was waiting.

Again the activist refused their approaches, demanded his license back and stated that he would be reporting the approach and the accompanying harassment to his solicitor. It was at this point that things became increasingly menacing. The spooks told him that they were offering him the ‘easy way’ but that, if necessary, they were prepared to do it the ‘hard way’ and that he would be well advised to accept their offer.

The activist told them that he wasn’t interested in their offers nor cowed by their threats. He again demanded his license back at which point the uniformed PSNI officer came over and menacingly asked if he had been drinking, which of course he hadn’t been. At this point the activist took his license back, got into his car and immediately phoned his employer and members of éirígí’s Ciorcal Náisiúnta to report the approach.

Speaking after the approach éirígí’s Rúnaí Ginearálta, Breandán Mac Cionnaith, condemned the ongoing harassment of éirígí activists and commended the response of the activist in question.

“Once again we bear witness to the nefarious agencies of the British state, those that work in the shadows, attempting to bribe, cajole and threaten those that work in the open. These forces have been central to the harassment, arrest, incarceration and murder of Irish republicans in Ireland for decades. In this instance, their sinister operation was directly facilitated by the PSNI, which seemingly remains as ‘ill-mannered’ as ever.

“The only person emerging from this incident with honour is the éirígí activist who not only refused the approaches of the MI5 operatives but had the courage to report them to his peers and comrades. We, in éirígí, would reiterate that people are not obliged to speak to, accompany nor work for these shadowy forces. They destroy the lives of their targets and informers, weaken communities and separate families. All approaches should be refused and immediately logged with appropriate legal professionals. There is no shame in being approached by these people; the only shame is in working for them.”

éirígí encourages anyone who is victim to this, or any other type of harassment, to not suffer in silence. Shine a light on the shadows. Don’t be spooked by the spooks.

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest130312.html

éirígí Resolve Derrybeg Drainage Issue

éirígí spokesperson Stephen Murney has welcomed the quick response by the Water Service following a drainage issue in the Derrybeg estate.

Stephen, who is also a local community activist in the area, said “I was contacted by several residents in 5th Avenue after a manhole was constantly leaking with water actually running down the street. A foul smell was also emanating from the manhole cover which would suggest the presence of raw sewage.

“I contacted the Water Service on behalf of the concerned residents and i’m glad to say they responded quickly and fixed the problem.

“This could have posed serious health risks particularly as there are young kids playing in this street. I’d like to thank the Water Service for their speedy response to resolving this issue “.

Police Harassment Motion Blocked in Newry

éirígí in Newry have expressed their disappointment at the outcome of Monday night’s council meeting during which a motion condemning PSNI harassment in the area was blocked.

The text of the motion read as follows: “This council notes, with grave concern, the ongoing harassment of republican activists in the Newry area by the PSNI. Members of the socialist republican party éirígí, along with other republicans, are being harassed on an almost daily basis while going about their everyday business and while engaging in legitimate political activities. This harassment includes regular stop & searches which in the past have been condemned by the European courts of human rights. It is imperative that Newry and Mourne District Council condemn this unnecessary harassment and call for this type of political policing to stop.”

éirígí's Stephen Murney, and a number of other activists were in the council chamber for the motion.

Stephen said, “This was a motion regarding ongoing human rights abuses being carried out by the PSNI. It’s disappointing that the council failed to pass this motion. Constitutional nationalist councillors proposed that it should be amended. However, the proposed amendment would have simply watered down the motion by giving misplaced credence to obviously failed and cosmetic accountability mechanisms.

“The three so-called accountability mechanisms, namely the Police Ombudsman's Office, the Policing Board and the district policing partnership have all proven themselves to be inherently flawed and ineffective.

“A cursory examination of those bodies demonstrates their ineptitude:

• The Ombudsman's Office continues to be embroiled in internal turmoil due to its complete mis-handling of scores of cases involving collusion between members of state forces and unionist death squads.

• The Policing Board completely failed to notice the re-employment of the hundreds of former RUC personnel, including many ex-Special Branch officers, through a process which virtually amounted to a revolving back-door.

• The District Policing Partnerships across the Six Counties are having little or no impact, and attendances by the public at DPP meetings in many areas can often be counted in single figures.

“éirígí's view is that these bodies have been proven to possess no powers capable of altering the ethos and impact of British policing in occupied Ireland. The fact that even members of the Policing Board have admitted that they have no powers to hold the PSNI to account further vindicates our analysis.

“There is no ‘new policing dispensation’ as some claim. How can there be a ‘new dispensation’ when most PSNI members served when the force was called the RUC? On top of that they continue to use repressive legislation and tactics the RUC used, so there's nothing ‘new’ about it.

“When nationalist parties joined these Policing Boards they claimed they were doing so to end human rights abuses and to hold the PSNI to account. It’s perfectly clear that their project has failed utterly.

“If anything we would challenge those who participate in these bodies to honestly and publicly admit to their own failed policies, and to stop providing cover for those engaging in outright political policing methods that even the RUC would be envious of.

“One constitutional nationalist councillor even suggested that the victims of harassment should meet with the chief superintendent of the paramilitary force. Such a suggestion needs to be treated with the ridicule it deserves.”

Stephen concluded, “We are grateful to Davy Hyland for submitting the motion on our behalf and he was perfectly right not to accept an entirely different watered down version. It’s unfortunate that éirígí had to ask Davy to highlight this ongoing issue in the first place to try to force other councillors to break their silence. If it wasn’t for Davy Hyland this issue would never have been highlighted in the chamber.

“éirígí will continue to highlight and resist political policing in all its forms.”

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest070312.html

New éirígí murals to be erected in Newry

This new éirígí mural was erected in the Derrybeg estate in Newry. The mural depicts the éirígí logo along with revolutionary icon James Connolly. Several more of these will be erected in other working class areas of Newry in the run up to easter.

PSNI harassment motion to be debated at Newry Council meeting

A motion condemning PSNI harassment in Newry is to be debated at the monthly meeting of Newry & Mourne District Council on Monday 5th March.

The motion, spearheaded by éirígí, is being submitted to the council by independent republican councillor Davy Hyland on behalf of the party.

The text of the motion reads: “This council notes, with grave concern, the ongoing harassment of republican activists in the Newry area by the PSNI. Members of the socialist republican party éirígí, along with other republicans, are being harassed on an almost daily basis while going about their everyday business and while engaging in legitimate political activities. This harassment includes regular stop & searches which in the past have been condemned by the European courts of human rights. It is imperative that Newry and Mourne District Council condemn this unnecessary harassment and call for this type of political policing to stop.”

Speaking about the motion, éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney explained, “Harassment in recent years has gone into overdrive in Newry. This has been widely publicised yet elected representatives, with the exception of Davy Hyland, have remained silent.

“These people claim to have our best interests at heart yet so far they refuse to speak out against these human rights abusers. We need to know where they stand on this issue. Are they on the side of the victims or are they on the side of the oppressor?

“This is just one initiative we are pursuing to tackle PSNI harassment. We are also going to be launching a ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign at a public meeting in the coming weeks.”

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest250212.html

éirígí: Attacks on motorists must stop !‏

éirígí's Newry representative Stephen Murney has called for youths throwing stones at cars in the Carnagat area to stop before someone is seriously injured.

Stephen was speaking after a motorist contacted the party after his car was damaged on Monday night.

Stephen said “We were contacted on Monday night after a car was hit with stones in the Carnagat area. This motorist’s car was damaged as a result and this could have easily led to a serious accident and injuries.

“We have also been told that young people are engaging in this type of behaviour on a regular basis and target taxis and learner drivers in this area”

Murney concluded “éirígí ask these youths to stop this behaviour immediately before someone is seriously injured or worse.”

Vigils Held in Solidarity with Palestinian Hunger Strikers

éirígí held vigils in Belfast and Newry yesterday [February 11] in solidarity with hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan.

Adnan has been on hunger strike since his arrest by Irsaeli military forces on 17th December 2011. He is protesting against being held in administrative detention – internment without charge or trial for up to six months, which can be repeated indefinitely. He is shackled to a bed and is being tortured and interrogated, and is also not permitted to wash or shower. Khader Adnan has now been joined on hunger strike by his comrades.



Palestinian prisoners have for years experienced degrading treatment and humiliating conditions at the hands of the Israeli Prison Administration. Their friends and families on the outside have to also endure shameful treatment just to get to visit their loved ones, and sometimes even this can’t happen as detainees are routinely moved from one prison to another with little notice.

Speaking at the Newry vigil, éirígí’s Stephen Murney said, “The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine called upon all Palestinian and international organisations and activists to join in a campaign of solidarity with the hunger striking prisoner and to launch protests and solidarity actions in support of Khader Adnan.



“So here we are here today to show solidarity with our comrades in Palestine who are currently on hunger strike. We have deliberately picked this location, Ray McCreesh Park, for obvious reasons. Over thirty years ago Raymond McCreesh and his comrades also embarked on hunger strike and paid the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.”

Murney continued, “Unsurprisingly the PSNI made a very deliberate and obvious decision that they would target today’s vigil and those taking part in it. This morning, several hours before the vigil, I was stopped and searched in the Derrybeg estate by the PSNI. I was searched for ammunition, wireless apparatus and transmitters, they then attempted, unsuccessfully, to question me about the vigil we would be having. The zionists would be proud of the actions of this militia today.



“éirígí will continue with our local, national and international campaigns. Internationalism and internationalist solidarity have always been a central theme of Irish republicanism. éirígí understands that now, more than ever, the struggle for an Ireland free of the twin fetters of capitalism and imperialism is integrally linked to the wider international struggle of the poor and oppressed against the rich and powerful.

“For this reason éirígí is committed to building links with progressive organisations and individuals internationally as well as assisting various solidarity campaigns based in Ireland.”

http://eirigi.org/la...test120212.html 

éirígí launch stencil campaign in Newry

éirígí in Newry have recently launched a stencil campaign in the area to promote the party's socialist republican ideals.

éirígí’s Stephen Murney explained “We have produced a number of stencils one of which depicts an image of ,icon revolutionary figure, James Connolly with his famous quote “WE DEFY YOU” DO YOUR WORST!”. This stencil is designed to promote Connolly’s socialist, working class ideals, especially at this particular time of economic crisis and hardship.

“Another stencil shows the silhouette of a PSNI paramilitary gunman and is being used as part of our “Different Name, Same Aim” campaign. This stencil highlights the unchanged nature of British policing in occupied Ireland. It was recently revealed that 75% of PSNI “civilian staff” served as RUC members. This stencil will serve part of our ongoing campaign against British policing.

Stephen continued “Over the past few years éirígí have been involved in several high visibility campaigns using, stickers, flags, posters and banners in the Newry area. These stencils will now be a regular feature in our activities. They are designed to get people’s attention and make them think about the current situation we are facing. On one hand we have a savage onslaught being waged against the working class by the Tory/Stormont governments and on the other hand those who are highlighting this onslaught are being targeted by the British/Stormont police force. This police force, like any other, is an anti-working class body whose primary aim is to uphold the occupation and protect the powerful and wealthy”.

Murney concluded “We announced that we would mark the New Year by adopting several new initiatives to use in our local campaigns, this is just the beginning and we currently have a number of other ideas and projects that we will announce in the coming weeks.

“Anyone who wishes to help éirígí build a strong, militant community of resistance in Newry can contact any local activist”

Stencil Campaign

éirígí in Newry have started a stencil campaign in the area, the stencils depict the iconic image of, the working class warrior, James Connolly with his famous quote "WE DEFY YOU! DO YOUR WORST!", and the other highlights the unchanged nature of British policing and is part of our "Different Name, Same Aim" campaign. A few of these have already appeared in working class areas and over the coming days and weeks more areas will be covered. ARISE 

RUC-PSNI: Unchanged, Unchanging, Unchangeable‏

The recent revelations that more than three quarters of “civilian staff” employed by the PSNI were in the force when it was called the RUC is clear proof of the unchanged and unaccountable nature of the militia.

It was also revealed that almost half of them are involved in “sensitive” roles such as the intelligence branch.

The PSNI has attempted to defend this position by claiming they need the “expertise and skills” of these human rights abusing RUC members. The expertise and skills that we recall being used by these people is collusion, murder, frame-ups, brutality and harassment.

éirígí's Stephen Murney said “These revelations will come as no surprise to republicans who have been on the receiving end of brutality and abuse at the hands of these thugs. We have stated all along that this force remained nothing but the same force it always was, bar a few cosmetic changes, and this now proves that we were right. They are simply the same old wine in new bottles.

“They were unacceptable when they were called the RIC, they were unacceptable when they were called the RUC and they are unacceptable today under their current guise of the PSNI.

“A few years back some within our communities were trying to sell their “policing project” as a fresh new beginning with promises of accountability and manners being placed on them. They have failed miserably and this is evident everyday of the week with stop & searches, house raids and regular harassment taking place across the six counties and now it's revealed the same people who terrorised our communities for decades are working for the PSNI wearing a different uniform.

Stephen concluded “éirígí activists have been to the fore in opposing and resisting the British police and as a result we have found ourselves in their sights time and time again. We will continue with our Different Name, Same Aim campaign with more vigour and determination as before”

Stormont Isn't Working for Newry's Working Class

éirígí in Newry have expressed concern at unemployment figures released which show that a staggering 3,696 people living in Newry & Mourne are currently receiving unemployment benefit.

In Newry city itself the Ballybot area has the highest level with 11% claiming unemployment.

 Areas in Newry are listed as follows starting with highest:

• Ballybot ward – 11%
• Daisy Hill ward - 9.2%
• St Mary’s ward 8.9%
• Drumgullion ward – 7%
• St Patricks ward – 5.8%
• Drumalane ward - 6.5%
• Windsor Hill ward– 3.9%

éirígí’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said that the figures clearly show that Stormont isn’t Working and has called for the Stormont politicians to refuse to do the dirty work of the British government.

Stephen explained “coupled with the 155% increase in youth unemployment and with another 26,000 public sector jobs predicted to go in the next few years it’s clear that the onslaught against the working class shows no sign of stopping.

“All the Stormont parties are keen to hide the stark reality of these actual unemployment figures, poverty levels and the wages gap – not only for economic reasons but because of the political signals these figures send out – a message that the Six-County state is an impractical and ineffectual economic entity based upon a misguided philosophy that partition can be made to work.

“Stormont never worked for working class communities in the past. It’s not working for them now”

Murney continued “The fight-back against this injustice has to come from both the employed and the unemployed. It has to come from those people who will be the first targets of the Tory-led British government’s attack on our living standards.

“There are some politicians in Stormont who claim to be opposed to the Tory cuts. If they are genuinely opposed to them then they should refuse to enforce them and stand up for the disadvantaged and vulnerable.  In the struggle to defend jobs and working conditions, to protect the public services that are so important to our communities, and also in the struggle to create a new political and socio-economic order in Ireland where capitalism will be unable to prey on workers or the most vulnerable elements of society, Stormont has no progressive role to play.

Stephen concluded by stating “éirígí in Newry will continue with our Stormont Isn’t Working campaign and will not be found wanting when it comes to standing up for the working class.

éirígí Newry Voice Concern at Child Poverty figures‏

Over 80,000 children in the Six Counties are living in poverty, according to a new report published yesterday [January 10].

The report, produced by the Campaign to End Child Poverty, found that over 1 in 5 children in the statelet live below the poverty line – the point at which families struggle to pay for basic necessities such as food, heating and clothing.

That figure rises to over 2 in 5 in West Belfast (where 46 per cent of children live in poverty) and North Belfast (41 per cent), with Derry close behind at 36 per cent and Newry & Mourne coming in at 25 per cent.

The report also reveals that there are now more children in households without work and in households where only some of the adults have jobs.

Commenting on the report, éirígi condemned the dire situation in which more and more families are finding themselves.

A spokesperson for the party said “It’s disgraceful that families are being forced to choose between feeding themselves or heating their homes, and it’s a situation that’s more common than many people are willing to admit.

“This already intolerable situation will only worsen as our communities feel the bite of the Tory cuts agenda. People in work are having their pay frozen or reduced and, and people in receipt of benefits are finding these slashed. Add to this that more people are finding that their income cannot keep up with inflation and it’s clear that many families are struggling to afford even the basics.

“The cabinet of millionaires in Westminster will not have to face these circumstances, neither will the Stormont politicians who are just getting by on their £43,000-a-year ‘poverty’ pay.”

The spokesperson concluded “The most vulnerable are suffering the most from the regressive economic policies of the Tories. This sorry state of affairs will continue only as long as people allow it. Workers are facing further attacks on pay and conditions, and people on benefits and tax credits will see all of these schemes cut as the British government and its Stormont administration continue with their austerity economics. Now is the time to say ‘No more’ so we don’t condemn yet another generation of children to a poverty-ridden existence.”

Newry Times Interview with éirígí Newry about British policing

Given the revelations that 75% of “civilian staff” employed by the PSNI were in the force when it was called the RUC, the following interview was conducted by the Newry Times with éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney 

Newry Times - How do you feel now about the Policing Board knowing that many ex-RUC officers are providing intelligence etc.. and working in what the BBC described as 'the most sensitive areas of policing'?

Stephen Murney - The revelations about the existence of continuity RUC within the so-called civilian staff of the PSNI is evidence of the completely unaccountable nature of policing structures in the Six Counties. éirígí has said all along that the Six County Policing Board and the District Policing Partnerships are nothing but paper tigers with absolutely no power to alter the ethos and impact of British policing in the North. The fact that even members of the Policing Board have admitted that they have no powers to hold these RUC veterans to account further vindicates our analysis. 

Newry Times - How do you react to these latest revelations that former members of this RUC still wield power and influence behind the scenes?

Stephen Murney - There has been no sea change in the thinking of those who control policing in the Six Counties. These people remain wedded to repressive strategies and tactics and continue to see the PSNI as the frontline of the British occupation - and that is exactly what the force is. 

The PSNI remains a routinely armed force, just like the RUC; it continues to stockpile and use deadly plastic bullets, just like the RUC; it uses repressive legislation to harass and intimidate nationalists and republicans, just like the RUC; it blocks inquiries in an attempt to hide the truth about state killings and collusion, just like the RUC. Given all this, it is hard not to conclude that the PSNI is simply the RUC under a different acronym. 

Newry Times - Do you think these revelations will harm the cooperation between the local community and the PSNI and do you think it will cause concern amongst the public?

Stephen Murney - The news that such a large numbers of RUC veterans are still serving in completely unaccountable roles will undoubtedly cause concern among members of the public, many of whom have first hand experience of repressive policing. The PSNI's tactics on the ground and the regular revelations about their unchanging strategies and personnel are leading ever greater numbers of people to reject them as an unaccountable force. 

Newry Times - Do you agree there is a need for these former RUC officers to be on the PSNI payroll right now?

Stephen Murney - The RUC was an organisation that habitually abused human rights, engaged in the torture of detainees, colluded with death squads and adopted a policy of shoot-to-kill. Those who staffed this force should be facing the prospect of prosecution for these crimes, not being given continued employment. 

Newry Times - Before this week were you aware of the former RUC officers working for the PSNI in a civilian capacity?

Stephen Murney - As recently as a number of months ago it was publicly revealed that over 50 per cent of serving PSNI officers are RUC veterans. Given this, it is no surprise that members of the RUC continue to work in such large numbers in 'civilian' roles. The culture of repression remains embedded within the PSNI - there are no better people to serve this culture than veterans of the RUC. 

Newry Times - Would it be fair to suggest that these officers are being employed through a loophole in the Patten Report which suggests the only way former RUC officers can be re-integrated into the Police is through a civilian capacity?

Stephen Murney - As was stated above, over 50 per cent of serving PSNI officers today are former RUC officers, so there is no loop hole in the Patten Report, rather there is a gaping hole which has allowed the culture of repressive policing to continue unimpeded.  Fundamentally, this is about British government policy in Ireland and there policy remains that of protecting their presence by any means necessary, including through the use of the continuity RUC.

Newry Times - Will you be lobbying, by stating the terms of Patten Report, that these ex-RUC officers should repay their redundancy lump sum now and also lobby for the closing of this loophole?

Stephen Murney - What éirígí will be doing is continuing its campaign against political and repressive policing, in Newry and elsewhere. The PSNI is an unacceptable and unaccountable force, just like the RUC. They should be opposed as such.  

Pig at the Trough

There are over 110,000 people unemployed in the six counties. Over 80,000 children are living in poverty. As harrowing as these figures may be, spare a thought for that oft maligned group also on the verge of sinking into penury – our politicians.

One man has been brave enough to champion their cause: blundering SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell 

MP, MLA. According to Alasdair:

“We need to be very careful that our assemblies don’t turn into millionaire clubs again. Politics is not a job for life, people should be encouraged to come in and go out. It is important that ordinary people should be able to leave their job or trade to spend a period as representatives, and also be able to go back to their previous life without landing in poverty.”

The child poverty and unemployment figures are shocking, though sadly not surprising. We live in a time of global economic collapse brought, with working people around the world staring into the financial abyss. In the midst of this catastrophe this career politician, who’s been around for longer than anyone cares to remember, can think of nothing else than squeezing that extra pound out of the taxpayer to line his own pocket.

McDonnell warns against ‘millionaire clubs’. A brief look at his own financial interests would indicate that he’d be quite comfortable there. As well as his wage as an MP and an MLA (£65,766), with expenses averaging well over £150,000, McDonnell also has

• A farm in county Antrim, from which rental income is received.
• A house in Belfast, from which rental income is received.
• The Ormeau Health Centre and adjacent property, from which rental income is received.
• Arrow Travel, Belfast.
• A holiday home in Glenarriffe, county Antrim.
• He is a director of Medevol, a medical trials company.
• He is waged as a part time GP.

McDonnell’s constituents would not be surprised at his callous disregard in the face of their hardship. He is, after all, the same man who blamed the people of the Lower Ormeau Road for bringing upon themselves the massacre in Sean Graham’s bookmakers, which left five dead and a community traumatised, for refusing to lie down and accept the British state in Ireland, doing his best to absolve the unionist death squad and their handlers of any responsibility for the attack.

One of the weapons used in the attack was later handed back to the death squad responsible by the RUC. Has McDonnell raised this with his paymasters in London? Has he ever called for an inquiry into the matter? No. He remains content to blame the victims.

McDonnell embodies some of the worst aspects of Irish political culture: the vulgar money grubbing of the gombeen man coupled with the lickspittle mentality and moral cowardice of the shoneen. A truly disgusting individual.

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest150112.html

The British State, their Police and Security Forces (Rab Jackson, éirígí)

The police force within any society acts as a crucial component part of the state apparatus. The state itself is a network of institutions including the armed forces, the judiciary, the civil service, the church and where applicable the monarchy. It is an apparatus which has as its role the maintenance of the social, economic and political interests of the dominant classes. This explains why Fredrick Engle’s once described the state fundamentally as ‘armed bodies of men acting in defense of private property’. And if the state is the instrument of the ruling class, clearly the police force represents its cutting edge.

Much of the focus on the question of special branch is misplaced. From a republican perspective, it matters not whether special branch is amalgamated with crime branch, whether or not there is a reduction in its numbers, whether or not special branch officers are limited to shorter term postings or whether or not district policing commanders are made aware of special branch/MI5 activity in their areas. From a republican perspective, the problem lies with the existence of special branch/MI5 itself, or to be more specific, with the existence of any type of secret British police department and agenda in Ireland whatever it may be called. Palace Barracks is the site for the overseeing and directing of the ‘national interests’ and this is not negotiable.

Again on this question it is necessary to return to the nature of the state and the role of the police perform within it. As explained, the state upholds the interests of the ruling classes, with the police force acting as the cutting edge. Defense of these interests is the fundamental role of the state and its police force. Consequently, the role of a special branch/MI5 type department within or, as suggested now, alongside the police is crucial. In fact it is true to say that special branch/MI5 stands as the most important department within/alongside any police force. It is the department which gathers intelligence about the enemies of the state and acts upon it using a wide range of techniques including physical surveillance, electronic surveillance and, most importantly the recruitment and running of informants. Its role is to weaken revolutionary or subversive organizations through application of this intelligence, resulting in the killing or imprisonment of members of these organizations.

Special branch/MI5 is a secret police department with a very specific role to which the concepts of accountability and control are anathema. Certainly the policing Board itself will never be in the position to control, or be privy to all the activities of special branch/MI5 simply has no constructive role in Ireland from a Republican ideological view point. In fact they represent one of the most destructive and limiting obstacles to Republicanism and should be implacably opposed undermined and removed.

The only change of late has been a cosmetic one. This was a commitment by the then outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in the form of a letter, that the roles of MI5 and PSNI will be distinct. He qualifies this by saying “All necessary interaction between the security services and the PSNI, for example in response to the threat of international terrorism (national security), will, as directed by the chief constable, be by way of liaison”. This essentially means that MI5 is severed except when it needs to interact with the PSNI nor when it needs to use the PSNI to carry out its policies.

A ‘civic’ police force even if it wished to, has no accountability mechanisms or legal power which allows it to refuse the work handed to it by MI5. ‘civic police officers, of course will have to carry out the arrest orders on those the British deem to be desirable and they will be tasked with pushing orange marchers through areas where they’re not welcomed. Republicans who oppose British rule in Ireland and whom the British consider to be running contrary to national interests will feel the full weight of the ‘civic’ police officers. In these circumstances it will be clear that empty promises by British Ministers about the transfer of powers will not be worth the paper they’re not written on.

The implications now and in the future for republicans endorsing the policing structures in the context outlined cannot be underestimated. The conundrum for republicans must be; can you continue to oppose British state in Ireland, whilst at the same time endorsing, working within, and encouraging others to work within the legal framework of that same apparatus? Can you effectively pursue a republican agenda whilst playing by British rules designed to protect British state interests?

If and when the British state becomes threatened in Ireland, as it inevitably will at some point, from a left or republican direction, those working within its cutting edge will be compelled or directed to defend it. This means the PSNI and MI5. They will have no choice but to act thus at that point. Subsequently and tragically, those involved in British policing structures will be implied (as the SDLP have been thus far) every time the state cracks down on its opponents in order to defend the interests of its masters in the British ruling class. Every time a republican is jailed or killed, a strike is broken up, or a public protest is violently dispersed, the representatives of the republican community who support and endorse this institution and who work alongside it will be implicated in its abuses. This is the essential dilemma for republicans on this issue.

http://www.ir-news.n...jackson-eirigi/