Republican News · Thursday 13 February 1997

Thursday 13 February

The Dublin government sets up a judicial tribunal of inquiry into payments by former supermarket boss Ben Dunne to persons unknown and known.

A key witness against John Gilligan, who's facing charges of drug money laundering, says he is too afraid to turn up in court and that he and his family have been threatened.

Friday 7 February

IRA spokespersons tell journalists the IRA is not engaged in any `phoney war'. The IRA cannot allow the status quo to remain but is open and willing to facilitate a process of real negotiation.

Saturday 8 February

A sectarian loyalist march past Harryville Catholic church in Ballymena passes off amidst a torrent of verbal abuse, threats and the playing by 22 bands present of the loyalist tune `The Sash'. RTE News declares the march ``passed off peacefully''.

Sunday 9 February

The racist far-right party, the National Front, secures control of a fourth municipality in southern France.

Monday 10 February

Michelle Smith's father Brian tells RTE's Liveline show Michelle won her three Olympic gold medals ``fair and square''. His comments come after fresh media speculation about the wins.

Tuesday 11 February

Five white youths claim legal privilege and refuse to answer questions about the 1993 murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in London. The inquest into Stephen's death risks becoming a `mockery', his family's barrister says, while his mother Doreen describes the British justice system as racist.

Wednesday 12 February

A report in the Irish Medical Journal states that Ireland has the highest growing youth suicide rate in Europe.

---

Contents Page for this Issue

---

Reply to: Republican News