Posted on 02/25/2006 12:37:44 PM PST by Irish_Thatcherite
DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - Several hundred Irish Republican army supporters attacked police on Dublin's central boulevard and near the parliament building Saturday to prevent an unprecedented parade by Northern Ireland Protestants.
In riotous scenes rarely seen in the Republic of Ireland, protesters hurled bottles, bricks and fireworks, at police as they tried to clear the hostile crowd from O'Connell Street.
The Garda Siochana, Ireland's national police force, said 14 people - six officers, seven protesters and a journalist - were hospitalized, mostly with head wounds. More than a dozen other people suffered less serious injuries. The police advised shoppers and tourists to avoid the entire city centre, which is normally packed with pedestrian traffic on Saturdays.
Officers in full riot gear - helmets, shields and clubs - arrested at least 37 protesters as a police surveillance plane circled overhead.
The protesters, mostly young men covering their faces with scarves, chanted pro-IRA slogans as they waged running battles with riot police and other officers on horseback for more than an hour, forcing shops on Ireland's most famous street to close. Afterward, O'Connell Street was littered with broken paving stones and glass from shattered shop windows.
Later, more scuffles broke out on Kildare Street near Leinster House, Ireland's parliament, and the country's national history and art museums. At least three cars were set on fire, one was flipped over, and the windows of several others were smashed as police struggled to contain the rioters.
The mayhem forced Protestant hardliners from the Love Ulster campaign to abandon their plan to parade through Dublin, which the Irish government had supported in a gesture of reconciliation. It would have been the first parade in Dublin by pro-British Protestants since Ireland's partition into a mostly Protestant north and mostly Catholic south in 1921.
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said Protestant "unionists," who favour Northern Ireland's union with Britain, should have enjoyed freedom to demonstrate their views.
"There is absolutely no excuse for the disgraceful scenes in Dublin today," Ahern said. "It is the essence of Irish democracy and republicanism that people are allowed to express their views freely and in a peaceful manner."
Leaders of the aborted parade praised police efforts to protect them, but nonetheless handed a letter of protest to Justice Minister Michael McDowell during a meeting inside Leinster House.
A Protestant politician, Democratic Unionist party legislator Jeffrey Donaldson, said most of the rioters had travelled to Dublin from Catholic areas of Northern Ireland.
"We have received a warm welcome from ordinary Dubliners," Donaldson said. "But it's clear these republicans have come from north of the border and other areas intent only on causing trouble."
Sinn Fein, the IRA-linked party that represents most Catholics in Northern Ireland but is less popular south of the border, sought to distance itself from the violence.
Sean Crowe, a Sinn Fein member of parliament, said the Protestant marchers "came to Dublin today to be provocative and get a reaction. Sinn Fein urged people not to be provoked and to stay away, and the vast majority of Dubliners . . . did just that."
But the Social Democratic and Labour party, which represents moderate Catholic opinion in Northern Ireland, said republican rioters had reinforced Protestants' hostility to the idea of a politically united Ireland.
The Love Ulster campaign is led by Willie Frazer, several of whose relatives were killed by the modern IRA.
The IRA in 1970 launched a bloody campaign to force Northern Ireland out of the United Kingdom. The outlawed group killed about 1,775 people and maimed thousands more before calling a 1997 cease-fire.
They are against democracy, therefore they wish to destroy it! Of course, they will use democracy in order to destroy it.
The IRA is not waging a war against Irish democracy. If it is, it is the most low level, unintensive, down right dull sitzkrieg in recorded history.
They are engaging in a criminal conspiracy against the Irish Republic. If you pick up an Irish newspaper, such as the Sunday Independent or the Sunday World, you will read that, in fact a search here on FR will show threads relating to the IRA conspiracy.
No. The IRA knows it will never overthrow any government and has made that plain in its halting entrance into a political deal with Britain over the last 15 years. You can shout “conspiracy” all you want, but Ireland is safe from any significant move by the IRA.
The Weimer Republic was safe from Hitler!
The first three most certainly. Al Qaida? Doubtful.
So they make deals with fellow demons, but draw the line with the Devil himself, sure.
Probably true. They will cozy up to anyone who can further their cause. We would do the same if we thought it necessary.
I see no necessity here, in fact no necessity for the IRA.
You seem to be the only crybaby here. You are whinning and whinning in post after post. Be an adult for Pete’s sake. If you’re modern Ireland then YOU WILL LOSE to the IRA with that childish attitude of yours.
Excuse me for getting angry at a terrorist organization attacking members of the Irish police and the general public on our country's main thoroughfare, excuse me for getting angry at those who make excuses about it.
Overthrow Irish democracy? Please get a grip on yourself. And yes, they most certainly have killed 2,000 people in Ireland and elsewhere. The violence seems largely over on their side, however. Let's hope that continues.
Let's hope what continues?
He's seems to be contradicting himself now!!
You wrote:
“They are against democracy, therefore they wish to destroy it! Of course, they will use democracy in order to destroy it.”
They are still not fighting a war against democracy. You can twist and turn all you like, but that fact is obvious by their own participation in elections (no matter how self-serving).
“They are engaging in a criminal conspiracy against the Irish Republic. If you pick up an Irish newspaper, such as the Sunday Independent or the Sunday World, you will read that, in fact a search here on FR will show threads relating to the IRA conspiracy.”
Your “conspiracy” does not a war make. Again, can twist and turn all you like, but the IRA is not doing anything to overthrow Irish democracy nor could it do much of anything against Irish democracy.
“The Weimer Republic was safe from Hitler!”
Clearly it was not. But we are not talking about the Weimar Republic (which faced numerous challenges while Ireland faces nothing of the kind) nor Hitler (who led millions of party members and street thugs).
“So they make deals with fellow demons, but draw the line with the Devil himself, sure.”
No. The chances of the IRA even having contact with Al Qaeda are simply minimal. Not impossible. Just minimal. It is doubtful that there is any relationship between the two.
“I see no necessity here, in fact no necessity for the IRA.”
Clearly many Irish disagree with you.
“Excuse me for getting angry at a terrorist organization attacking members of the Irish police and the general public on our country's main thoroughfare, excuse me for getting angry at those who make excuses about it.”
That isn’t what you’re doing. You are whinning like a hurt little girl as you are stomped on in post after post. You are not showing anyone what you claim. Instead you are simply embarrassing yourself. I also never once made any excuses for the IRA.
You wrote:
“Then why did you mention the Famine?”
I did so because it was appropriate to do so. I did not do it in the way you claimed.
“ I don't like that tradegy been used as a political football.”
Again, you’re whinning. Why are you always whinning like a hurt little girl? Don’t like the famine used as a political football? Then don’t ever talk about Irish politics.
“Let's hope what continues?”
Are you struggling with the plain written word? I wrote: “The violence seems largely over on their side, however. Let's hope that continues.” The IRA is not nearly as violent as it once was. Let’s hope that continues. Is that so hard to understand? Would you rather have more violence?
I really wish I could believe you Vladimir, but unfortunately they are. Our Taoiseach and Minister for justice have been at pains over the years to emphasize the danger the shinners present to our democracy to a complacent electorate enjoying the fruits of an economic boom. Currently, the shinbags curry support from 10% of the population - mainly scumbags, the vertically challenged, and of course, the socialist elite. All predictions indicate that they will hold the balance of power after the next election.
That's right, a gang of murderers, thieves, vagrants, bus-bombers and baby killers, still active with their own 'army' may hold the balance of power in Ireland in 18 months. Threat to democracy it most surely is.
Proof? Not saying it wasn't but the article isn't very clear on how it knows it was them. Also, it's interesting that the article shows the death toll caused by IRA terrorists but makes no mention of Loyalist terrorists own death tolls.
How about sharing some of that vitriol for the Loyalist terrorists as well?
I ask this out of genuine curiousity. Do you hold the same hatred for Loyalist terrorists?
That's easy - YES.
I actually hate the Loyalist terrorist groups too.
That's not what's been disputed here.
And who else could it be?
Also, it's interesting that the article shows the death toll caused by IRA terrorists but makes no mention of Loyalist terrorists own death tolls.
The article isn't about the Loyalist scumbags.
Your “conspiracy” does not a war make. Again, can twist and turn all you like, but the IRA is not doing anything to overthrow Irish democracy nor could it do much of anything against Irish democracy.
You are disputing intelligence gathered by the Irish police force and by investigate journalists.
Clearly it was not. But we are not talking about the Weimar Republic (which faced numerous challenges while Ireland faces nothing of the kind) nor Hitler (who led millions of party members and street thugs).
Which doesn't mean that the IRA aren't trying to establish a Hibernofascist dictatorship in this country.
No. The chances of the IRA even having contact with Al Qaeda are simply minimal. Not impossible. Just minimal. It is doubtful that there is any relationship between the two.
There are Al Qaida operatives in this country as I speak, don't tell me Sinn Fein/IRA don't know who and where they are. They are all part of an international terrorist network, it's a well-established fact that leftist terrorist groups are in league with Islamofascist terrorist groups.
Clearly many Irish disagree with you.
A very small minority do.
That isn’t what you’re doing. You are whinning like a hurt little girl as you are stomped on in post after post. You are not showing anyone what you claim. Instead you are simply embarrassing yourself. I also never once made any excuses for the IRA.
If you weren't making excuses for the IRA, then why didn't you just simply condemn the rioting in this country's capital? If it was Muslims rioting the condemnation would be universal, and rightly so, why should Irish subversives be any different?
Excuse me for complaining about a terrorist group and it's lackeys.
The Famine was over 150 years ago, and I will talk about the politics of my own country when I damn well feel like it.
HEHE, I think these people are more Irish than I give them credit - they certainly like to have their hands over over their ears!!
Thank God for Eoghan Harris!
You wrote: "I really wish I could believe you Vladimir, but unfortunately they are. Our Taoiseach and Minister for justice have been at pains over the years to emphasize the danger the shinners present to our democracy to a complacent electorate enjoying the fruits of an economic boom."
Please dwell in reality and not some fantasy land. The IRA has ZERO chance of overthrowing Ireland or destroying Ireland's democracy. They don't have the numbers, money, arms, plan, or ability or chance to ever accomplish anything of the kind.
"Currently, the shinbags curry support from 10% of the population - mainly scumbags, the vertically challenged, and of course, the socialist elite. All predictions indicate that they will hold the balance of power after the next election."
10%? And you think they're going to overthrow Ireland's democracy with electoral support from 10% of the population? Are you thinking?
"That's right, a gang of murderers, thieves, vagrants, bus-bombers and baby killers, still active with their own 'army' may hold the balance of power in Ireland in 18 months. Threat to democracy it most surely is."
No, it isn't. Participating in a democracy is not overthrowing it. SF might gain some power in Ireland's government but that is A VERY, VERY LONG WAY FROM destroying Ireland's democracy.
On second thought, keep up your fantasies. After all, a replacement for the Davinci Code is needed soon. Write down your nutty conspiracy theories as a book. I am sure it will be a page turner.
You wrote: "You are disputing intelligence gathered by the Irish police force and by investigate journalists."
No, I am just stating the obvious. The IRA CANNOT OVERTHROW IRELAND'S DEMOCRACY. It's just that simple.
"Which doesn't mean that the IRA aren't trying to establish a Hibernofascist dictatorship in this country."
Yeah, actually it does mean that they aren't. They know they have no chance of it EVER succeeding. They can't win enough elections.
"There are Al Qaida operatives in this country as I speak, don't tell me Sinn Fein/IRA don't know who and where they are."
Believing it is so doesn't make it so. Please think. Do you have any solid evidence for what you have repeatedly claimed?
"They are all part of an international terrorist network, it's a well-established fact that leftist terrorist groups are in league with Islamofascist terrorist groups."
Maybe they are. That doesn't mean that that is the case with the IRA and Al-Qaeda. You are assuming that because one thing is true that the other must also be true with out any cause and effect or even any link. I make no such mistake.
"A very small minority do."
And I am right again. Thanks.
"If you weren't making excuses for the IRA, then why didn't you just simply condemn the rioting in this country's capital?"
Again, you link the two as if they are joined when they are not. I am not under any obligation to condemn something just because you want me to. Frankly the rioting you mentioned seemed like nothing particularly troublesome -- a relatively minor police matter.
"If it was Muslims rioting the condemnation would be universal, and rightly so, why should Irish subversives be any different?"
Simple. Irish "subversives" are not our universal enemy. They are a problem in your neck of the woods. They, on rare occasions, also cause trouble overseas. Muslims are trouble everywhere.
"Excuse me for complaining about a terrorist group and it's lackeys."
You're excused. Now stop whinning like a little girl.
I meet shinners like this everyday! They gloss over the murder and mayhem and head straight for victim status as if to say "Look at poor me, oppressed by the Brits for 800 years. Let's plant bombs in bin on pedestrian streets."
Being from the North myself, I remember the heady days of the 70s and 80s Vladimir, the black flags, the climate of fear and terror and how close we came to the brink of a total collapse, but the RA always ensured we were at least a basket-case banana republic. Not bad eh, for a band of hate filled morons and an army of barstool republicans! And yes, I understand why you feel the way you do, because I was once a pawn of provo propaganda swallowing their bile and embracing victimhood. Sometimes you gotta grow up and stop living in a fantasy land. You should take your own advise.
You wrote: "I find your post hilarious! I believe GW Bush when he says Al Quada are a threat to western democracy and they have a lot less then 10% support in the US."
If Al-Qaeda is a threat to democracy it is in Iraq where it is killing people by the score. Remember that Al Qaeda killed 3,000 people in ONE DAY in the US. The IRA didn't do that in more than 30 years. Who is really a threat to whom here?
"Remember, the shinbags have connections with all sorts terrorists organizations around the world."
Again, the one does not prove the other. Just because they have links with leftist terrorists all around the world doesn't mean they are in cahoots with Al Qaeda. I don't know why you guys keep repeating this mantra as if repeating it makes it so.
"They used Libya's guns and semtex to murder those who opposed their murderous regime, politicians, community leaders, police, anyone>
Yeah, in the 1970's and 1980's. In case you didn't know that was a while ago. Do you think you could catch up to the 21st century any time soon?
"Being from the North myself, I remember the heady days of the 70s and 80s Vladimir, the black flags, the climate of fear and terror and how close we came to the brink of a total collapse, but the RA always ensured we were at least a basket-case banana republic."
You were never much of a republic to begin with. And again, you are living in the past. It is not the "heady" days anymore. Catch up to the 21st century.
"Not bad eh, for a band of hate filled morons and an army of barstool republicans!"
Amazing how Scotch-Irish abuse, British descrimination, and Marxism can inspire people to tackle bigger things like the waning British empire and make a dent isn't it? You may not be able to stop the Marxism, but the people of Northern Ireland and Britain could have done more about the other two problems and the Provos would never have had a reason for being in the 1970's and 1980's. After all, if the British had not treated Americans so poorly in the 1770's would there have been an American Revolution? If the British hadn't been so stupid in India would there have been a Sepoy Rebellion or even a non-violent revolt against British rule in the 1940's? Are you seeing a pattern of British behavior yet?
"And yes, I understand why you feel the way you do, because I was once a pawn of provo propaganda swallowing their bile and embracing victimhood."
I am not now, nor have I ever been, a pawn of anyone's propaganda. And I reject all notions of victimhood altogether. I, unlike you, see things as they actually are. I do not re-imagine history. I do not create fantasies about the IRA and Al Qaeda either. I put blame where it is due for all those parties that deserve it.
"Sometimes you gotta grow up and stop living in a fantasy land. You should take your own advise."
I was able to give the advice as someone never having needed it. I simply don't have your problem on this issue.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.