Ulster Special Newsletter
Steve DIY | 11.07.2003 21:30 | Analysis
ULSTER SPECIAL
Ulster Special has been put together by myself to combat some of the myths which have been put about by The Republican Movement(Sinn Fein and Red Action) and which are untrue or grossly exaggerated. However Loyalists do not get away with some criticism either.
As the writer of Ulster Special I would like to point out that I am completely independent and not associated with any Loyalist/Unionist Organisation from Ulster or on The British Mainland. I would also like to point out that over the past 18 years I have met people from both sides of the fence and built up relationships/friendships.
It was written because while Republicans claim to support the Working Class Struggle - They only choose to side with The Working Class Groups they agree with and sod the rest. This is a sad tactic also used by The Far Right to divide our communities.
I FIGHT FOR A UNITED CLASS NOT A DIVIDED ONE
THE HISTORY OF ULSTER
Depending what side you listen to you will always get a biased account. A majority of History books as far as I am concerned are written by that author's point of view and how they see things. To me who cares it isn't about what happened hundreds of years ago it's about what is happening now.
ULSTER 2003
Ulster 2003 as it stands is under British Rule which is accepted by the international community whether people like it or not. The majority of Ulster which is Protestant and a minority of Catholics wish to remain under British Rule and until that changes the wishes of the majority should be respected.
Sinn Fein and other Republicans can argue all they like but if they wish to go by the minority rules stance then what's stopping the white minority demanding the black majority give South Africa back to them?
Until there is a time that the majority wish to go under the rule of E.I.R.E. then things should remain as they are.
THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT
The Good Friday Agreement came about on the April 10th 1988 and right from the start it became apparent that the majority of benefits were in favour of the Republican/Catholic Community over the Protestant Community despite what Sinn Fein and other Republicans may claim.
For an agreement to work you have to meet each other half way - this is what Sinn Fein and other Republicans have failed to do. They wanted it all their own way despite being part of the talks and that is why it has basically come to a halt because Loyalists and Unionists have had enough and who can blame them?
This paragraph is taken from The Observer:
"There is also a perception that it is the republican community that has gained most from the peace process, which has left Protestants in the cold and without effective political leadership. The loyalist paramilitaries are straining at the leash."
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,631942,00.html
Far from being part of the solution Sinn Fein and other Republicans have become part of the problem yet again.
For those not in know what the Good Friday Agreement is all about please follow this link:
http://www.nio.gov.uk/agreement.htm
ETHNIC CLEANSING
I would hope that everyone reading this newsletter is against Fascism and Bigotry. The Republican Movement also claim to be against Fascism and Bigotry unless you are of Protestant Faith that is!
Cluan Place for example is a small Protestant community based in East Belfast (situated off The Nationalist Short Strand area) where they have been under attack from the Nationalist community for some time now.
The Nationalists claim it is they who are under siege but being as Cluan Place is a very small community compared to the nationalist community I and many others find that hard to believe including The Media both British and Foreign and the P.S.N.I.
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Quiet cul-de-sac becomes frontline of sectarian hate"
"But it was the victory dance, performed by Monday night's gunman on the rooftops in full view of his victims in Cluan Place which has most infuriated the loyalist community."
Guardian 7th June 2002
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"Peace in pieces and hell welcomes just the other side of the wire"
"Troops are stationed in an almost permanently in the street, half of the houses are empty or destroyed and the street is littered with metal shards and the detritus of petrol bombs.
Five people have been shot in Cluan Place in the past few months. Innumerable others, including children, have been seriously injured."
Sydney Morning Herald 16th October 2002.
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"Nationalists blamed for violence"
"Nationalists are being blamed for provoking violent clashes in east Belfast in which 13 police officers were injured."
"Sinn Fein blamed bandsmen returning from the Apprentice Boys of Derry parade in Londonderry for causing the disturbances."
"However, the police said missiles had been thrown into loyalist Cluan Place earlier in the day."
BBC News 11th August 2002
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These are just a few reports of many taken from The Media. Please follow this link to view more:
http://www.cluanplace.co.uk/clmedia.htm
The 'Committee For A Workers International' also dispel Republican claims they are not involved in sectarian attacks:
"But the sectarianism is not all one way, despite the misleading attempts by some nationalists to portray it as such. Sinn Fein recently published a centre page in An Phoblacht listing the attacks on Catholics. This is a deliberately one sided approach ignoring the attacks that have also taken place against Protestants."
http://www.worldsocialist-cwi.org/index2.html?/eng/2001/0908.html
CLUAN PLACE VIDEO
Witness the shocking truth about Cluan Place in east Belfast, a once quiet protestant cul-de-sac that has come under sustained attack from the neighbouring IRA stronghold of Short Strand. This is ethnic cleansing on the streets of the UK today!
To purchase your copy of this horrific first-hand account of life in Cluan Place, email the Union Jack shop at
sales@unionjackshop.com or visit their website at www.unionjackshop.com
Cluan place Place is also not on the only Loyalist community under siege there are other places such as Whitewell in North Belfast under attack by Republicans and all Sinn Fein and their pals can do is make pitiful excuses.
Now if these attacks had been made upon non whites by the likes of C18 and B.N.P. The Left Wing on the mainland would be up in arms but not when it comes to Working Class Protestants in Belfast. I ask why?
Visit The Cluan Place Website at:
http://www.cluanplace.co.uk/
THE ORANGE ORDER
Despite what Sinn Fein and other Republicans would have you believe The Orange Order is a Religious Organisation and does not discriminate against Catholics or Minorities.
While I do not share the same willingness for religion they have a perfect right to practice their faith as the next person has.
This is what they have to say about Catholics:
Are you anti Roman Catholic?
Orangeism is a positive rather than a negative force. It wishes to promote the Reformed Faith based on the Infallible Word of God - the Bible. Orangeism does not foster resentment or intolerance. Condemnation of religious ideology is directed against church doctrine and not against individual adherents or members.
This link shows The Orange Order also have orders in Africa:
http://www.orangenet.org/ghana/
Here is an interview I did with John Findlay of L.O.L. 221/Calton Protestant Defenders:
So John tell the readers a little about yourself and how you got involved
with The Orange Order?
Well Steve, I'm 44, a member of the Church of Scotland, plus a single
parent.
My first ever sighting of the Orange Order happened when I was 6 years old,
my Dad took me along to see the annual big walk (as it's called) I followed
it pretty much every year since then, about 6/7 years ago I was approached
by some friends who were members to join, after reading up on it, and
finding
that it was very close to my ideals I decided to join.
Since that day, I have learned so much more, of what my heritage & culture
is all about, I have also learned so much more about the Protestant faith,
from Reformationists to Covenanters, I have made bonds of Brotherhood which
will never be broken. Plus made friends from all over the world.
As you are aware through our website
http://groups.msn.com/CaltonProtestantDefenders we try and promote our own
faith & culture along with informing people of the history of
Orangeism, we are also firm believers of Freedom of Speech as you no doubt
are aware of.
How long has The Orange Order been going and how long has the Calton 221
Order been going?
The Orange Order was first started in 1795, it was started after the battle
of the diamond in Northern Ireland to protect Protestant families from
attack from local Roman Catholics who had formed a group called the
defenders, although today the Orange Order has moved away from the original
concept of the Order, today it is more about promoting the Reformed
Protestant faith.
My own private lodge 221 was started in June 1937. Until recently my lodge
had been suffering from a lack of members, for a few years we sat at 8/9
members, but with hard work and commitment from those 8/9 members we have
built it to 27 members, some of them are still learning what it takes to be
a good Orangeman, but we have time to teach them.
There are many misconceptions about The Orange Order like links with
Racism (The KKK) and supposedly the hatred of Catholics so how do you as an
organisation generally deal with these?
These supposed links to racist groups have no foundation, we as an order
have Lodge's worldwide including places like Ghana and Togo, we have
thousands of Black members, so to have links with racist groups would defeat
the purpose of the Orange Order.
To hate a person for the colour of their skin, or their different path to
God, is beyond stupid in my opinion.
The supposed hatred of Roman Catholics is another mis-nomer, we as an order
do not believe in the teachings or doctrines of the Roman Catholic church,
this does not mean we hate ordinary Roman Catholics, we are also not
allowed to be disingenuous about their faith, we believe in Civil and
Religious liberties for all, no matter what faith.
Some people believe the Orange Order is all about Pope bashing, even some
who joined, they are soon shown the error of their way's, if they cannot
except that being an Orangeman is a lot more than this, they are swiftly
shown the exit door, racist comments or any racial discrimination is treated
the same way.
Your Son Andy is involved in The Orange Order how proud were you of him
becoming a full member and being with him on his first parade?
I suppose I'm the same as any other parent, if their child decides to follow
a certain strand of their path through life.
It is hard to put into words, how proud I felt Steve, it ranks amongst
seeing the
birth of my children, only this time I was seeing my son attain something
which
we could share forever, plus we now share a greater bond than just that of a
Father & Son.
To me the time spent with my children, is the best time a parent can spend.
One could argue that religion is behind most of the hate in this world so
how do you and justify that God and Religion is the correct path to follow?
Man is guilty of hate not God, most wars are man made through various
reasons, some use religion as a cover for other subtext reasons, plus if
you can actually convince someone their war is holy, they are more willing
to die for that cause.
To me it's simple, if everyone followed just a couple of verses from the
Bible life would be so much better.
Love thy neighbour as thy self.
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
I know these are rather simplistic, but if followed correctly would benefit
mankind.
Moving onto Ulster how do you think it went down with the masses of
voters in Ulster who were prevented from voting because Tony Blair was
scared an Anti Agreement party (The DUP) would have most probably come out
ahead of Trimble and his party?
Disgraceful decision, Blair has effectively ruined democracy, the decision
did not go down well at all, from both sides of the divide.
This decision was basically to save the skin of one man David Trimble,
almost
everyone I know from Northern Ireland, were at first for the agreement, but
after seeing the shambles Tony Blair has continually made aided with the
amount of concessions to Sinn Fein/ IRA, most have changed their minds.
Everyone knows if the elections had went ahead only two parties would have
benefited the DUP & Sinn Fein, the UUP & SDLP would have faced the
nightmare scenario of being bit players, to one party who is Anti agreement
and the other party who only came to the table for a United Ireland.
They also believe if Sinn Fein do not get their way, they will go back to
the bomb and the bullet to do so.
If/When the DUP get into power in Ulster do you think they're going to be
forced into accepting The Good Friday Agreement or relenting some what
towards their republican counterparts as by now most people in Ulster must
be sick on one of the longest ongoing conflicts?
For an agreement to work, both sides have to make sacrifices, at this point
in time the Unionist side feel all the sacrifices have been from their side.
Although I'm sure Sinn Fein will say they have sacrificed some ground on
their part.
If/When the DUP manage to become the leading Unionist party, they will have
to find a way to work with Sinn Fein, as the agreement will not be
re-written,
if they don't it becomes a stalemate with no devolved power at all.
One thing which makes Unionist's angry is the continued holding on to
weapons by the IRA, for the past 5 years they have continually said they are
not a threat yet wish to hold onto their weapons, to me the handing over of
weapons by the IRA is the only way the DUP will work with them.
The White Nationalist Party and British National Party are wanting to
break into Ulster Politics which will of course create more divisions so
surely a party such as The Progressive Unionist Party would be better for
Ulster as they want to bring everyone together regardless of their race, sex
and religion?
I have no time for politics based on racial disharmony, groups such as the
BNP & WNP are trying to play on peoples base feelings, and I feel any party
would be more beneficial than any of these two.
As you are aware I was and still am against the Gulf Conflict but what
got me was how many Loyalists supported Bush's and Blairs stance against
terrorism when people in say Cluan Place were and still are under siege from
Republican Terrorists?
Most Loyalist's have for 30 odd years lived with the spectre of terrorism,
so most would see the war against terrorism as a step forward, although
after some of the recent events they would still support the troops but hang
Tony Blair, for example, the Royal Irish Rangers just returned from the Gulf
war, on their way home to their base in Northern Ireland they were ordered
to remove the Union Flag from their uniforms to avoid giving offence to
people. Republicans are taking great delight in removing any facet of
Britishness
from the Loyalist/ Unionist people, yet state they wish to co-exist with the
same people.
Claun Place has to be seen to be believed, after years of people telling
lies about the events surrounding the area, they produced a video, which had
been filmed secretly over the past few years, which showed the extent of the
pressure they live under, I can only wonder at their resolve.
So finally John what would your perfect world be if you were given
the chance to change everything?
No Wars, No Famine, No Religious Intolerance.
But alas I cant change the world, I can only try and change the folk around
me, to help make the world a better place to live in.
John221
Thanks to John for doing the interview. To contact John please email him at:
john221_14d@hotmail.com
For a more in-depth look at the Orange Order please follow this link:
www.grandorange.org.uk
MARCHING SEASON
It is currently Marching Season in Ulster for Loyalists - It is a tradition going back many years but Sinn Fein and other Republicans get upset by these parades despite having their own and parading in a similar way to their Loyalist Counterparts.
There is plenty of tension in Ulster around Marching Season but how I see it if Republicans want Loyalist Parades to be banned then the same ban should be served on Republicans having their Parades too.
The Parades Commission was set up to mediate between both sides when it came to Marching Season and the Commission would decide what Parades were suitable or whether or not they should be re-routed.
Now to the reader not in the know they would think this was fair enough and quite right too but in reality this does not happen. Loyalists have to make many more concessions than their Republican counterparts even though they all parade in a similar manner as I earlier pointed out.
Arguably you could say why should people be forced to celebrate some one else's traditions but if Loyalists can't celebrate their traditions through Catholic/Nationalist areas why should Republicans be allowed to parade through Protestant areas?
Another case of Double Standards!
Here's what these Parades are about and the problems that follow them:
The Tradition of Parades
The Loyal Orange Institution was formed in September 1795 and some ten months later it held its first Boyne Commemoration Parade on 12th July 1796.
Parades therefore are very much part of the Orange tradition and heritage as two hundred years ago the founding fathers decided that parades were an appropriate medium to witness for their faith and to celebrate their cultural heritage. However the concept of parades by the community that gave birth to the Orange Institution was well established long before 1796 and it is a matter of historical record that parades were a feature of that community for many years prior to the formation of the Orange Institution.
The Protestant community is not in any way unique in that aspect. People the world over love to parade. There is a seemingly endless list of parades throughout the world ranging from the Carnival in Rio through Mardi Gras in New Orleans 4th July across the United States of America, Bastille Day in France, St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and New York to the Lord Mayor's Show in London.
There are a number of inherent factors behind the organising of Orange Parades.
They are a witness for our faith and this is evidenced by parades to and from public worship.
Orange Parades are commemorative. Various events in the history of the people are commemorated by parades that take different forms. These range from the solemn remembrance of the fallen at the Somme to the cultural extravaganza that is the 12th of July commemorating the Glorious Revolution secured at the Battle of the Boyne. Those who glibly dismiss the Boyne Commemorations would do well to think of the benefits that flowed from the Glorious Revolution.
The Bill of Rights of 1689, the Triennial Act of 1694 and The Freedom of the Press Act 1695 are, among others, surely worth commemorating.
The parades are a glorious display of pageantry. The colour of the collarette or sash, the uniforms of the bands and the beautiful paintings on the banners combine to make an Orange Parade a visual kaleidoscope.
The Flags and Banners are full of religious, cultural, and political symbolism depicting, biblical scenes, famous people or events in history and in themselves portray the rich cultural heritage of our people in picture form.
The music provided by the accompanying bands is of a very high standard and you will find countless competition bands including world champions in the ranks, of flute, brass, accordion, and pipe bands participating in Orange Parades. Of course you will also find, particularly in rural areas, the instrument that in many peoples minds is synonymous with Orangeism - the Lambeg Drum.
Having established the reason for and traditions of Orange Parades it follows that we should look at the actual parades and the participants.
One rather interesting feature of life in Northern Ireland is the ease with which some people claim to be able to read minds. It never ceases to amaze how so many people would try to tell members of the Orange Institution why we parade. According to them we are triumphalist coat trailing bigots totally out of step with modern society.
The truth of the matter is that these self-styled experts have no ideas of the tradition and culture that is Orangeism and they have no understanding of what "makes an Orangeman tick". Their attitude actually says more about themselves - they may be either bigoted moderates or bigoted republicans.
Orange Parades follow traditional routes. Parade routes are not picked to cause offence, but by and large are main arterial routes along which successive generations of Orangemen have peacefully paraded. What the parade organisers have no control over is those who desire to be offended and often travel great distances to achieve that objective. It has been shown that even travelling by bus past certain areas is sufficient for some people to attack those of our tradition.
These people despite the terminology they employ have no interest in "parity of esteem" or recognition of the traditions and heritage of others.
The Orange Institution has a responsible attitude to parades witnessed by its own stewarding arrangements and it is a matter of historical record that some Lodges for a variety of reasons (including those of security) have changed the pattern of parades - this is one of the reasons for the "Mini 12th" Parades in Belfast.
One important aspect of Orange Parades that is conveniently ignored by some people is that they are organised locally by Orangemen in the general area.
When an attempt is made to prevent a peaceful parade it therefore follows that it is not just an attack on the legitimate traditions and culture of a people and a denial of basic civil liberties but it is an offence against local people within the community. That however will not affect the thinking of those who believe that the way to understand a different tradition or culture is to remove it.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland was correct in its Press Release of 6th July 1995 when it stated:-
"The way to improve community relations cannot be achieved through a repression of a legitimate expression of a culture.
In this context it is correct to allow all traditional routes, and all the more so, if these involve the use of a main thoroughfare".
The simple truth of the matter is that the attempts to prevent parades along certain routes has nothing at all to do with the actual parade but an attack on all that the parade and its participants represent and believe in.
Regretfully some in authority have decided to appease those who would break the law and deny basic civil liberties to law abiding citizens.
In the statement of 6th July the Grand Lodge correctly went on to say:-
"The threat of violence by one group should never be used as an excuse to stop a legitimate parade by law-abiding people".
Orangemen have proven that they can parade in a peaceful dignified manner and have complied with the legal requirement for organising a parade.
Surely there is something wrong with legislation or the interpretation of legislation when peaceful activity can be prevented by the threat of violence by another group. Going down that road leads to anarchy. The perception is that the authorities clamp down on Orange parades as part of a policy of appeasement.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has stated the determination of its members "to stand fast by their legal rights. The members of the Order are on the side of tolerance and are upholders of peace but to surrender their liberties and rights would in the long run result in greater disorder".
In a democratic society there must be the right to peaceful procession by law abiding citizens along traditional routes. That right obviously brings responsibilities. We are willing to meet those responsibilities but we demand our basic rights.
http://www.grandorange.org.uk/parades/tradition_parades.html
The most fought Parade by both sides of the fence is at Dumcree and despite Loyalist grumbles that they cannot march in some ways they only have themselves to blame with the Police being attacked in mindless attacks. I can some what understand feelings running high as I too have been on demonstrations such as Anti Fascist and Anti Poll Tax one's where the police behaved like morons.
However this was a parade that past off peacefully through the Nationalist Garvaghy Road until a Mr Brendan McKenna a convicted terrorist moved into the area and that's when problems with Orange Parades started.
Despite The Orange Order making concession after concession the residents of Garvaghy Road refuse to budge.
The list of concessions made by Portadown Orange Lodge can be viewed at:
http://www.orangenet.org/civilrights/compromises.htm
10 facts you probably did not know about the Garvaghy Road:
Nine parades along Garvaghy Road and Obins Street have now been reduced to one - the Drumcree Church Parade.
After Drumcree 1995 as a gesture of goodwill towards the ordinary people of the Garvaghy Road the 12th July morning parade was voluntarily re-routed by the Orangemen of Portadown. The intransigent demands from Brendan McKenna and Sinn Fein for our community to give way again on the outward leg of the parade. We made our concession feeling that some give and take is necessary if we are to reach a compromise - but it seems Brendan McKenna remains determined to undermine our peace efforts."
Only ONE band takes part in the Drumcree Church Parade. In previous years several bands took part.
Bands are only allowed to play hymn tunes such as Safe in the arms of Jesus. These hymns are also played in Catholic Churches. No sectarian tunes whatsoever are played, as we are keen to avoid giving any offence to the ordinary residents of the Garvaghy Road"
Since 1996 only accordion bands, accompany the District.
No music is played passing St. John's Roman Catholic Church.
No music is played whilst parading along the contentious part of the Garvaghy Road. The parade passes in silence. Residents living in the estates off the Garvaghy Road would be unaware that a parade was taking place.
Only members of Portadown District take part in the parade along the Garvaghy Road. Brendan McKenna and his so-called 'residents association' claim that their area is 'invaded' each summer by Orangemen from all over Northern Ireland. Nothing could be further from the truth; only local members with an understanding of local issues parade along the road - as their forefathers have done each year for the past 200 years"
The parade is led by members of Portadown Ex-Servicemen's lodge. Many members fought during the Second World War against the Nazis. Others have served, alongside America, in the Gulf War in the Gulf War, the Falklands Conflict and on various duties with the United Nations. Many members served in the Ulster Defence Regiment protecting all the citizens of Northern Ireland from terrorism. Brendan Mckenna was jailed for his part in the bombing of the ex-serviceman's community centre in Portadown in the 1980s.
Only two flags are carried in the parade - the Union Flag and the Ex-Servicemen's standard which features a portrait of Lord Mountbatten who was murdered by the IRA. A member of the Ex-servicemen's lodge served with Mountbatten during World War 2.
In 1997 Brethren paraded six abreast resulting in the parade taking just seven minutes to pass.
After reading the above I suspect you will also be amazed at why The Orange Order are given the old knock back.
Republican hypocrisy once again!
LOYALISM AND THE FAR RIGHT
The Republicans and The Far Left are always critical of the Loyalist links with The Far Right neither have any room to shout themselves as The Republican Movement has had links with the Far Right themselves and not forgetting their links with Palestinian Terrorists, Columbian Terrorists FARC , Basque terrorists ETA, Colonel Gadaffi`s Libya and the NAZI party during the war.
The first time I read of any links with Republicans and The Far Right in Europe was in Ray Hill's book 'The Other face Of Terror' published by Searchlight the Anti Fascist Magazine in the late 80's. In his book he mentioned the time when the Far Right from Europe and The Far Right from Britain had a punch up at a Skrewdriver gig as The European Nazi's were Pro IRA.
In another book 'White Riot' by Nick Lowles of Searchlight from what I can remember he mentions the support of some European Nazis for the IRA.
The Links with Basque terrorist group ETA and Palestinian Terrorists is well documented even on their own websites.
The links with Columbian Terrorists is well documented as a few IRA terrorists sent out to train them:
"Three suspected IRA members are presently on trial in Columbia, accused of providing training for Farc guerrillas there. Sinn Féin at first categorically denied that one of the men was the party’s official representative in Cuba, only to later admit that this was indeed the case"
http://www.nuzhound.com/articles/irish_news/arts2003/jan10_IRA_shares_blame__Editorial.php
The links with Colonel Gadaffi`s Libya:
"But like their fathers and grandfathers before them, the modern day provos were always ones with an eye to the main chance. By the 1980s, Colonel Gadaffi was well on his way to becoming every itinerant terrorist's friendly uncle, and he was particularly fond of indulging those with a grudge against the UK or the US. Libya became the principal source of arms, providing around four tonnes of Semtex -- thanks to a nice Libyan-Czech connection -- as well as missiles, rocket launchers, 1000 assault rifles, handguns and a truckload of ammo.
Training was also laid on and Gadaffi's guns still make up the bulk of the IRA's mountainous arsenal. By now, the British had moles in just about every level of the provos and they began intercepting arms shipments, such as the Eksund in 1987. It all got a bit embarrassing -- even for the Colonel -- so the connection was shut down."
http://www.ulster.bravepages.com/gadaffi.htm
The IRA links with The Nazi Party:
I helped Hitler bomb Belfast, says IRA man
By Jacqui Thornton
THE IRA provided the Nazis with vital military intelligence during the Second World War, a former Irish senator will claim this week.
It is alleged that the information about vulnerable targets in Belfast aided Luftwaffe bombing raids that left 1,100 people dead and 25,000 homeless.
The claims by Sam McAughtry, an RAF veteran of the Battle of Britain, are based on confessions of a former IRA activist. The source gathered the evidence in Belfast before and after the Germans carried out the four bombing raids of 1941. Now an elderly man, the source - who refuses to be identified for fear of reprisals - admits he gave guidance on targets and reported on damage of two highly destructive raids on the city's docklands.
The information was passed to his "Officer Commanding" in the IRA and fed to the German legation in Dublin and then into Germany itself. Ireland remained neutral throughout the war. Mr McAughtry says that the former activist is now ashamed and appalled that as a young man he actively helped the Nazis to kill his fellow countrymen.
The former senator, who stood down from his post in July, is a respected independent with a Protestant Unionist background. He will make the allegations in a controversial documentary to be screened on Channel 4 on Wednesday.
Although the former IRA activist is not interviewed on screen, the former senator describes his confession as impeccable. He says: "The IRA were particularly involved in reporting the damage done in the first raid so that it could be destroyed in the second." Channel 4 made its own inquiries to verify the story.
The timing of the documentary will be particularly embarrassing for Sinn Fein as it claims that Dominic Adams - the uncle of Gerry - was quartermaster under Sean Russell, the then Chief of Staff for the IRA in its campaign against English targets in 1939.
It shows footage of how Russell collaborated with the Nazis on a U-boat on Operation Pigeon but died before it could come to fruition.
It also contains interviews with Republican supporters who worked with Edmund Veesenmeyer, at one time Hitler's security officer, who was later sentenced to 20 years at Nuremberg for crimes against humanity.
The director of the film, Gerry Greg, said: "The programme simply tells an English audience a few things they did not know about the people they're negotiating with at Stormont."
He said he believed that "hundreds" of IRA activists were used to gather information harmful to the Allies.
"Irishmen were not going to fight England's war, they were going to fight their own. But Catholics and Protestants perished," he said. "Even if the reports were simply to say that civilian morale was shattered, that was enough." Peter Robinson, the Ulster Democrat MP for Belfast East, said he was sickened but not surprised by the revelations. He added: "The nationalist government in the Irish Republic gave assistance from Dublin. De Valera sent condolences on the death of Adolf Hitler.
"It was recognised by people in Northern Ireland in the way that we were bombed badly because the Republic lit the path for German fighters. It is not new that the IRA were assisting in killing people in Northern Ireland. That is their aim and has been for generations. I don't see why people think they would change now."
http://www.houstonpk.freeserve.co.uk/nazis.htm
While I wouldn't argue there are some Nationalist Socialists involved with Loyalism they are in a very small minority and the Nationalist Socialists would admit that anyway and they know Race Hate isn't on any Loyalist Groups agenda from the U.D.A. to the U.V.F. to The P.U.P.
Many Loyalists have spoken out against the Far Right. Here are a few messages to Nationalist Socialists who have posted on Loyalist Websites:
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"Its plain as day to me. The majority of people who visit this site from the mainland have no real interest in Ulster. They are attracted to Loyalism because it seems to fit beside their own primitive views. They are, for the most part, ignorant of Loyalist politics.
None of them realise that PUP/UVF for instance are essentially a Marxist party, or that before the current bunch of criminal idiots who ruined the UDA came to power, the UDA itself was higly politicised. Central to Loyalist politics is the concept of Tolerance. Loyalism is about tolerance - of race, creed and politics. (And if you dont believe me check out the various political manifestos from the various Loyalist orgaizations over the years.)
The trouble has been SINN FEIN/IRA has an agenda which seeks to impose against the will of the majority of ULster citizens the rule of a foreign state. NAtionalism knows not the concept of tolerance.
All this shit about C18, BNP etc etc should be given the attention it deserves - None.
These people are simply trash and should be ignored.
Of course there'll be a tiresome heap of abuse following this posting. But I defy any of these British Nationalists of whatever grouping to produce evidence of Loyalist policy over the years which gives the slightest support for racialism.
Check out the PUP's website on the question of equality/ethnic rights etc. It's explicit !
Check out the McMichael document which is still the most important document of policy which has come from the UDA. It too is as clear as day light. Justice is about tolerance and equality of rights.
There is no room in Loyalism for racialism."
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As a Loyalist I have no problem with ethnic minorities. Neither is there is anything inherent in Loyalism which suggests I should have .
And if being loyal to the principles of fair play and tolerance which are the essence of Loyalism are important - and I trust they are - I am compelled to reject your bigotry.
Likewise I am compelled to condemn in the strongest possible terms the racialist attacks which idiots below seem to rejoice in. Petrol bombing and stoning Portugeuse, Bulgarians etc on account of their race is despicable behaviour.
Most of the postngs on this guestbook are the worst sort advertisement Loyalism could possibly get. Republicans could not come up with a more negative portrayal of Loyalism than that of some of the clowns making postings on this site.
Maybe you people are that stupid - I don't know. But if you can't talk anything but nonsense and sheer hatred maybe it's better to say nothing. Maybe you'd be doing Loyalism a favour by NOT POSTING rather than cultivating your ignorance and baseness in public - at the expense of Loyalism which has enough troubles as things stand.
Everytime a person claims to speak for Loyalism they also to some extent speak on its behalf - whether they like it or not. By words and actions do we represent ourselves. So for the sake of Loyalism its better that we choose these with due caution.
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So basically the BUA go against all the previous policy statements of Loyalism such as the document Commonsense and the thinking of former leading political figures in the UDA such as John McMichael? The PUP/UVF have come out against racism, the UDA have never shown in any policy document or statement that they support the likes of National Front, Combat18 or BNP. When I hear a statement from the UDA or read a policy document that states that they support the cause of British Nationalism then fair enough. Should make for an interesting meeting of the UDA leaders, especially as one of them could be considered a member of the ethnic minority community. Should we not be proud of the fact that people who are not from the same background as ourselves wish to fight for the Loyalist cause? Would British Nationalism not be better trying to win support in the Republic of Ireland amongst Irish Nationalists? I hear that racism in the Republic of Ireland is endemic, surely a better place to seek support?
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Cardiff Loyalist (?) - You are an embarassment to Loyalism. You cling to Loyalism because you think it affords you credibility. You cling to Patriotism for the same reason. But really you hide behind these things. Patriotism alas is the last refuge for thugs and Racialist trash.
Ulster Loyalism needs the NF supporting it like it needs the plague.
I wish you'd turn your attention to other things - away from Ulster. Why dont you simply stick to rioting at football matches ?
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Ever get the feeling that mainland 'Loyalists' just don't understand Ulster Loyalism? or that they do understand it but what to change it into their own form of nationalism? So now we have the situation where both the UVF and UDA are 'race traitors' plus of course the Orange Order and the DUP etc etc. Is there anyone these people do like? apart from themselves. UPRG/UDA have made a consistent statement, consistent with their previous views, as laid out in the document Commonsense. No matter how much British Nationalists attack the UDA, and they have already started I see with their shameless attacks, it makes no difference as we are Loyalists. As for it being PC to condemn an pipe bomb attack on the home of an ethnic minority - what morons!!! Their shameless attacks against true loyalists should be seen for what they are, Nationalists who just dont understand Loyalism and lets be clear deep down they hate Loyalism
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The Far Right themselves have slagged off Loyalists from the Marxist P.U.P. and The U.V.F. as well the U.D.A. because one of their commanders Andre Shoukri is of mixed race.
The Far Right also had digs at Loyalists flying the The Israeli Flag on their estates in Ulster in support of the people of Israel in their struggle against terrorism.
In a recent BBC report senior Loyalists spoke out against The Far Right and Racist attacks:
'Senior loyalists have called for an end to a spate of racist attacks in south Belfast.
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine and Tommy Kirkham of the Ulster Political Research Group hit out at a series of attacks on ethnic groups in the area.
Police are investigating whether a pipe bomb attack earlier this week on an ethnic couple and their eight-week-old baby twins in Donegall Avenue was racially motivated.
The home of two black South African women on the same road was attacked with a pipe bomb last month.
A number of other possible racially motivated incidents in the same area are also being investigated.
Police say literature bearing the name of a militant British political party had been posted through the doors of people from ethnic backgrounds.
Initiative
Mr Ervine, whose party is linked to the loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force, and Mr Kirkham, whose group represents the Ulster Defence Association, said in a joint statement they were working on an initiative to end the attacks.
The statement said: "Both groups are opposed to any form of racism within our community and are, in fact, working in support of minority groups in our community.
"Both David Ervine and Tommy Kirkham have appealed to those responsible to cease forthwith."
Mr Kirkham admitted that "rogue loyalists" were to blame, but insisted neither paramilitary group would have allowed such a campaign.
He added: "There's a few people who have moved into this part of the city with links to the British National Party and it is this small element which needs to be brought into line.
"The fact is, it wouldn't be possible for the UDA and UVF not to know what's going on in south Belfast, but these are rogue loyalist individuals and both groupings need to say enough is enough.
"We will make sure they are ostracised within the loyalist community and this is only the start of a bigger alliance between the two groups."
'Undercurrent'
Last week, Dr Alasdair McDonnell of the SDLP said an undercurrent of racism in some loyalist areas had led to a string of attacks on African people.
Dr James Uhomoibhi, chairman of the Northern Ireland African Cultural Centre, said the people were just trying to make a life for themselves.
Earlier this year, the Equality Commission said racist attacks in Northern Ireland were running at a higher level than in England and Wales.
Racist attacks in Northern Ireland are 16.4 per 1,000 of the population compared to 12.6 in England and Wales, said the commission. '
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3042246.stm
The P.U.P. have been making a stance against The White Nationalist Party in the Loyalist stronghold of Ballymena:
PUP campaigns to drive racists out of Ballymena
Henry McDonald, Ireland editor
Sunday May 25, 2003
The Observer
They chant 'No surrender to the IRA' at England internationals and fly the Ulster flag, the symbol of Protestant loyalism, alongside the Cross of St George.
They even come on 'solidarity tours' during the Northern Ireland marching season, hoping to meet idols such as the loyalist terrorist Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair.
But now the far-right neo-Nazis of Britain are being told they are not welcome in the staunchest loyalist town in Ulster and capital of Ian Paisley's Bible belt - Ballymena.
The man leading the campaign to stop English-based far-right groups establishing a base in the province is a former loyalist killer who now supports the peace process.
Over the past three months there have been attacks on houses rented by nurses from the Philippines and Romanian economic migrants in the Co Antrim town.
In response, the ex-Ulster Volunteer Force prisoner Billy McCaughey, and colleagues in the Progressive Unionist Party, PUP, have come on to the streets to drive the neo-Nazis out.
Standing under a street sign covered in race hate leaflets, McCaughey points to a slogan from the National Front. It reads: 'Proud to be British and white.'
'I'm proud to be British too,' he says, 'but you don't have to be white to be British. Even in my most sectarian days I was never a racist.'
His 'sectarian days' began while he was a serving Special Branch officer in the Royal Ulster Constabulary by day and a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force at night. He was sentenced to a life sentence for the 1977 murder of Catholic chemist William Strathhearn. In the Maze prison he met Gusty Spence, David Ervine and other UVF leaders who were to push the loyalist movement towards a ceasefire and a compromise with the republicans.
Since the neo-Nazi presence emerged in his home town, McCaughey has been concerned to stop young loyalists joining organisations such as the National Front and the White National Party, a more extreme offshoot of the British National Party.
'These groups can sound attractive to young loyalists because their rhetoric is so pro-British and pro-unionist,' he says. 'But these people are no friends of Ulster loyalists. The PUP believes in a pluralist United Kingdom.
'What's more, the UVF centres its history on the Somme and the sacrifice of Ulster people in two world wars. In the Second World War, Ulster people fought against Hitler and the Nazis, and now these neo-Nazis want to make common cause with us.'
McCaughey said he and fellow PUP members have held meetings in Ballymena to persuade UVF members to have nothing to do with the neo-fascist groups that have descended on the town.
Since the PUP door-to-door campaign against the Far Right began around Easter, there have been no further attacks on immigrant workers in the town.
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/northernirelandassembly/story/0%2C9061%2C963305%2C00.html
The Official Line taken by The P.U.P. against racism is:
Race Relations
The Progressive Unionist Party actively supports the campaign for the introduction of effective race relations legislation for Northern Ireland.
We call upon Her Majesty's Government to act with urgency and implement all the recommendations into the draft Order in Council (NI) 1996, suggested by ourselves and other concerned groups.
The Progressive Unionist Party upholds the right for individuals from ethnic origin or background to be treated with dignity, justice and equality of opportunity at all levels and in all aspects of human life.
http://www.pup-ni.org.uk/manifesto/race.htm
So in reality it is just a few people who hang onto Loyalism are involved with The Far Right but they are becoming more isolated. No one wants a racist in its ranks.
No matter how much The Far Left and Republicans moan about The Far Right linking itself with Loyalists the above shows Republicans aren't so squeaky clean either!
POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHEN IRELAND
The PSNI came about on the 4th November 2001 as part of The Good Friday Agreement to replace The Royal Ulster Constabulary as The Republican moved despised the latter because they claimed the R.U.C. were prejudice against The Catholic Community.
The PSNI runs a 50/50 recruitment campaign. Basically what that means they will employ 50% of its force from the Protestant Community and 50% from The Catholic Community. Now I'm sure we'd all agree that is a fair enough policy but Sinn Fein are still unhappy and actually discourage members of The Catholic Community to join. Some Republicans have gone further to say any catholics joining the PSNI face repercussions.
Why this is I don't know as The PSNI is the most policed Police Force in the world. It is under scrutiny from many bodies from the UK, Ireland and America. In effect they can't get away with very much.
I ask Republicans why they are still so unhappy when they got what they wanted? Is this another case of moaning for the sake of moaning?
BATTING FOR THE WRONG SIDE
AND FINALLY FOR OUR AMERICAN FRIENDS
It is well known that some Americans who believe they are of Irish Decadency support and Fund Sinn Fein and The IRA.
However these so called Irish Americans are more likely to descend from a Scots/Scottish Irish Clan rather than an pure Irish one.
So therefore they are batting for the wrong side.
Off with the green and on with the orange.
If we are to truly believe in our faith and culture as well as the respect our country then we must be true to our selves our history and from where we and our history came.
According to the magazine Now and Then, statistics are given that show one out of four Americans can claim Scottish/Scotch Irish descent. The periodical also states that a quarter of a million Scotch Irish (Ulster Scots) migrated to America helping to establish the backbone of much of US society. Statistically speaking that is enough to substantiate an examination of the influence of the Scotch Irish culture on America.
In a random choice of just 7 states, Census 2000 counted 3,031,600 in just 7 states.
California - 952,200
Florida - 540,873
Texas - 627,457
Michigan - 224,803
New York - 212,275
North Carolina - 255,825
Pennsylvania - 218,173
As one researcher put it "I grew up thinking I was Irish American, with a real emphasis on the Irish. In recent years, I have come to learn that Hamilton's are a lowland SCOTS clan. They moved to Ulster and then the US, I really haven't had anything to do with the Irish, I am Scotch Irish or Ulster Scots who are a completely different people altogether"
http://www.scotchirish.net/The%20Pioneers.php4
To conclude this Ulster Special Newsletter I would like to emphasise that you shouldn't believe everything The Republican and most Left Wings claim about Ulster. They do not seek to unite The Working Class - they seek to divide using as many underhanded measures as possible.
There are two sides to every story - Don't be fooled by The Republican Propaganda Machine.
It is also fair to say The catholic Community in recent times have had a better deal than their Protestant Counteparts. This has increased tension and seen the divides go back up where in reality they should be coming down.
The Catholic Community should tell Sinn Fein and other Republicans 'enough is enough' and start to build relationships with the Protestant Community. Part of this could be started by alienating the IRA and insisting they hand all weapons over.
In doing so the Loyalist Community must also insist their Paramilitary organisations hand all their weapons over.
This would show both sides that they do mean the business and maybe just maybe they can begin to learn to live side by side as a United Class and not a divided one.
Thank you to all the sites and Media Groups I gathered information from and thank you again to John Findlay for the interview and being a decent geezer.
Cheers
Steve DIY - JULY 6TH 2003
WORKING CLASS AND PROUD
Ulster Special has been put together by myself to combat some of the myths which have been put about by The Republican Movement(Sinn Fein and Red Action) and which are untrue or grossly exaggerated. However Loyalists do not get away with some criticism either.
As the writer of Ulster Special I would like to point out that I am completely independent and not associated with any Loyalist/Unionist Organisation from Ulster or on The British Mainland. I would also like to point out that over the past 18 years I have met people from both sides of the fence and built up relationships/friendships.
It was written because while Republicans claim to support the Working Class Struggle - They only choose to side with The Working Class Groups they agree with and sod the rest. This is a sad tactic also used by The Far Right to divide our communities.
I FIGHT FOR A UNITED CLASS NOT A DIVIDED ONE
THE HISTORY OF ULSTER
Depending what side you listen to you will always get a biased account. A majority of History books as far as I am concerned are written by that author's point of view and how they see things. To me who cares it isn't about what happened hundreds of years ago it's about what is happening now.
ULSTER 2003
Ulster 2003 as it stands is under British Rule which is accepted by the international community whether people like it or not. The majority of Ulster which is Protestant and a minority of Catholics wish to remain under British Rule and until that changes the wishes of the majority should be respected.
Sinn Fein and other Republicans can argue all they like but if they wish to go by the minority rules stance then what's stopping the white minority demanding the black majority give South Africa back to them?
Until there is a time that the majority wish to go under the rule of E.I.R.E. then things should remain as they are.
THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT
The Good Friday Agreement came about on the April 10th 1988 and right from the start it became apparent that the majority of benefits were in favour of the Republican/Catholic Community over the Protestant Community despite what Sinn Fein and other Republicans may claim.
For an agreement to work you have to meet each other half way - this is what Sinn Fein and other Republicans have failed to do. They wanted it all their own way despite being part of the talks and that is why it has basically come to a halt because Loyalists and Unionists have had enough and who can blame them?
This paragraph is taken from The Observer:
"There is also a perception that it is the republican community that has gained most from the peace process, which has left Protestants in the cold and without effective political leadership. The loyalist paramilitaries are straining at the leash."
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Far from being part of the solution Sinn Fein and other Republicans have become part of the problem yet again.
For those not in know what the Good Friday Agreement is all about please follow this link:
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ETHNIC CLEANSING
I would hope that everyone reading this newsletter is against Fascism and Bigotry. The Republican Movement also claim to be against Fascism and Bigotry unless you are of Protestant Faith that is!
Cluan Place for example is a small Protestant community based in East Belfast (situated off The Nationalist Short Strand area) where they have been under attack from the Nationalist community for some time now.
The Nationalists claim it is they who are under siege but being as Cluan Place is a very small community compared to the nationalist community I and many others find that hard to believe including The Media both British and Foreign and the P.S.N.I.
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Quiet cul-de-sac becomes frontline of sectarian hate"
"But it was the victory dance, performed by Monday night's gunman on the rooftops in full view of his victims in Cluan Place which has most infuriated the loyalist community."
Guardian 7th June 2002
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"Peace in pieces and hell welcomes just the other side of the wire"
"Troops are stationed in an almost permanently in the street, half of the houses are empty or destroyed and the street is littered with metal shards and the detritus of petrol bombs.
Five people have been shot in Cluan Place in the past few months. Innumerable others, including children, have been seriously injured."
Sydney Morning Herald 16th October 2002.
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"Nationalists blamed for violence"
"Nationalists are being blamed for provoking violent clashes in east Belfast in which 13 police officers were injured."
"Sinn Fein blamed bandsmen returning from the Apprentice Boys of Derry parade in Londonderry for causing the disturbances."
"However, the police said missiles had been thrown into loyalist Cluan Place earlier in the day."
BBC News 11th August 2002
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These are just a few reports of many taken from The Media. Please follow this link to view more:
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The 'Committee For A Workers International' also dispel Republican claims they are not involved in sectarian attacks:
"But the sectarianism is not all one way, despite the misleading attempts by some nationalists to portray it as such. Sinn Fein recently published a centre page in An Phoblacht listing the attacks on Catholics. This is a deliberately one sided approach ignoring the attacks that have also taken place against Protestants."
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CLUAN PLACE VIDEO
Witness the shocking truth about Cluan Place in east Belfast, a once quiet protestant cul-de-sac that has come under sustained attack from the neighbouring IRA stronghold of Short Strand. This is ethnic cleansing on the streets of the UK today!
To purchase your copy of this horrific first-hand account of life in Cluan Place, email the Union Jack shop at
![](/img/maillink.gif)
Cluan place Place is also not on the only Loyalist community under siege there are other places such as Whitewell in North Belfast under attack by Republicans and all Sinn Fein and their pals can do is make pitiful excuses.
Now if these attacks had been made upon non whites by the likes of C18 and B.N.P. The Left Wing on the mainland would be up in arms but not when it comes to Working Class Protestants in Belfast. I ask why?
Visit The Cluan Place Website at:
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THE ORANGE ORDER
Despite what Sinn Fein and other Republicans would have you believe The Orange Order is a Religious Organisation and does not discriminate against Catholics or Minorities.
While I do not share the same willingness for religion they have a perfect right to practice their faith as the next person has.
This is what they have to say about Catholics:
Are you anti Roman Catholic?
Orangeism is a positive rather than a negative force. It wishes to promote the Reformed Faith based on the Infallible Word of God - the Bible. Orangeism does not foster resentment or intolerance. Condemnation of religious ideology is directed against church doctrine and not against individual adherents or members.
This link shows The Orange Order also have orders in Africa:
![](/img/extlink.gif)
Here is an interview I did with John Findlay of L.O.L. 221/Calton Protestant Defenders:
So John tell the readers a little about yourself and how you got involved
with The Orange Order?
Well Steve, I'm 44, a member of the Church of Scotland, plus a single
parent.
My first ever sighting of the Orange Order happened when I was 6 years old,
my Dad took me along to see the annual big walk (as it's called) I followed
it pretty much every year since then, about 6/7 years ago I was approached
by some friends who were members to join, after reading up on it, and
finding
that it was very close to my ideals I decided to join.
Since that day, I have learned so much more, of what my heritage & culture
is all about, I have also learned so much more about the Protestant faith,
from Reformationists to Covenanters, I have made bonds of Brotherhood which
will never be broken. Plus made friends from all over the world.
As you are aware through our website
![](/img/extlink.gif)
faith & culture along with informing people of the history of
Orangeism, we are also firm believers of Freedom of Speech as you no doubt
are aware of.
How long has The Orange Order been going and how long has the Calton 221
Order been going?
The Orange Order was first started in 1795, it was started after the battle
of the diamond in Northern Ireland to protect Protestant families from
attack from local Roman Catholics who had formed a group called the
defenders, although today the Orange Order has moved away from the original
concept of the Order, today it is more about promoting the Reformed
Protestant faith.
My own private lodge 221 was started in June 1937. Until recently my lodge
had been suffering from a lack of members, for a few years we sat at 8/9
members, but with hard work and commitment from those 8/9 members we have
built it to 27 members, some of them are still learning what it takes to be
a good Orangeman, but we have time to teach them.
There are many misconceptions about The Orange Order like links with
Racism (The KKK) and supposedly the hatred of Catholics so how do you as an
organisation generally deal with these?
These supposed links to racist groups have no foundation, we as an order
have Lodge's worldwide including places like Ghana and Togo, we have
thousands of Black members, so to have links with racist groups would defeat
the purpose of the Orange Order.
To hate a person for the colour of their skin, or their different path to
God, is beyond stupid in my opinion.
The supposed hatred of Roman Catholics is another mis-nomer, we as an order
do not believe in the teachings or doctrines of the Roman Catholic church,
this does not mean we hate ordinary Roman Catholics, we are also not
allowed to be disingenuous about their faith, we believe in Civil and
Religious liberties for all, no matter what faith.
Some people believe the Orange Order is all about Pope bashing, even some
who joined, they are soon shown the error of their way's, if they cannot
except that being an Orangeman is a lot more than this, they are swiftly
shown the exit door, racist comments or any racial discrimination is treated
the same way.
Your Son Andy is involved in The Orange Order how proud were you of him
becoming a full member and being with him on his first parade?
I suppose I'm the same as any other parent, if their child decides to follow
a certain strand of their path through life.
It is hard to put into words, how proud I felt Steve, it ranks amongst
seeing the
birth of my children, only this time I was seeing my son attain something
which
we could share forever, plus we now share a greater bond than just that of a
Father & Son.
To me the time spent with my children, is the best time a parent can spend.
One could argue that religion is behind most of the hate in this world so
how do you and justify that God and Religion is the correct path to follow?
Man is guilty of hate not God, most wars are man made through various
reasons, some use religion as a cover for other subtext reasons, plus if
you can actually convince someone their war is holy, they are more willing
to die for that cause.
To me it's simple, if everyone followed just a couple of verses from the
Bible life would be so much better.
Love thy neighbour as thy self.
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
I know these are rather simplistic, but if followed correctly would benefit
mankind.
Moving onto Ulster how do you think it went down with the masses of
voters in Ulster who were prevented from voting because Tony Blair was
scared an Anti Agreement party (The DUP) would have most probably come out
ahead of Trimble and his party?
Disgraceful decision, Blair has effectively ruined democracy, the decision
did not go down well at all, from both sides of the divide.
This decision was basically to save the skin of one man David Trimble,
almost
everyone I know from Northern Ireland, were at first for the agreement, but
after seeing the shambles Tony Blair has continually made aided with the
amount of concessions to Sinn Fein/ IRA, most have changed their minds.
Everyone knows if the elections had went ahead only two parties would have
benefited the DUP & Sinn Fein, the UUP & SDLP would have faced the
nightmare scenario of being bit players, to one party who is Anti agreement
and the other party who only came to the table for a United Ireland.
They also believe if Sinn Fein do not get their way, they will go back to
the bomb and the bullet to do so.
If/When the DUP get into power in Ulster do you think they're going to be
forced into accepting The Good Friday Agreement or relenting some what
towards their republican counterparts as by now most people in Ulster must
be sick on one of the longest ongoing conflicts?
For an agreement to work, both sides have to make sacrifices, at this point
in time the Unionist side feel all the sacrifices have been from their side.
Although I'm sure Sinn Fein will say they have sacrificed some ground on
their part.
If/When the DUP manage to become the leading Unionist party, they will have
to find a way to work with Sinn Fein, as the agreement will not be
re-written,
if they don't it becomes a stalemate with no devolved power at all.
One thing which makes Unionist's angry is the continued holding on to
weapons by the IRA, for the past 5 years they have continually said they are
not a threat yet wish to hold onto their weapons, to me the handing over of
weapons by the IRA is the only way the DUP will work with them.
The White Nationalist Party and British National Party are wanting to
break into Ulster Politics which will of course create more divisions so
surely a party such as The Progressive Unionist Party would be better for
Ulster as they want to bring everyone together regardless of their race, sex
and religion?
I have no time for politics based on racial disharmony, groups such as the
BNP & WNP are trying to play on peoples base feelings, and I feel any party
would be more beneficial than any of these two.
As you are aware I was and still am against the Gulf Conflict but what
got me was how many Loyalists supported Bush's and Blairs stance against
terrorism when people in say Cluan Place were and still are under siege from
Republican Terrorists?
Most Loyalist's have for 30 odd years lived with the spectre of terrorism,
so most would see the war against terrorism as a step forward, although
after some of the recent events they would still support the troops but hang
Tony Blair, for example, the Royal Irish Rangers just returned from the Gulf
war, on their way home to their base in Northern Ireland they were ordered
to remove the Union Flag from their uniforms to avoid giving offence to
people. Republicans are taking great delight in removing any facet of
Britishness
from the Loyalist/ Unionist people, yet state they wish to co-exist with the
same people.
Claun Place has to be seen to be believed, after years of people telling
lies about the events surrounding the area, they produced a video, which had
been filmed secretly over the past few years, which showed the extent of the
pressure they live under, I can only wonder at their resolve.
So finally John what would your perfect world be if you were given
the chance to change everything?
No Wars, No Famine, No Religious Intolerance.
But alas I cant change the world, I can only try and change the folk around
me, to help make the world a better place to live in.
John221
Thanks to John for doing the interview. To contact John please email him at:
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For a more in-depth look at the Orange Order please follow this link:
www.grandorange.org.uk
MARCHING SEASON
It is currently Marching Season in Ulster for Loyalists - It is a tradition going back many years but Sinn Fein and other Republicans get upset by these parades despite having their own and parading in a similar way to their Loyalist Counterparts.
There is plenty of tension in Ulster around Marching Season but how I see it if Republicans want Loyalist Parades to be banned then the same ban should be served on Republicans having their Parades too.
The Parades Commission was set up to mediate between both sides when it came to Marching Season and the Commission would decide what Parades were suitable or whether or not they should be re-routed.
Now to the reader not in the know they would think this was fair enough and quite right too but in reality this does not happen. Loyalists have to make many more concessions than their Republican counterparts even though they all parade in a similar manner as I earlier pointed out.
Arguably you could say why should people be forced to celebrate some one else's traditions but if Loyalists can't celebrate their traditions through Catholic/Nationalist areas why should Republicans be allowed to parade through Protestant areas?
Another case of Double Standards!
Here's what these Parades are about and the problems that follow them:
The Tradition of Parades
The Loyal Orange Institution was formed in September 1795 and some ten months later it held its first Boyne Commemoration Parade on 12th July 1796.
Parades therefore are very much part of the Orange tradition and heritage as two hundred years ago the founding fathers decided that parades were an appropriate medium to witness for their faith and to celebrate their cultural heritage. However the concept of parades by the community that gave birth to the Orange Institution was well established long before 1796 and it is a matter of historical record that parades were a feature of that community for many years prior to the formation of the Orange Institution.
The Protestant community is not in any way unique in that aspect. People the world over love to parade. There is a seemingly endless list of parades throughout the world ranging from the Carnival in Rio through Mardi Gras in New Orleans 4th July across the United States of America, Bastille Day in France, St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and New York to the Lord Mayor's Show in London.
There are a number of inherent factors behind the organising of Orange Parades.
They are a witness for our faith and this is evidenced by parades to and from public worship.
Orange Parades are commemorative. Various events in the history of the people are commemorated by parades that take different forms. These range from the solemn remembrance of the fallen at the Somme to the cultural extravaganza that is the 12th of July commemorating the Glorious Revolution secured at the Battle of the Boyne. Those who glibly dismiss the Boyne Commemorations would do well to think of the benefits that flowed from the Glorious Revolution.
The Bill of Rights of 1689, the Triennial Act of 1694 and The Freedom of the Press Act 1695 are, among others, surely worth commemorating.
The parades are a glorious display of pageantry. The colour of the collarette or sash, the uniforms of the bands and the beautiful paintings on the banners combine to make an Orange Parade a visual kaleidoscope.
The Flags and Banners are full of religious, cultural, and political symbolism depicting, biblical scenes, famous people or events in history and in themselves portray the rich cultural heritage of our people in picture form.
The music provided by the accompanying bands is of a very high standard and you will find countless competition bands including world champions in the ranks, of flute, brass, accordion, and pipe bands participating in Orange Parades. Of course you will also find, particularly in rural areas, the instrument that in many peoples minds is synonymous with Orangeism - the Lambeg Drum.
Having established the reason for and traditions of Orange Parades it follows that we should look at the actual parades and the participants.
One rather interesting feature of life in Northern Ireland is the ease with which some people claim to be able to read minds. It never ceases to amaze how so many people would try to tell members of the Orange Institution why we parade. According to them we are triumphalist coat trailing bigots totally out of step with modern society.
The truth of the matter is that these self-styled experts have no ideas of the tradition and culture that is Orangeism and they have no understanding of what "makes an Orangeman tick". Their attitude actually says more about themselves - they may be either bigoted moderates or bigoted republicans.
Orange Parades follow traditional routes. Parade routes are not picked to cause offence, but by and large are main arterial routes along which successive generations of Orangemen have peacefully paraded. What the parade organisers have no control over is those who desire to be offended and often travel great distances to achieve that objective. It has been shown that even travelling by bus past certain areas is sufficient for some people to attack those of our tradition.
These people despite the terminology they employ have no interest in "parity of esteem" or recognition of the traditions and heritage of others.
The Orange Institution has a responsible attitude to parades witnessed by its own stewarding arrangements and it is a matter of historical record that some Lodges for a variety of reasons (including those of security) have changed the pattern of parades - this is one of the reasons for the "Mini 12th" Parades in Belfast.
One important aspect of Orange Parades that is conveniently ignored by some people is that they are organised locally by Orangemen in the general area.
When an attempt is made to prevent a peaceful parade it therefore follows that it is not just an attack on the legitimate traditions and culture of a people and a denial of basic civil liberties but it is an offence against local people within the community. That however will not affect the thinking of those who believe that the way to understand a different tradition or culture is to remove it.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland was correct in its Press Release of 6th July 1995 when it stated:-
"The way to improve community relations cannot be achieved through a repression of a legitimate expression of a culture.
In this context it is correct to allow all traditional routes, and all the more so, if these involve the use of a main thoroughfare".
The simple truth of the matter is that the attempts to prevent parades along certain routes has nothing at all to do with the actual parade but an attack on all that the parade and its participants represent and believe in.
Regretfully some in authority have decided to appease those who would break the law and deny basic civil liberties to law abiding citizens.
In the statement of 6th July the Grand Lodge correctly went on to say:-
"The threat of violence by one group should never be used as an excuse to stop a legitimate parade by law-abiding people".
Orangemen have proven that they can parade in a peaceful dignified manner and have complied with the legal requirement for organising a parade.
Surely there is something wrong with legislation or the interpretation of legislation when peaceful activity can be prevented by the threat of violence by another group. Going down that road leads to anarchy. The perception is that the authorities clamp down on Orange parades as part of a policy of appeasement.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has stated the determination of its members "to stand fast by their legal rights. The members of the Order are on the side of tolerance and are upholders of peace but to surrender their liberties and rights would in the long run result in greater disorder".
In a democratic society there must be the right to peaceful procession by law abiding citizens along traditional routes. That right obviously brings responsibilities. We are willing to meet those responsibilities but we demand our basic rights.
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The most fought Parade by both sides of the fence is at Dumcree and despite Loyalist grumbles that they cannot march in some ways they only have themselves to blame with the Police being attacked in mindless attacks. I can some what understand feelings running high as I too have been on demonstrations such as Anti Fascist and Anti Poll Tax one's where the police behaved like morons.
However this was a parade that past off peacefully through the Nationalist Garvaghy Road until a Mr Brendan McKenna a convicted terrorist moved into the area and that's when problems with Orange Parades started.
Despite The Orange Order making concession after concession the residents of Garvaghy Road refuse to budge.
The list of concessions made by Portadown Orange Lodge can be viewed at:
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10 facts you probably did not know about the Garvaghy Road:
Nine parades along Garvaghy Road and Obins Street have now been reduced to one - the Drumcree Church Parade.
After Drumcree 1995 as a gesture of goodwill towards the ordinary people of the Garvaghy Road the 12th July morning parade was voluntarily re-routed by the Orangemen of Portadown. The intransigent demands from Brendan McKenna and Sinn Fein for our community to give way again on the outward leg of the parade. We made our concession feeling that some give and take is necessary if we are to reach a compromise - but it seems Brendan McKenna remains determined to undermine our peace efforts."
Only ONE band takes part in the Drumcree Church Parade. In previous years several bands took part.
Bands are only allowed to play hymn tunes such as Safe in the arms of Jesus. These hymns are also played in Catholic Churches. No sectarian tunes whatsoever are played, as we are keen to avoid giving any offence to the ordinary residents of the Garvaghy Road"
Since 1996 only accordion bands, accompany the District.
No music is played passing St. John's Roman Catholic Church.
No music is played whilst parading along the contentious part of the Garvaghy Road. The parade passes in silence. Residents living in the estates off the Garvaghy Road would be unaware that a parade was taking place.
Only members of Portadown District take part in the parade along the Garvaghy Road. Brendan McKenna and his so-called 'residents association' claim that their area is 'invaded' each summer by Orangemen from all over Northern Ireland. Nothing could be further from the truth; only local members with an understanding of local issues parade along the road - as their forefathers have done each year for the past 200 years"
The parade is led by members of Portadown Ex-Servicemen's lodge. Many members fought during the Second World War against the Nazis. Others have served, alongside America, in the Gulf War in the Gulf War, the Falklands Conflict and on various duties with the United Nations. Many members served in the Ulster Defence Regiment protecting all the citizens of Northern Ireland from terrorism. Brendan Mckenna was jailed for his part in the bombing of the ex-serviceman's community centre in Portadown in the 1980s.
Only two flags are carried in the parade - the Union Flag and the Ex-Servicemen's standard which features a portrait of Lord Mountbatten who was murdered by the IRA. A member of the Ex-servicemen's lodge served with Mountbatten during World War 2.
In 1997 Brethren paraded six abreast resulting in the parade taking just seven minutes to pass.
After reading the above I suspect you will also be amazed at why The Orange Order are given the old knock back.
Republican hypocrisy once again!
LOYALISM AND THE FAR RIGHT
The Republicans and The Far Left are always critical of the Loyalist links with The Far Right neither have any room to shout themselves as The Republican Movement has had links with the Far Right themselves and not forgetting their links with Palestinian Terrorists, Columbian Terrorists FARC , Basque terrorists ETA, Colonel Gadaffi`s Libya and the NAZI party during the war.
The first time I read of any links with Republicans and The Far Right in Europe was in Ray Hill's book 'The Other face Of Terror' published by Searchlight the Anti Fascist Magazine in the late 80's. In his book he mentioned the time when the Far Right from Europe and The Far Right from Britain had a punch up at a Skrewdriver gig as The European Nazi's were Pro IRA.
In another book 'White Riot' by Nick Lowles of Searchlight from what I can remember he mentions the support of some European Nazis for the IRA.
The Links with Basque terrorist group ETA and Palestinian Terrorists is well documented even on their own websites.
The links with Columbian Terrorists is well documented as a few IRA terrorists sent out to train them:
"Three suspected IRA members are presently on trial in Columbia, accused of providing training for Farc guerrillas there. Sinn Féin at first categorically denied that one of the men was the party’s official representative in Cuba, only to later admit that this was indeed the case"
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The links with Colonel Gadaffi`s Libya:
"But like their fathers and grandfathers before them, the modern day provos were always ones with an eye to the main chance. By the 1980s, Colonel Gadaffi was well on his way to becoming every itinerant terrorist's friendly uncle, and he was particularly fond of indulging those with a grudge against the UK or the US. Libya became the principal source of arms, providing around four tonnes of Semtex -- thanks to a nice Libyan-Czech connection -- as well as missiles, rocket launchers, 1000 assault rifles, handguns and a truckload of ammo.
Training was also laid on and Gadaffi's guns still make up the bulk of the IRA's mountainous arsenal. By now, the British had moles in just about every level of the provos and they began intercepting arms shipments, such as the Eksund in 1987. It all got a bit embarrassing -- even for the Colonel -- so the connection was shut down."
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The IRA links with The Nazi Party:
I helped Hitler bomb Belfast, says IRA man
By Jacqui Thornton
THE IRA provided the Nazis with vital military intelligence during the Second World War, a former Irish senator will claim this week.
It is alleged that the information about vulnerable targets in Belfast aided Luftwaffe bombing raids that left 1,100 people dead and 25,000 homeless.
The claims by Sam McAughtry, an RAF veteran of the Battle of Britain, are based on confessions of a former IRA activist. The source gathered the evidence in Belfast before and after the Germans carried out the four bombing raids of 1941. Now an elderly man, the source - who refuses to be identified for fear of reprisals - admits he gave guidance on targets and reported on damage of two highly destructive raids on the city's docklands.
The information was passed to his "Officer Commanding" in the IRA and fed to the German legation in Dublin and then into Germany itself. Ireland remained neutral throughout the war. Mr McAughtry says that the former activist is now ashamed and appalled that as a young man he actively helped the Nazis to kill his fellow countrymen.
The former senator, who stood down from his post in July, is a respected independent with a Protestant Unionist background. He will make the allegations in a controversial documentary to be screened on Channel 4 on Wednesday.
Although the former IRA activist is not interviewed on screen, the former senator describes his confession as impeccable. He says: "The IRA were particularly involved in reporting the damage done in the first raid so that it could be destroyed in the second." Channel 4 made its own inquiries to verify the story.
The timing of the documentary will be particularly embarrassing for Sinn Fein as it claims that Dominic Adams - the uncle of Gerry - was quartermaster under Sean Russell, the then Chief of Staff for the IRA in its campaign against English targets in 1939.
It shows footage of how Russell collaborated with the Nazis on a U-boat on Operation Pigeon but died before it could come to fruition.
It also contains interviews with Republican supporters who worked with Edmund Veesenmeyer, at one time Hitler's security officer, who was later sentenced to 20 years at Nuremberg for crimes against humanity.
The director of the film, Gerry Greg, said: "The programme simply tells an English audience a few things they did not know about the people they're negotiating with at Stormont."
He said he believed that "hundreds" of IRA activists were used to gather information harmful to the Allies.
"Irishmen were not going to fight England's war, they were going to fight their own. But Catholics and Protestants perished," he said. "Even if the reports were simply to say that civilian morale was shattered, that was enough." Peter Robinson, the Ulster Democrat MP for Belfast East, said he was sickened but not surprised by the revelations. He added: "The nationalist government in the Irish Republic gave assistance from Dublin. De Valera sent condolences on the death of Adolf Hitler.
"It was recognised by people in Northern Ireland in the way that we were bombed badly because the Republic lit the path for German fighters. It is not new that the IRA were assisting in killing people in Northern Ireland. That is their aim and has been for generations. I don't see why people think they would change now."
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While I wouldn't argue there are some Nationalist Socialists involved with Loyalism they are in a very small minority and the Nationalist Socialists would admit that anyway and they know Race Hate isn't on any Loyalist Groups agenda from the U.D.A. to the U.V.F. to The P.U.P.
Many Loyalists have spoken out against the Far Right. Here are a few messages to Nationalist Socialists who have posted on Loyalist Websites:
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"Its plain as day to me. The majority of people who visit this site from the mainland have no real interest in Ulster. They are attracted to Loyalism because it seems to fit beside their own primitive views. They are, for the most part, ignorant of Loyalist politics.
None of them realise that PUP/UVF for instance are essentially a Marxist party, or that before the current bunch of criminal idiots who ruined the UDA came to power, the UDA itself was higly politicised. Central to Loyalist politics is the concept of Tolerance. Loyalism is about tolerance - of race, creed and politics. (And if you dont believe me check out the various political manifestos from the various Loyalist orgaizations over the years.)
The trouble has been SINN FEIN/IRA has an agenda which seeks to impose against the will of the majority of ULster citizens the rule of a foreign state. NAtionalism knows not the concept of tolerance.
All this shit about C18, BNP etc etc should be given the attention it deserves - None.
These people are simply trash and should be ignored.
Of course there'll be a tiresome heap of abuse following this posting. But I defy any of these British Nationalists of whatever grouping to produce evidence of Loyalist policy over the years which gives the slightest support for racialism.
Check out the PUP's website on the question of equality/ethnic rights etc. It's explicit !
Check out the McMichael document which is still the most important document of policy which has come from the UDA. It too is as clear as day light. Justice is about tolerance and equality of rights.
There is no room in Loyalism for racialism."
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As a Loyalist I have no problem with ethnic minorities. Neither is there is anything inherent in Loyalism which suggests I should have .
And if being loyal to the principles of fair play and tolerance which are the essence of Loyalism are important - and I trust they are - I am compelled to reject your bigotry.
Likewise I am compelled to condemn in the strongest possible terms the racialist attacks which idiots below seem to rejoice in. Petrol bombing and stoning Portugeuse, Bulgarians etc on account of their race is despicable behaviour.
Most of the postngs on this guestbook are the worst sort advertisement Loyalism could possibly get. Republicans could not come up with a more negative portrayal of Loyalism than that of some of the clowns making postings on this site.
Maybe you people are that stupid - I don't know. But if you can't talk anything but nonsense and sheer hatred maybe it's better to say nothing. Maybe you'd be doing Loyalism a favour by NOT POSTING rather than cultivating your ignorance and baseness in public - at the expense of Loyalism which has enough troubles as things stand.
Everytime a person claims to speak for Loyalism they also to some extent speak on its behalf - whether they like it or not. By words and actions do we represent ourselves. So for the sake of Loyalism its better that we choose these with due caution.
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So basically the BUA go against all the previous policy statements of Loyalism such as the document Commonsense and the thinking of former leading political figures in the UDA such as John McMichael? The PUP/UVF have come out against racism, the UDA have never shown in any policy document or statement that they support the likes of National Front, Combat18 or BNP. When I hear a statement from the UDA or read a policy document that states that they support the cause of British Nationalism then fair enough. Should make for an interesting meeting of the UDA leaders, especially as one of them could be considered a member of the ethnic minority community. Should we not be proud of the fact that people who are not from the same background as ourselves wish to fight for the Loyalist cause? Would British Nationalism not be better trying to win support in the Republic of Ireland amongst Irish Nationalists? I hear that racism in the Republic of Ireland is endemic, surely a better place to seek support?
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Cardiff Loyalist (?) - You are an embarassment to Loyalism. You cling to Loyalism because you think it affords you credibility. You cling to Patriotism for the same reason. But really you hide behind these things. Patriotism alas is the last refuge for thugs and Racialist trash.
Ulster Loyalism needs the NF supporting it like it needs the plague.
I wish you'd turn your attention to other things - away from Ulster. Why dont you simply stick to rioting at football matches ?
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Ever get the feeling that mainland 'Loyalists' just don't understand Ulster Loyalism? or that they do understand it but what to change it into their own form of nationalism? So now we have the situation where both the UVF and UDA are 'race traitors' plus of course the Orange Order and the DUP etc etc. Is there anyone these people do like? apart from themselves. UPRG/UDA have made a consistent statement, consistent with their previous views, as laid out in the document Commonsense. No matter how much British Nationalists attack the UDA, and they have already started I see with their shameless attacks, it makes no difference as we are Loyalists. As for it being PC to condemn an pipe bomb attack on the home of an ethnic minority - what morons!!! Their shameless attacks against true loyalists should be seen for what they are, Nationalists who just dont understand Loyalism and lets be clear deep down they hate Loyalism
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The Far Right themselves have slagged off Loyalists from the Marxist P.U.P. and The U.V.F. as well the U.D.A. because one of their commanders Andre Shoukri is of mixed race.
The Far Right also had digs at Loyalists flying the The Israeli Flag on their estates in Ulster in support of the people of Israel in their struggle against terrorism.
In a recent BBC report senior Loyalists spoke out against The Far Right and Racist attacks:
'Senior loyalists have called for an end to a spate of racist attacks in south Belfast.
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine and Tommy Kirkham of the Ulster Political Research Group hit out at a series of attacks on ethnic groups in the area.
Police are investigating whether a pipe bomb attack earlier this week on an ethnic couple and their eight-week-old baby twins in Donegall Avenue was racially motivated.
The home of two black South African women on the same road was attacked with a pipe bomb last month.
A number of other possible racially motivated incidents in the same area are also being investigated.
Police say literature bearing the name of a militant British political party had been posted through the doors of people from ethnic backgrounds.
Initiative
Mr Ervine, whose party is linked to the loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force, and Mr Kirkham, whose group represents the Ulster Defence Association, said in a joint statement they were working on an initiative to end the attacks.
The statement said: "Both groups are opposed to any form of racism within our community and are, in fact, working in support of minority groups in our community.
"Both David Ervine and Tommy Kirkham have appealed to those responsible to cease forthwith."
Mr Kirkham admitted that "rogue loyalists" were to blame, but insisted neither paramilitary group would have allowed such a campaign.
He added: "There's a few people who have moved into this part of the city with links to the British National Party and it is this small element which needs to be brought into line.
"The fact is, it wouldn't be possible for the UDA and UVF not to know what's going on in south Belfast, but these are rogue loyalist individuals and both groupings need to say enough is enough.
"We will make sure they are ostracised within the loyalist community and this is only the start of a bigger alliance between the two groups."
'Undercurrent'
Last week, Dr Alasdair McDonnell of the SDLP said an undercurrent of racism in some loyalist areas had led to a string of attacks on African people.
Dr James Uhomoibhi, chairman of the Northern Ireland African Cultural Centre, said the people were just trying to make a life for themselves.
Earlier this year, the Equality Commission said racist attacks in Northern Ireland were running at a higher level than in England and Wales.
Racist attacks in Northern Ireland are 16.4 per 1,000 of the population compared to 12.6 in England and Wales, said the commission. '
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The P.U.P. have been making a stance against The White Nationalist Party in the Loyalist stronghold of Ballymena:
PUP campaigns to drive racists out of Ballymena
Henry McDonald, Ireland editor
Sunday May 25, 2003
The Observer
They chant 'No surrender to the IRA' at England internationals and fly the Ulster flag, the symbol of Protestant loyalism, alongside the Cross of St George.
They even come on 'solidarity tours' during the Northern Ireland marching season, hoping to meet idols such as the loyalist terrorist Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair.
But now the far-right neo-Nazis of Britain are being told they are not welcome in the staunchest loyalist town in Ulster and capital of Ian Paisley's Bible belt - Ballymena.
The man leading the campaign to stop English-based far-right groups establishing a base in the province is a former loyalist killer who now supports the peace process.
Over the past three months there have been attacks on houses rented by nurses from the Philippines and Romanian economic migrants in the Co Antrim town.
In response, the ex-Ulster Volunteer Force prisoner Billy McCaughey, and colleagues in the Progressive Unionist Party, PUP, have come on to the streets to drive the neo-Nazis out.
Standing under a street sign covered in race hate leaflets, McCaughey points to a slogan from the National Front. It reads: 'Proud to be British and white.'
'I'm proud to be British too,' he says, 'but you don't have to be white to be British. Even in my most sectarian days I was never a racist.'
His 'sectarian days' began while he was a serving Special Branch officer in the Royal Ulster Constabulary by day and a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force at night. He was sentenced to a life sentence for the 1977 murder of Catholic chemist William Strathhearn. In the Maze prison he met Gusty Spence, David Ervine and other UVF leaders who were to push the loyalist movement towards a ceasefire and a compromise with the republicans.
Since the neo-Nazi presence emerged in his home town, McCaughey has been concerned to stop young loyalists joining organisations such as the National Front and the White National Party, a more extreme offshoot of the British National Party.
'These groups can sound attractive to young loyalists because their rhetoric is so pro-British and pro-unionist,' he says. 'But these people are no friends of Ulster loyalists. The PUP believes in a pluralist United Kingdom.
'What's more, the UVF centres its history on the Somme and the sacrifice of Ulster people in two world wars. In the Second World War, Ulster people fought against Hitler and the Nazis, and now these neo-Nazis want to make common cause with us.'
McCaughey said he and fellow PUP members have held meetings in Ballymena to persuade UVF members to have nothing to do with the neo-fascist groups that have descended on the town.
Since the PUP door-to-door campaign against the Far Right began around Easter, there have been no further attacks on immigrant workers in the town.
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The Official Line taken by The P.U.P. against racism is:
Race Relations
The Progressive Unionist Party actively supports the campaign for the introduction of effective race relations legislation for Northern Ireland.
We call upon Her Majesty's Government to act with urgency and implement all the recommendations into the draft Order in Council (NI) 1996, suggested by ourselves and other concerned groups.
The Progressive Unionist Party upholds the right for individuals from ethnic origin or background to be treated with dignity, justice and equality of opportunity at all levels and in all aspects of human life.
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So in reality it is just a few people who hang onto Loyalism are involved with The Far Right but they are becoming more isolated. No one wants a racist in its ranks.
No matter how much The Far Left and Republicans moan about The Far Right linking itself with Loyalists the above shows Republicans aren't so squeaky clean either!
POLICE SERVICE OF NORTHEN IRELAND
The PSNI came about on the 4th November 2001 as part of The Good Friday Agreement to replace The Royal Ulster Constabulary as The Republican moved despised the latter because they claimed the R.U.C. were prejudice against The Catholic Community.
The PSNI runs a 50/50 recruitment campaign. Basically what that means they will employ 50% of its force from the Protestant Community and 50% from The Catholic Community. Now I'm sure we'd all agree that is a fair enough policy but Sinn Fein are still unhappy and actually discourage members of The Catholic Community to join. Some Republicans have gone further to say any catholics joining the PSNI face repercussions.
Why this is I don't know as The PSNI is the most policed Police Force in the world. It is under scrutiny from many bodies from the UK, Ireland and America. In effect they can't get away with very much.
I ask Republicans why they are still so unhappy when they got what they wanted? Is this another case of moaning for the sake of moaning?
BATTING FOR THE WRONG SIDE
AND FINALLY FOR OUR AMERICAN FRIENDS
It is well known that some Americans who believe they are of Irish Decadency support and Fund Sinn Fein and The IRA.
However these so called Irish Americans are more likely to descend from a Scots/Scottish Irish Clan rather than an pure Irish one.
So therefore they are batting for the wrong side.
Off with the green and on with the orange.
If we are to truly believe in our faith and culture as well as the respect our country then we must be true to our selves our history and from where we and our history came.
According to the magazine Now and Then, statistics are given that show one out of four Americans can claim Scottish/Scotch Irish descent. The periodical also states that a quarter of a million Scotch Irish (Ulster Scots) migrated to America helping to establish the backbone of much of US society. Statistically speaking that is enough to substantiate an examination of the influence of the Scotch Irish culture on America.
In a random choice of just 7 states, Census 2000 counted 3,031,600 in just 7 states.
California - 952,200
Florida - 540,873
Texas - 627,457
Michigan - 224,803
New York - 212,275
North Carolina - 255,825
Pennsylvania - 218,173
As one researcher put it "I grew up thinking I was Irish American, with a real emphasis on the Irish. In recent years, I have come to learn that Hamilton's are a lowland SCOTS clan. They moved to Ulster and then the US, I really haven't had anything to do with the Irish, I am Scotch Irish or Ulster Scots who are a completely different people altogether"
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To conclude this Ulster Special Newsletter I would like to emphasise that you shouldn't believe everything The Republican and most Left Wings claim about Ulster. They do not seek to unite The Working Class - they seek to divide using as many underhanded measures as possible.
There are two sides to every story - Don't be fooled by The Republican Propaganda Machine.
It is also fair to say The catholic Community in recent times have had a better deal than their Protestant Counteparts. This has increased tension and seen the divides go back up where in reality they should be coming down.
The Catholic Community should tell Sinn Fein and other Republicans 'enough is enough' and start to build relationships with the Protestant Community. Part of this could be started by alienating the IRA and insisting they hand all weapons over.
In doing so the Loyalist Community must also insist their Paramilitary organisations hand all their weapons over.
This would show both sides that they do mean the business and maybe just maybe they can begin to learn to live side by side as a United Class and not a divided one.
Thank you to all the sites and Media Groups I gathered information from and thank you again to John Findlay for the interview and being a decent geezer.
Cheers
Steve DIY - JULY 6TH 2003
WORKING CLASS AND PROUD
Steve DIY
e-mail:
fightback_records@blueyonder.co.uk
Comments
Hide the following 9 comments
unbiased?
12.07.2003 21:03
Peace, Ben
ben
Not all prods support the Order order or the stuck up unionist old boy network
13.07.2003 09:51
There are many different shades of loyalism in ulster, not all agree with your one sided analysis of the situation. Some loyalists believe in an independent ulster free from brit and Irish rule. The flags of ulster independant loyalists can be seen in the Donegall pass and other loyalist areas.
Some Working class ulster loyalists have had enough of being led up the garden path, by their rich stuck up snobby ulster unionist establishment parties, such as the UUP, and DUP, hypocrites who condemn and look down their noses at working class loyalist paramilitaries who these same mainstream establishment parties, encouraged to take action against our catholic neighbours, then wash their hands of us and let us rot in jail when we are caught serving our social betters and unionist establishment masters.
Hypocrites such as Pappa doc Paisley who set up and armed his very own paramilitary militia 'THE THIRD FORCE'. DUP hypocrites such as the Reverend Willie McCrea who share their gospel sing along platform with LVF paramilitary nazi filth such as Billy'smack adddled liar'Wright and Coke head Mark'swinger' Fulton.
Yes we've had enough of doing these callous snobs dirty work for them, whilst they keep their hands pearly white.
Thats why working class loyalist communities have set up their own peoples representatives such as the PUP, and UPRG, who talk for the people and who will never turn their back on those they purport to represent.
Cleo shoukri
Responding To Points Made
13.07.2003 11:14
The Loyalist Paras were set up to defend their communities while The IRA are an attacking force. History tells us that. Surely if your home was attacked with bombs and bullets you would use the same tactics to defend your home? After all you wouldn't try and fight them off with your kitchen mop - Let's get real here.
But let's forget history - what is done is done. No one can change the past but they can certainly change the future. Once Gerry Adams orders the I.R.A. to disarm then so will the Loyalist Paras. Remember this is 2003.
As for political parties such as the P.U.P. they have had so much flak for standing on some demos as Sinn Fein and even talking to them.
The Loyalist community have done their bit let's see Gerry Adams and Co do theirs by seeing a stop to ethnic cleansing, a complete handover of all weapons and not unlawfully viewing people's medical records to use addresses against them.
I agree Cleo there are people in Ulster who want an independent Ulster and to be honest maybe this is another way forward to end the violence between Catholics and Protestants. No one would be able to argue then as it would be under independent rule though I'm sure some would try.
Cleo I actually support the P.U.P. - they are an excellent party with some excellent policies and are a breath of fresh air from all the other rhetoric other political parties comes out with. Pity more people don't look towards them.
Finally to both Ben and Cleo the article was not biased as in the beginning it states it is written to answer the lies and myths conjured up by The Republicans and their allies. It is set out to educate people not really in the know that there is another side to the story.
Steve
Steve DIY
e-mail:
fightback_records@blueyonder.co.uk
responding to points made pt 2
13.07.2003 14:14
However when meeting O.O. people or visiting their sites on the net there has been almost no signs of links with Para's or The Far Right. OK they might have the odd racist or para memeber in their ranks but as John points out in the interview they are kicked out if this becomes public knowledge.
That's fair enough I think - pity British Trade Unionists refuse to kick out members who are racist.
Steve DIY
e-mail:
fightback_records@blueyonder.co.uk
The way forward
13.07.2003 22:41
The Orange order certainly have the right to express aspects of their protestantism through marching and celebration of the 12th July within their own communities.
But how would the working class protestant community like it if republicans demanded to walk through the Shankill/Rathcoole/Upper newtonards rd every year, waving tricolours, accompanied by bands playing celtic rebel songs? This is the provocation republican residents have to endure every 12th with numerous Orange lodges demanding to walk through catholic areas.
Having said this I did enjoy the athletics of the Shankill protestant boys band, who had 2 break dancing shamrock wearing baton throwers, if we had more of this, and a more inclusive parade and celebrations maybe republicans would not find Orange marches and celebrations intimidating and scary. Every year we always here in the news at around the 11th night bonfire celebrations of the odd catholic youth straying into a loyalist area, drawn to the bonfires. Think what would happen if loyalists made their 11th night bonfire celebrations more inclusive,welcoming and less sectarian, I'm sure more catholics would want to enjoy the bonfires with their protestant neighbours. Everyone likes a bonfire, look what happens every halloween.
In Dollingstown Armagh, the 11th night bonfire celebrations were innovative even dare I say with a hint of inclusivity, with protestant residents organising a night of ulster scots music, games, and BBQ, and stressing everyone was welcome to attend. Signs would indicate that some orange men are making changes, adapting and taking care to consider their working class catholic neighbours feelings, although in contensious peaceline areas such as the Ardoyne and Ormeau road, alot more work and cross community interaction and understanding is needed.
Veni emmanuel
The way forward - The Response
14.07.2003 10:06
You mention about sensitive areas but don't Republican Parades march through areas sensitive to the Protestant Community? Innocent people have been murdered on both sides of the fence - While I don't agree with innocent people being murdered should all parades(Protestant and Republican) be banned because some one might take offence? Of course not that is not realistic and why should the majority on either side pay heavily for the crimes the minority have committed?
Would you say these suggestions by Alan Day of Ulster-Scots & Irish Unionist Resource would be acceptable to The Republican Community:
"What is needed is more accountability and marshalling. A government body where all marching organisation must register themselves and there members, a code of conduct and disciplinary procedures that can be taken against an organiser, a lodge, band or individual.
What is also need is the removal of the parades commission and the introduction of rules and guidelines with regards to parade routes........ie the most direct route between hall and church should be used and keeping to main roads where possible, or band parades keeping to town centres..........ect ect
We should be forthcoming in such proposals and getting rules put in place with nationalist agreement, thereby securing our rights, whilst causing lest offense."
While I share your dismay at a few mindless idiots laughing and mocking 5 innocent people being murdered what are your thoughts of Republicans who have done the same mocking towards The Protestant Community when they to have had innocent people murdered?
Cluan Place for example when members of The Republican Community have attacked the small enclave of Protestants at Cluan Place they have celebrated triumphantly on their roof tops! Now how would you like it if I shot at your house and had a laugh about it with freinds on your neighbours roof top?
Your comment about the 12th being celebrated by all I am in agreement with. Celebrations should be taken part by all and in the same token Republicans should open their celebrations to the Protestant Community. It would be an excellent move on both sides to bring the communities together.
However for this to work with many members of The O.O. - The Republican Community must stop attacking O.O. buildings. If the O.O. burned down a Catholic Church people on both sides of the fence would be up in arms and rightfully so - It's a place of worship. Every person has a right to worship whatever faith they are happy with. Just because Republicans don't agree with the O.O. doesn't give them the right to burn down their buildings or smash them up.
However I am prepared to admit the law doesn't send out the right message to the Republican Community by releasing arsonists back into the community. It must make Barry Hornes family(for those not in the know Barry Horne was an Animal Rights Activists sent to prison for 18 years for arson against Animal Death Camps - He later died in Jail) that he got a heavy prison sentence for his beliefs yet Republicans when they cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to O.O. buildings they just get Community Service Orders: Please follow this link for the latest farce of a sentence:
I do accept that you feel that many O.O. people should change their ways and slowly they are with people within that circle doing their best to make changes. But like anything these things take time and I'm sure there are some Republicans trying to move the Old Republican Guard into pastures new with their ideas who feel like they are banging their head against a wall but they must carry on just as members of the O.O. should.
Finally I must point out that I am not a member of the Orange Order or any other Loyalist Associated Organisation and I will also point out that the O.O. and other Organisations I post to don't get away with criticism. If John or Andy 221 from Calton Protestant Defenders are reading this they will confirm that they have had their ears and email boxes bashed by members of their community who I've upset through my straight talking.
Steve DIY
e-mail:
fightback_records@blueyonder.co.uk
many sides to how you tell a story.....
14.07.2003 12:41
We may think of it as part of United Kollectives.
but also we may think of it as part of Erron.
historically it was and is part of Erron.
The weekend past, which was the Orange weekend, many articles appeared perhaps prompted by a slightly biased Erron writer's article.
Erron is slightly biased to Ulster it is true.
But that generally is our mothers' fault.
The mammies of Erron do their best to instil feelings of tribal indentity in their children (known in ulster as wee bairns) in Erron as "kids".
And this is something we must deal with.
Ulster doesn't have an autonomous space....yet
It is still dealing with the legacy of the mammies.
Ireland however as of this weekend does.
On that same square, where the LOL began.
On that same square that bears according to the mammy two different names.
The Erron orange special not completely unrelated to this Ulster special
is hubbed @
other things of interest that happened were the opening of Dublin's autonomous space on Parnell Sq, which before was Rutland Sq, where the Orange Order had their HQ. Parnell was the protestant leader of the Irish Home Rule party, and as such a most bitter opponent of the Orange Order.
He said and I qoute.
"We have never attempted to place the ne plus ultra on the march of nationhood".
It is most appropriate that Dublin has an autonomous centre in the wake of explusions of Irish born citizens of immigrants, that this centre be opened at that square.
& Respect to our neighbours.
of United Kollectives.
ipsiphi ego sci fi.
many sides to how you tell a story.....Reply
15.07.2003 12:57
Steve DIY
e-mail:
fightback_records@blueyonder.co.uk
Steve DIY
28.07.2003 23:53
I would say that if soem of you think the Orange Order has no place in Society or is full of Bigots or whatever your opinion is to come along to our site where you can talk to Steve and myself, most of our members are good people, and the boards are for anyone to post, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion.
Andy221
Andy Findlay
e-mail:
andy221@worldwideloyalists.com
Homepage:
http://www.calton221.vze.com