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Monthly Archives: July 1998

"Look to the future": Dickson's plea to Carrickfergus

By
16 July 1998
Press

EVEN though the image of Carrickfergus may have been damaged by the recent outbreak of violence which swept through Northern Ireland, a leading member of the Alliance Party has called on the people of the borough to “look to the future”.

Alderman Stewart Dickson – who stood as an East Antrim candidate in last month’s shadow Assembly election – said it was vital for the people of Carrick to remove the “dark spectre of sectarianism”.

And Mr. Dickson, a health spokesperson for the Alliance Party, has also described the intimidation and violence which flared in Carrickfergus as a form of “nazism” and “ethnic cleansing”.

The former Mayor of Carrickfergus is now calling on the people of the borough to “all they can” to improve the image of their area. He said that any hope of future investment and potential job creation in the borough lay “purely” with the people and local politicians.

But Mr. Dickson also pointed out that further outbreaks of violence would leave Carrickfergus “lagging behind” other towns in the province. He added that, with the new Assembly, it was now time for the people of Carrickfergus to move forward.

“The events which flared after the Drumcree stand-off in Portadown cast a long and dark shadow over the borough of Carrickfergus,” said the Alliance Councillor.

“Violence, mayhem, disorder and blatant sectarianism were all to evident in this borough in recent days. The intimidation which occurred in Carrickfergus can only be described as a sickening act of ethnic cleansing.

“Many Catholic families in the borough were intimidated, but many police officers in the town were also victimised by people who can only be described as thugs and animals.

“And at the height of the violence, what type of image was the borough portraying? An image where local hooligans had the authority to place young children at the burning barricades and road blockades. An image of sectarianism, hatred and bigotry.

“That’s why the recent levels of intimidation and attacks witnessed in Carrickfergus must not be allowed to happen again. We must fight against this hatred and we must do it together,” he said.

The Carrickfergus Councillor is also adamant that the people of the borough must do everything in their power to heal division and promote cross-community dialogue.

Mr. Dickson said: “We must not be allowed to forget about the victims of the past few weeks. They have suffered at the hands of evil and despicable thugs and we must all help them. It is clear that we must offer the hand of friendship.

“If we want to improve the image of our borough then we can start by showing the victims of intimidation that we care. It is essential that they don’t feel isolated at this moment. The thugs must not be allowed to win.”

And, in a further development, the Alliance Councillor has spoken of his contact with Americans who expressed concern about the situation in Northern Ireland and with Carrickfergus in particular.

“I have been inundated with calls from people in Carrick’s sister town in America. The people of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, were disgusted at the images on their television screens.

“They were genuinely concerned about the outbreaks of violence and intimidation, but what do I tell them now?

“Just before the referendum on May 22, American newspapers such as the New York Times painted a positive image of the town detailing its historical and cultural value to Northern Ireland.

“However, it is essential that we repair the image of this community. Carrick has great prospects and great potential. It must not be allowed to be destroyed by a small minority who are hell bent on causing death, destruction and mayhem,” said the Alliance man.

Ford hits out at delay in railway decision

By
16 July 1998
Press

THE Alliance Party’s acting Chief Whip has called on Northern Ireland Railways to release its decision on the reinstatement of the Antrim to Whiteabbey railway line.

Councillor David Ford, who is a shadow Assembly member for South Antrim, said the NIR decision on the Bleach-Green line was “long overdue”.

However, the Alliance Party’s former General Secretary believes that NIR will not proceed with the new scheme until early next year.

The call from Mr. Ford comes after the Government’s recent announcement of a major cash injection for public transport in Northern Ireland.

“The Bleach Green line is a vital part of the railway system in Northern Ireland. It is essential to speeding journey times from stations north of antrim into Belfast,” he said.

“But the railway line is also needed to provide commuter services from areas like Templepatrick as well as to relieve the increasing traffic congestion in a place like Whiteabbey.

“If NIR don’t proceed with the Bleach Green line, then the full benefits of all other recent developments at Central Station and the cross harbour link will not be realised. I think it would also make an a mockery of the government’s claim to support our public transport system.

“I understand that Translink prepared a detailed business plan showing the value of this investment, but the DoE has refused to proceed with the scheme.

“The people of North Belfast, Whiteabbey and Antrim are being denied the rail link solely because of the Chancellors’ economic policy.

“I received great support from people who are determined to see the Bleach-Green line open again and I would call on NIR and the government to address this problem immediately,” he said.

The shadow Assemblyman, who has consistently called for the re-opening of the line, also said that he will be seeking a meeting with NIR chiefs to discuss the issue.

Mitchell calls for end to Drumcree protest

By
15 July 1998
Press

A LOCAL Councillor has called on the people of East Belfast to end their protests in support of the Orangemen at Drumcree.

Alliance Councillor Patrick Mitchell – who is a member of Castlereagh Borough Council – issued the plea after expressing concern at the “terrible” July holidays.

The Castlereagh Councillor said:

“The recent July holidays must never again turn out like this. We have had roads blocked, flaming barricades, buses stolen and people driven from their homes.

“The people of East Belfast have a right to protest but many people in this area have been intimidated.

“I think it is time for us to end the senseless damage we have inflicted upon ourselves and the people of this area must also express their outrage at last weekend’s horrific murders in Ballymoney.”

The Castlereagh Councillor, speaking as the Drumcree stand-off entered its tenth day, also said that thousands of pounds worth of damage had been caused to premises in East Belfast.

“We had the burning of the car showroom at the Beersbridge Road and homeless people evicted from the hostel in the Newtownards Road last week.

“Many livelihoods have been destroyed but I would like to thank the police who have thwarted the efforts of organised terrorists on different occasions. It is clear that we owe them a great deal.

“After the triple murder last weekend, it is now time for the rule of law to prevail. We must give deep thought to how we can drive out hatred, bigotry and savagery from our society. It is clear that only way forward is through dialogue,” he said.

Dunlop calls for end to bigotry and hatred in North Antrim

By
15 July 1998
Press

AN IMPASSIONED plea for the people of North Antrim to distance themselves from sectarianism and hatred has been issued by the local Alliance Party representative.

Councillor Jayne Dunlop – who was speaking after yesterday’s triple funeral of the Quinn brothers in Ballymoney – said now was the time for the people of North Antrim to eradicate “sectarian attitudes”.

She said that by working together and moving forward, the people of North Antrim and Ballymoney would help pay tribute to the lives of three young brothers.

And the Alliance Councillor has also urged Orangemen from North Antrim to call for end to the stand-off at Drumcree.

“I watched the mourners on Tuesday at the funerals of the young Quinn brothers and it was clear for all to see that Ballymoney was eerily quiet as the mourners passed by. The only noise being that of footsteps and the tolling of the Chapel bell,” said Ms. Dunlop.

“It was a heartbreaking sight to see the hearse pass by with three white coffins inside. I felt it was such a pathetic waste of young life and that this needless loss of life spoke volumes about the kind of society in which we live,” she said.

“That’s why I feel that it’s about the time the protest at Drumcree ended. A number of people feel that the deaths are not the responsibility of the Orange Order. But surely it is the stand-off that created the unsettled atmosphere in which the firebombing of the Quinn home took place.

“The only people who are truly to blame are those who carried out the attack, but in a sense we are all to blame if we continue to harbour sectarian attitudes and I would urge the people of North Antrim to distance themselves from such attitudes.

“I know that this will not be easy but those who are involved in the disputes need to try. We must hope that no other family suffers like the Quinn family,” added the Ballymena Councillor.

Neeson welcomes inquiry into rail accidents

By
10 July 1998
Press

THE Alliance Party’s Assembly Team leader has welcomed the Government’s decision to launch an inquiry into recent railway accidents.

But Mr. Sean Neeson, who is a shadow Assembly member for East Antrim, said the announcement from Environment Minister Lord Dubs was “long overdue”.

Lord Dubs has appointed Mr. Christopher Hall, a principal inspector of railways, to review the conduct of the outcome of the NIR inquiries into the three recent railway accidents in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Neeson is hopeful that the inquiry will address what, he claims is, the current safety aspect of all trains belonging to NIR.

And the Carrickfergus Councillor, who was appointed as acting leader of the Alliance Party after last month’s Assembly election, has also confirmed that his request for a meeting with the Environment Minster still stands.

“I am pleased that Lord Dubs has taken steps with what is a very serious and very sensitive issue. The people of Northern Ireland must have confidence in their public transport service,” said Mr. Neeson.

“I have been very active in trying to bring this matter to the public notice and I will continue to monitor the situation.

“I have already requested a meeting with Lord Dubs and I will be seeking a meeting with the management of Translink. I would like to inform Translink and Lord Dubs about the serious level of under-funding of the rail network in Northern Ireland.

“It is clear that most of the trains – apart from enterprise express – are all obsolete and there is an urgent need to invest in new rolling stock.

“Furthermore, the rail track throughout much of Northern Ireland needs upgrading and the dithering of the Bleach Green loop must come to an end,” added the acting Alliance Party leader.

Local Protestant community must support Catholic communities: McGarry

By
10 July 1998
Press

FOLLOWING last night’s outbreak of violence in the small County Down fishing village of Kilkeel, a senior member of the Alliance Party has urged the local Protestant community to “fully support” their Catholic neighbours.

And Dr. Philip McGarry, who is the Alliance Party President, said it was imperative that members of the local Protestant clergy show “total solidarity” with the village’s small Catholic community.

The Alliance man also urged members of the Protestant clergy to do “everything in their power” to prevent further outbreaks of sectarian violence.

“Catholic communities in towns like Kilkeel and Carrickfergus at the present time feel isolated and threatened,” said the former Belfast City Councillor.

“They are aware that the security forces have been unable to maintain their rule of law and they have grave fears about will happen over the coming weekend.

“I would also like to say that the Alliance Party welcomes recent contributions made by the main Church leaders. However, it is essential that local Protestant clergy are also active.

“I would further ask the local Protestant clergy in areas where there has been violence and intimidation against Roman Catholics, to show support for their neighbours in a direct and practical fashion,” he added.

Dr. McGarry also urged members of the local Protestant clergy to “actively seek” to ensure that there is no repetition of the violence which, he claims is, “spiralling out of control”.

Alliance call for end to all Drumcree protests

By
10 July 1998
Press

WITH tension mounting across Northern Ireland, a leading member of the Alliance Party has called on for an end to all illegal protests and road blockades.

And Dr. Philip McGarry, who is the President of the Alliance Party, has also called on community do “what they can” to prevent further street disturbances and illegal protests.

The former Belfast City Councillor further called for an end to what, he says is, the “blatant intimidation” of families across Northern Ireland.

“Events on the streets and around Drumcree have been gradually spiralling out of control over the last few days,” explained Dr. McGarry.

“Those who have called for people to come out in support of the Orangemen bear a major responsibility for the widespread violence and intimidation which has taken place.

“I would wish to strongly echo the sentiments of the Presbyterian moderator who has urged people to accept decision of Parades Commission and obey the rule of law.

“At this time of great tension and fear throughout the whole community, I would urge all responsible leaders to call upon all public protests and demonstrations to end. I would also urge the people who have been involved in the protests to return to their homes,” he said.

Rice welcomes news of public transport cash injection

By
10 July 1998
Press

THE Alliance Party’s transport spokesperson has welcomed the Government’s decision to provide a £20m investment package for Northern Ireland’s public transport sector.

And Castlereagh Councillor Geraldine Rice – who is also the Alliance Party’s Environment spokesperson – has hit out at those who have attacked yesterday’s announcement from Lord Dubs.

Mrs. Rice said it was “essential” that those creating trouble in the wake of the Drumcree stand-off in Portadown should not be allowed to determine the implementation of funding for public transport.

The Castlereagh Councillor also said that £20 million investment package for Ulsterbus and Citybus was long “overdue”.

Mrs. Rice said:

“The announcement from Lord Dubs should be welcomed from all quarters and I don’t see why the continuing spate of hijackings and cancelled services should have any bearing on the announcement.

“I have consistently called for an urgent review of the public transport system in Northern Ireland and the delivery of 138 new buses has to be commended.

“We need more people to use the public transport service as the number of people with cars is rising at an alarming rate.

“I am glad that this decision has been announced and I think it will help bring our public transport service into line with other services in the United Kingdom.”

Government must prove that no one is above or beyond the law: Alliance

By
4 July 1998
Press

With the failure to reach any agreement over the Drumcree Orange Order march, Alliance Assembly Member David Ford has stressed the need for the Rule of law to be observed and upheld.

David Ford said:

“Yet gain, a refusal to accept a realistic and honourable compromise on either side has led to a stand-off at Drumcree. Both sides must accept responsibility for this, and both sides must now do all in their power to discourage any lawlessness, in Portadown or elsewhere in Northern Ireland.

“It has been said that this march is an acid test for nationalists. I believe it is an acid test for the fair and impartial maintenance of law and order in Northern Ireland. For too long the issue of Drumcree has been decided on the basis of which side can threaten the greater violence. This year the decision has been taken, under the law, to block the march from the Garvaghy Road. That decision must now be upheld. Government must ensure that the police are given all the support they need to prove that no section of the Northern Ireland community is above or beyond the law.”