Sunday 27 December 2015

éirígí Newry Welcomes Irish Language Street Signage in Derrybeg

éirígí An lúir have welcomed the erection of additional Irish language street signage in the Derrybeg Terrace area of Newry. The signage was erected following contact between the socialist republican party and Newry, Mourne and Down council's Irish Language Department. 
Commenting on the development éirígí's Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney explained "Several weeks ago I contacted the council’s Irish language department with a request to have bilingual street signage erected at this location, and local residents are delighted to see this has now been secured.”

Echoing the éirígí representative's comments, Derrybeg community worker, Anthony Coyle, said, "Although Derrybeg Terrace is a relatively new build. This now means the street signage is in line with the rest of the Derrybeg area which has had street signs ‘as Gaeilge’ for quite a few years."
Murney continued "I would like to thank council staff for their assistance with this. While this may appear to a relatively minor development, as a party we believe that the Irish language should be promoted at every opportunity. "
Concluding Stephen added "On that note I would encourage anyone who would like to see bilingual street signs erected in their area to contact either myself or the council’s Irish Language department to set the process in motion."

Friday 25 December 2015

éirígí Newry: Newry Tragedy Remembered On Christmas Eve

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On Thursday (December 24), the socialist republican party éirígí commemorated the deaths of two IRA volunteers, Eddie Grant and Brendan Quinn, in the Derrybeg estate in Newry. Both young men tragically lost their lives on active service on Christmas Eve in 1973 in a premature explosion which also claimed the life of Aubrey Harshaw.
1507747_761359763964904_2756251506266841485_nSpeaking at the commemoration ceremony, éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney paid tribute to both men. He said, “At Christmas, most people would think of spending time with their families and loved ones. Given the circumstances that prevailed in 1973, Eddie and Brendan found themselves on active service fighting on behalf of the Republican struggle.
“During an operation in Monaghan Street, an improvised explosive device which they were handling detonated prematurely resulting in the deaths of both young volunteers. Tragically, the same bomb also claimed the life of a civilian.”
Murney continued, “Eddie Grant, Brendan Quinn and Aubrey Harshaw all died on that terrible December night. Three families were to suffer tragic news on that Christmas Eve. Most tragically of all, the eldest of the three was only eighteen years of age.”
12376041_761359773964903_192992905747030606_nContinuing Stephen said, “Their deaths were a result of the injustices which arose from the partition of our country and the partition of our people. Over four decades later, the partition of this island and its people still remain unresolved.
“As we approach the centenary of 1916 next year, there is a clear onus on all Republicans to ensure that the age old struggle for national, political and social liberation can find new ways, means and methods by which to secure that same republic for which young people, like Brendan and Eddie, so willingly sacrificed their lives.”



Sunday 13 December 2015

éirígí: Newry’s Egyptian Arch Ambush Recalled

Saturday morning [December 12] saw éirígí activists remember three Republican soldiers who lost their lives during an ambush on British troops at the Egyptian Arch in Newry in 1920.

In the now annual event, tribute was paid to Volunteers John Francis O’Hare, William Canning and Peter Shields and a wreath was laid in their honour beside a commemorative plaque  erected by the socialist republican party several years ago.



Speaking at Saturday morning’s event, éirígí's Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said, "Today marks the 95th anniversary of this historic event. Tragically three volunteers were to lose their lives when they ambushed British forces.

"Earlier, Republican volunteers had attacked the RIC barracks in Camlough in an attempt to draw British reinforcements out from Newry and into a pre-planned ambush at the Egyptian Arch.

"Despite the task they faced, the volunteers willingly and bravely engaged the enemy on that cold December night. William Canning was fatally injured at the ambush scene and both Peter Shields  and  John Francis O’Hare later died as a result of wounds they received at the time.”

Murney concluded by saying, “Those who fought and gave their lives at this spot ninety five years ago did not do so for a partitionist settlement nor did they die in order for British rule to be administered through a puppet parliament at Stormont."



Saturday 21 November 2015

éirígí Newry Urge Residents to be Alert


After a spate of thefts and burglaries over the course of the past few months, éirígí's Stephen Murney has called for local residents to be vigilant as Christmas approaches.

The local spokesperson for the revolutionary republican party said "we would urge everyone to ensure they have their valuables and belongings safe and secured.

"As we have seen over the past number of months there has been an upsurge in thefts and burglaries in various areas throughout Newry."

Stephen continued "In recent months éirígí have assisted residents who contacted the party after they were targeted by thieves and offered them assistance and support.

"Unfortunately there are anti-community elements in this society who would prey on ordinary people, in particular the elderly and vulnerable."

Concluding Murney added "With Christmas fast approaching it is important that residents remain vigilant. By being alert and taking simple precautions people can deter those sinister individuals intent on such unwanted activity."

Friday 20 November 2015

éirígí Newry: Daisy Hill Crisis – Lives At Risk Over Money.


Staff at Newry’s Daisy Hill Hospital are increasingly worried about its longevity as it’s believed that Stormont may have taken a long term view to its closure, with shutdowns of critical services in the short term.

A local spokesperson for éirígí, the revolutionary republican party, said, “Very recently, staff from Daisy Hill have been noted in local papers as stating that the A&E at the hospital will no longer offer a 24 hour service and all ambulance calls will be directed to Craigavon Area Hospital, and that this is likely to take affect toward the end of January, beyond which Daisy Hill A&E will be reduced. It was also noted by that source that already we are seeing the flight of staff from all levels within the hospital, as personnel try to secure longer term jobs in advance of any closure. “

He continued, “There is absolutely no reason for the Hospital or any of its services to close, except where there is a clear attempt to cut budgets and save some extra cash for the Stormont government - and that is what is happening in this instance. It is an irrefutable fact that the closure of Daisy Hill A&E will result in the loss of lives, as those from the Newry area in critical need of care are sent 25 miles further away, when faced with an emergency situation, whilst people from the Kilkeel area will face a 36 mile journey.


He finished by adding, “Can those political parties in coalition and responsible for the Six County budget and the potential closure of Daisy Hill, namely the DUP and Sinn Féin, confirm for the record that there is no intention to shut the Hospital or any of its services down?"

"If this is in the pipeline, the DUP and Sinn Féin would know exactly how, when and why. Which begs the question: why the big secret? - Just how deep are Stormont cuts going to go with Daisy Hill? And what else do we not know?”



Thursday 22 October 2015

éirígí Newry Slam Pathetic PSNI Normalisation Stunts

ÉIRÍGÍ NEWRY SLAM PATHETIC PSNI NORMALISATION STUNTS

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The Revolutionary Republican Party éirígí, has slammed what can only be described as a pathetic PSNI normalisation stunt which was recently launched in Newry by former republicans in Sinn Féin in conjunction with the toothless “Policing and Community Safety Partnership” [PCSP].
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The So-called “Coffee with A Cop” initiative will see PSNI human rights abusers being present at a number of establishments in locations across Newry on a fortnightly basis to, in their words, “engage with the community”. Pictured in the embarrassing photograph of the launch was a rather awkward looking Sinn Féin councillor, and chair of the Newry PCSP, Mickey Larkin.
Slamming the petty event and those behind it, éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney said “Ever since former republicans made the decision to support the British forces of occupation, namely the PSNI, we have witnessed an obvious and deliberate attempt to integrate the PSNI into nationalist and republican communities across the six-counties using various means and methods. This is a deliberate policy which former republicans are instrumental in pursuing. The long held republican demand to “Disband the RUC” never became a reality.
“The PSNI is a force which habitually abuses the human rights of men, women and children across occupied Ireland using various means. For example the ongoing use of draconian stop and searches, harassment, intimidation, house raids and internment of Irish citizens. Residents of communities in Newry have been subjected to each of these means. Let’s not forget that the PSNI work hand in glove with MI5 with many of the house raids and stop and searches being carried out under the instructions of the British security services.”
Referencing other PSNI normalisation stunts Stephen continued ”On a regular basis we witness the PSNI taking part in similar events that constitutionalist nationalists are involved in organising and promoting. In many of these events we witness images of young kids wearing peeler hats, playing in various PSNI vehicles whilst armed members of the PSNI pose beside them smiling in photographs. These are classic examples of the normalisation strategy which is used to try to make the force appear like a normal policing service, something which they are far from.
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“The people, and communities, of Newry should not feel as if they have to accept and work with these sinister forces. They simply don’t have to do it. They didn’t have to do it in the past and they certainly don’t have to do it today. Those who choose to promote these forces should seriously reconsider their policy of working with human rights abusers. Political policing and harassment is as real today as it was in any of the past few decades and no amount of pathetic publicity stunts and petty photo opportunities will change that.”
Concluding Murney said “I would also say to those with a political agenda to examine your conscience and stop providing political cover for the British state forces and their actions which violate human rights.
“We in éirígí want to make it clear that we will continue to expose the PSNI and their apologist cheerleaders regardless.”

Sunday 20 September 2015

éirígí Hold Successful "Reclaim the Republic" Campaign launch in Newry

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busy Saturday afternoon [September 19] saw éirígí activists take to the streets of Newry to launch the party’s “Reclaim the Republic” campaign in the area.
The activists set up an information stall in Hill Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in Newry. éirígí flags and starry ploughs adorned the stall adding some colour to the launch.
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For the duration of the event numerous members of the public, young and old, stopped by to chat with éirígí activists and enquire about the party and our campaign.
Speaking from the launch éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney said “We are here today ,not only to launch this campaign, but also to engage with the people of Newry. We are absolutely delighted with theresponse we received.
“Our stall attracted quite a bit of attention from the people of Newry whilst scores of poster-sized colour proclamations were distributed to shoppers and members of the public alike, along with copies of our latest local news sheet “Poblacht na nOibrithe/The Workers Republic”.
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Echoing Stephens words Newry éirígí activist Anthony Coyle added “The next stage of our “Reclaim the Republic” campaign will entail éirígí activists distributing 1916 proclamations to hundreds of homes in the various housing estates and streets throughout Newry.
“It’s fitting that éirígí have launched this campaign in the area given the fact that Newry has a direct link with the Easter rising, with local republican Patrick Rankin cycling from Newry to Dublin to take part in the battle”.
Concluding Murney said “We are looking forward to further engaging with local working class communities throughout the course of this initiative”.
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Tuesday 15 September 2015

éirígí to launch "Reclaim the Republic" campaign in Newry



With the centenary of the 1916 Easter rising fast approaching, the socialist Republican Party éirígí plan to launch their "Reclaim the Republic/Athshealbhaígí an Phoblacht" campaign in Newry next weekend.

The campaign, which has already been launched in various parts of the country including Belfast, Dublin and Tipperary, will involve the distribution of hundreds of 1916 proclamations to homes across the Newry area.

Speaking ahead of the campaign launch éirígí's Newry representative Stephen Murney explained "Next Saturday afternoon [September 19] we plan to hold a "Reclaim the Republic" information stall in Hill Street. This will give éirígí activists the opportunity to engage with the people of Newry.


"We will be distributing 1916 proclamations during this event as It is our view that every household should have one of these historic documents proudly displayed. As it stands éirígí have so far distributed over 70,000 1916 proclamations to homes across Ireland."

Murney continued "Following the launch, the main element of the campaign will see éirígí activists distribute full colour, poster-size copies of the Proclamation to households across the Newry area in the coming weeks and months.

"The context of the proclamation is as relevant today as it was almost 100 years ago. The ideals contained within this historic document have yet to be realised.

Concluding Stephen said "We will be asking people to examine how the Ireland of 2015 compares to the Ireland hoped for by those who declared the Irish Republic of 1916. We would argue that we certainly don't have a Republic which genuinely “guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities”. Therefore we are encouraging people to become politically active and “Reclaim the Republic”.



Thursday 3 September 2015

SEVENTEEN LOYALIST/UNIONIST PARADES IN NEWRY EACH YEAR IS ABHORRENT

The revelation that there are at least seventeen Loyalist/Unionist parades in Newry each year has been described as abhorrent by the socialist republican party éirígí.

The comments came following Friday nights sectarian parade, organised by the South Down Defenders Flute Band, which involved thousands of Loyalists and at least 50 sectarian flute bands. There were further parades on both Saturday and Sunday along with PSNI harassment of the local éirígí spokesperson observing the marches.



Voicing the party’s opposition to sectarian marches, éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney said “I was present to observe these coat-trailing exercises over the course of the weekend. Just a couple of weeks ago we raised serious concerns about the disruption that this weekend’s plethora of sectarian parades would bring to Newry.

“Our prediction was well founded and proven to be correct when Newry was brought to a standstill on Friday night. Heavily armed PSNI members launched a significant security operation to seal off and close roads in one of the main arterial areas of the town to facilitate the unwanted parade. This in turn caused severe disruption across Newry. Residents living along the route of the parade were literally prisoners in their own homes as dozens of sectarian bands and thousands of Loyalist bigots descended onto their streets for several hours. The disruption continued on both Saturday and Sunday”.

Furthermore Stephen explained how he was subjected to PSNI harassment whilst observing the parades “On Saturday evening I was present in the centre of Newry to observe one of these sectarian marches. As soon as I arrived at the Town Hall I was apprehended and singled out by two members of the state forces, one of whom is notorious for harassing local republicans. They proceeded to stop me using so-called “anti-terror” legislation and the draconian Justice and Security Act. I had my details and movements recorded before being spread-eagled and searched for firearms and ammunition. Following that they radioed for back up and I found myself surrounded by no less than six heavily armed members of the PSNI. On handing me the stop and search card one of them quipped “you have enough of those cards by now to know what to do with them Stephen”. This was a clear reference to the intense campaign of PSNI harassment I have been subjected to over the past few years. The whole ordeal lasted 25 minutes and I have logged the details of the incident with my legal representatives and leading human rights group The Committee on the Administration of Justice [CAJ].



Stephen continued “Whilst political apologists and loyalist band representatives alike tried to portray this as a “colourful, fun, family event” with plenty of “musical talent”, the reality for local residents and citizens of Newry proved to be very different.

“The centre of Newry resembled a ghost town with the normally busy streets deserted and empty.

“This should have been a busy bank holiday weekend for locals and visitors alike. The last thing anyone, either from Newry or elsewhere, would want to see is heavily armed PSNI members in armoured landrovers sealing half the town off to facilitate a weekend of sectarianism.

Highlighting the number of sectarian marches in the Newry area Stephen concluded “The fact that there are at least seventeen Loyalist/Unionist parades in Newry each year is startling to say the least, and this figure doesn't even include return legs of the parades. These parades are unwelcome and it’s about time they were re-routed away from areas in which they are unwanted.”

Thursday 13 August 2015

Newry Braces Itself For A Weekend of Unionist Coat-trailing

Concern has been expressed by éirígí An Iúir in relation to a number of planned unionist marches due to take place in the centre of Newry.

Commenting on the proposed sectarian parades éirígí's Newry representative Stephen Murney said "At the end of the month, Newry will see an entire weekend of unwanted and unnecessary marches taking place.  From any perspective, this is a completely disproportionate and needless imposition on this city and its people.



"This totally unwarranted display of unionist triumphalism begins on Friday 28th August with a band parade organised by the sectarian South Down Defenders Flute Band which plans to bring up to 50 bands to this event which will cause widespread disruption for several hours.”

Murney added "The following day [August 29] will see another sectarian parade involving 9 bands proceeding through the centre of Newry and then returning later that evening. On the afternoon of Sunday August 30th, another march will again take place in the centre of the town, and will again return via the same route a short time later.

"This will mean unnecessary widespread disruption to residents, motorists and shoppers on what should normally be a busy bank holiday weekend.

"Rather than local residents and visitors to Newry enjoying a relaxing bank holiday weekend they will instead be forced to endure major traffic disruption, sectarian music being played and a massive security operation enforced by the PSNI.

During previous marches residents have also had to endure unionist bandsmen drinking and urinating in public, while the PSNI stand idly by and do nothing.”

Stephen continued, "There can be no justification for this amount of marches taking place in Newry over the bank holiday weekend other than the various organisers seeking to engage in repeated coat-trailing exercises.  The motivation of those seeking to impose these unwanted parades on the people of Newry repeatedly throughout the year certainly must be.

"It is our view that sectarian parades which cause unnecessary disruption and tension should be rerouted away from areas where their presence is not wanted.

The éirígí spokesperson concluded “Again we want to make it clear that sectarianism in all its forms has no place in today's society and as such these sectarian events should be opposed by all."

Monday 6 July 2015

Sectarian Marches Set for Newry


Next weekend, residents in Newry and the surrounding area are going to be subjected to a  total of nine sectarian parades 11th July - 14th July.

Each of these parade routes include some of the busiest streets in the centre of Newry. In fact, when the return legs of the parades, which take place several hours later, there are actually at least twelve sectarian parades taking place in the space of four days.

As per usual severe disruption is expected as a direct result of these parades with local residents, motorists, shoppers and businesses being effected.

Commenting on the unwanted sectarian parades éirígí's Newry representative Stephen Murney said "There are at least 12 sectarian marches due to take place in the Newry area within the next week, all in the space of just four days. This is a worrying development and many local residents are becoming increasingly frustrated at the disruption and inconvenience caused, not to mention they have to endure the spectacle of participants in these triumphalist parades dancing around the streets of Newry. These are clearly coat-trailing exercises and the number planned to take place much call into question the whole rationale behind them.

"The PSNI will again deploy accompanied by their heavily armed TSG units to saturate the streets in the town centre for each of these marches, thus causing traffic disruption throughout Newry. Many local residents will also be unable to, or will be too intimidated to, venture outside their homes.

Murney continued "The organisers of these marches, along with unionist representatives, constantly tell us that these are "fun filled events" with a "festival atmosphere" which take place to express "culture".

"The reality is that the organisations which take part, such as the Orange Order, are founded on bigotry and hatred. It was just a few months ago that unionist thugs in band uniforms attacked a local resident’s car causing damage and fear to the victims. That particular incident was highlighted in the local media.”

Concluding Stephen reiterated éirígí's opposition to sectarian marches by saying "The scourge of sectarianism has no place in today's society. These unwanted parades should be stopped indefinitely and the people of Newry should be allowed to go about their daily business without being subjected to a hate filled display of bigotry year in and year out.

Friday 3 July 2015

éirígí Newry Repeat Calls for Vigilance As Thefts Continue

The socialist republican party éirígí have repeated calls for residents in Newry to remain vigilant following more thefts taking place.

Commenting on the most recent incident éirígí's Newry representative Stephen Murney explained "Residents from the Parkhead Crescent area of Newry contacted our party activists this morning [July 2] as they found they had items stolen from their property last night.

"The items include cast iron summer benches and even dog kennels. This comes after a spate of thefts over the space of a couple of months consisting mainly of petrol lawnmowers and strimmers along with other garden items."

Murney continued "The items the thieves are concentrating on can be quite expensive and we repeat our previous calls for residents to remain vigilant and to ensure their belongings and valuables are properly secured and safe.

"Over the past few months éirígí activists in Newry have stood with the Derrybeg and Carnagat communities against the scourge of anti-community activity. The thefts that have been taking place are very much part of this scourge of unwanted behaviour."

Concluding Murney said "If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of the stolen items they can contact myself or any party activist."

Tuesday 30 June 2015

Loyalists Attack Republican Memorial in Newry


The socialist republican party éirígí have strongly condemned those responsible for a cowardly attack on a republican memorial in Newry.

The memorial, situated at the site of the iconic Egyptian Arch ambush, was erected by éirígí in 2010 tocommemorate the 90th anniversary of the heroic operation which saw three IRA volunteers lose their lives.
The perpetrators sprayed the initials of a sinister British counter gang, the UVF, onto the plaque in the early hours of Tuesday morning [June 30].
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Slamming those responsible éirígí’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney, who spearheaded the erection of the memorial, said “We strongly condemn the sectarian attack on this memorial. The sectarian bigots responsible are only interested in stoking tension, particularly at this time of year.
“This memorial is in memory of three republican revolutionaries who were killed as a result of the ambush against the British forces of occupation at this location. The same occupation continues to this day.”
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Murney continued “We were made aware that the memorial was defaced early on Tuesday morning. Our activists subsequently made our way to the plaque and removed thespray paint
“In the coming weeks Newry and Bessbrook are going to besubjected to countless unwanted sectarian parades, those parades like the desecration of this memorial, are only designed to create tension.”
Concluding Stephen said “Sinister attacks such as this certainly won’t deter éirígí and our activists from remembering our fallen martyrs.”

Monday 29 June 2015

Scores Protest Against Internment in Newry

Saturday [June 27] saw upwards of 80 people take to the streets of Newry to oppose Internment. Various banners and placards were held aloft by the participants for the duration of the white line picket. Among those in attendance included former republican prisoners, Trade Unionists, community activists and Independent Republican elected representatives.
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The annual event, which was organised by the Anti-Internment Group of Ireland, attracted much attention from Saturday shoppers on one of Newry's main streets with thousands of leaflets distributed to passing motorists and pedestrians alike. For the duration of the picket the Anti-Internment Group also manned a busy information stall.
The event was chaired by Cabs Kavanagh and the speakers included former republican prisoners Stephen Murney and John Heaney. John provided an in-depth, historical background to Internment along with detailing his own family’s suffering at the hand of the British forces over the decades.
Speaking at the event éirígí's Newry representative, and former republican prisoner, Stephen Murney gave a brief background to Britain's use of Internment in the 1970's compared to today's form of the draconian policy.
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Stephen explained "One of the better known examples of Internment took place in the early 70's when hundreds of people were rounded up in dawn raids and taken to Long Kesh Internment camp. While that was a policy of mass internment, today our enemies seem to have learnt from that mistake.
"Today our enemies have adopted a more insidious policy of selective Internment whereby they target specific individuals rather than the masses. This is designed to remove key activists who are considered to be opponents and also to strike fear into others, to attempt to dissuade people from actively involving themselves in republicanism."
Murney also slammed the political and state forces responsible for enforcing the policy by stating "It has to be noted that some of those who were at one time victims and opponents of ‘internment by remand’, and who even represented and defended victims of that process, are today part and parcel of the prosecution, judicial and political system which implements this form of internment."
Furthermore Stephen spoke about the torturous conditions under which Republican prisoners are forced to live under in Maghaberry Stephen said "The continued use of strip searching, controlled movement and isolation is completely unjustified. There is no logical reason for the continued use of these oppressive policies as they only serve to fuel and create conflict.
“Republican prisoners have stated countless times that they seek to create a conflict free environment, they aren’t asking for anything unreasonable, they are simply seeking to live their lives in a particular fashion.
“Within Roe House, republicans find themselves subjected to a repressive, restrictive regime, enforced by bigoted, sectarian screws under the control of MI5. Time and time again we have heard accounts and reports of how the screws, the riot squad and various governors continue to provoke and intimidate republican prisoners. Some of those governors have been brought over from prisons in England to oversee the torturous regime in Maghaberry.”
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Stephen also urged those attending to redouble their efforts to highlight Internment and the human rights abuses within Maghaberry “There is an onus on each and every one of us to do something to highlight these issues. Whether
it's handing out leaflets, putting up posters, or organising and attending events such as this one. We can all play our part.
“The British establishment think they have us right where they want us when we’re in prison. For centuries republicans have been held within British prisons for their involvement in the struggle for national and social liberation. And for centuries the British have failed miserably to break us behind the wire. If anything being held captive by our enemies strengthens us and makes us more determined to pursue our goals.
“They fail to understand that republicans know more about surviving in prison than they, the gaolers realise.”
Murney concluded by quoting the republican prisoners in Maghaberry.
“They will say we threatened them, but, for all they say, they understand best that we do not need to. Our integrity is what threatens their entire regime; our defiance rattles it to its very foundation.
For all their technology, resources, finance, personnel, desire and inbred need to subjugate, there is nothing they can do to prevent the collapse of their current attempts to ‘rehabilitate’. Their weapons cannot penetrate here.
Little observations, in many prisons, over very many years, have amassed all the armour required. This is our terrain.”


Thursday 11 June 2015

Discovery of Drugs apparatus in Newry raises concerns



The discovery of drug apparatus in a Newry housing estate has prompted, the socialist republican party, éirígí to urge local residents to be cautious if they come across such items.

Commenting on the sinister discovery éirígí's Newry representative Stephen Murney said "A concerned member of the public contacted our party following the discovery of syringes lying in the street in the Mourneview area of Newry.

"The local resident described how up to eight syringes have been found and disposed of in the past three weeks in the same area."

Stephen continued "The fact that these syringes were found lying in a residential street is alarming to say the least. If a child had have come across any of these items the outcome could be very serious."

"This comes after local council employees also raised concerns after similar syringes and needles were found in public toilets in the town centre."

Murney added "I want to thank the local resident for making us aware of this. The scourge of drugs can destroy and ravage entire communities. It is an evil epidemic and one that needs to be challenged and addressed. In particular I would urge young people, who may come across such items, not to touch them but to contact a responsible adult to ensure that they are disposed of in a safe manner.

Thursday 7 May 2015

éirígí urge Newry residents to be vigilant following thefts

Stephen Murney in the Derrybeg/Carnagat Area
éirígí in Newry have urged residents in the Derrybeg and Carnagat areas to remain vigilant following a spate of thefts in the area in recent weeks.

This comes after a number of residents approached the socialist Republican Party to report that they had found themselves targeted by the thieves.

éirígí's Newry representative and local community activist Stephen Murney condemned those responsible stating "Local residents contacted us after they found they had been targeted by thieves.

"A common theme with these thefts is that the perpetrators seem to be specifically stealing petrol lawnmowers and strimmers.

"This type of equipment can be quite expensive. Indeed one of the victims who contacted our party is a local landscaper and gardener who now finds himself unable to work due to the theft of of his equipment".

Stephen continued "In the past few weeks our party activists have taken to the streets of Derrybeg and Carnagat, along with scores of other residents, to support these communities in standing up against anti-social and anti-community activity . These thefts are also part of that scourge of unwanted behaviour.

"We would take this opportunity to urge residents to remain vigilant and to ensure their belongings and valuables are properly secured and safe".

Murney concluded "If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of the stolen items they can contact myself or any party activist".

One of the recent residents protests against anti-community activity

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Unionist Parade Restrictions In Newry “Not Enough”


The socialist republican party éirígí has described as “completely nonsensical” the news that yet another sectarian band parade is due to take place on Friday [May 8] in the centre of Newry.
This comes just weeks after thousands of unionists brought Newry to a standstill. On that occasion unionist bandsmen attacked a local resident’s car causing damage and fear to the victim. That incident was reported in the local media.
Commenting on the upcoming parade éirígí’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said “We stated just a few weeks ago that this was only the start of Newry being subjected to months of sectarian marches. Now local residents have to endure another one with hundreds of members of the sectarian Orange Order due to take part. There is a real sense of frustration regarding these marches.
“Whilst minor restrictions have been placed on this march, this is by no means sufficient. This march will now simply follow the exact same route as the previous parade last month. In doing so, it will still cause the same disruption to people in Newry.
“Once again the centre of Newry will be shut down as a result of nonsensical decision by the Parades Commission and a major PSNI security operation put in place. Local residents will once again be subjected to unnecessary restrictions on their movements and will have to endure sectarian bands for several hours.
“Indeed one of the bands taking part in this Friday’s parade, The Loyal Sons of Benagh, were responsible for organising last month’s hate fest which saw thousands of band members and supporters descend on the town. On that occasion unionist bandsmen stood drinking on the street, in full view of the PSNI, before attacking a local resident and daughter.”
Reiterating éirígí’s opposition to sectarian marches Stephen said “Unlike others, we in éirígí have been consistent in our opposition to sectarianism in all forms. These parades should be completely banned from Newry rather than have ineffective restrictions in place".

Saturday 18 April 2015

Loyalist Bigots Bring Newry to a Standstill 

As éirígí correctly predicted earlier this week, several thousand unionists and scores of bands brought Newry to a standstill on Friday [April 17] as they engaged in what can only be described as an orgy of sectarian triumphalism.
Many residents found themselves hemmed into their own streets surrounded by a ring of steel enforced by the PSNI  with a helicopter constantly hovering over the area. The PSNI’s notorious Tactical Support Group [TSG] were strategically positioned in adjoining side streets keeping a watchful eye on the local population while they facilitated the sectarian bigot fest.
Many people found themselves unable to leave their homes either through fear or because of the massive British security operation that was in place. Motorists attempting to enter Newry, via the Belfast Road, one of Newry’s main arterial routes, found it almost impossible to do so for several hours due to the unionist takeover of a significant part of the mainly nationalist town.
Commenting on the sectarian coat-trailing exercise éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney said, “I was present along with a few other local people to observe this sectarian march. Immediately we found ourselves under close surveillance by the PSNI. A large part of Newry resembled a ghost town as roads were blocked and local people were prevented from going about their normal activities.
“It’s time these sectarian parades came to an end. They are unwanted and unwelcome. In Newry there is a deep sense of anger and frustration from local people who have to suffer year in and year out due to these sectarian marches”.
Murney continued, “This is only the start of the marching season and Friday night’s scenario will be repeated in Newry again and again the coming summer months.
“There is no logic in bussing in thousands of loyalists from across the six counties to march in an area with which they have absolutely no affinity. The only thing it does is to create tension.
Concluding Stephen added, “After a reduction in these parades some years ago, they have managed to resurface in greater numbers and with greater frequency each year which is worrying for the future. “