Republican News · Thursday 9 January 1996

Free Jim Corry

A Chairde,

This coming Thursday 9 January marks the beginning of the German authorities' attempts to obtain the British-inspired extradition of Irish citizen James Corry.

Corry was arrested in early December 1996 in Dublin while visiting friends in the city. He has been held in custody without bail in Portlaoise Prison in the South of Ireland.

Jim is a settled father of two young children, Clionaith and James Jnr and husband of Christine. Over the Christmas period he had his 28th birthday, and he spent the holiday period many miles away from home in prison. All this despite the German authorities only hastily compiling vague ``evidence'' which arose from information supplied by the British military authorities at their German headquarters in Osnabruck.

We, the friend, neighbours and the family of Jim are calling for as wide a section of political, cultural, trade union, community and sporting representatives to lend their support in saying NO EXTRADITION FOR JIM CORRY.

A support and lobbying group has been set up to highlight what could turn out to be yet another miscarriage of justice. We seek your support in denying the forced removal of Jim to the German authorities pending a future hearing on the grounds of the following:

1) Jim should be granted bail to be with his young family. He has no prior convictions;

2) German prison conditions are draconian and inhuman, as can be testified by Irish citizens held in custody over the past 25 years;

3) The allegations to be presented in an Irish court by the German authorities are vague by accepted international legal standards.

We sincerely ask for your support and can be contacted at the address below for further information.

Terence O'Neill,
Free Jim Corry Committee,
c/o Ashton Centre,
Belfast BT15.

Hold by-election now

A Chairde,

After the latest breach of the loyalist ceasefire by means of a bomb under a Sinn Féin election worker's car, is it not time for Labour to try to force the holding of the Wirral South by-election in England? If not to help fulfil Tony Blair's recent promise to bring down the government ``any way we can'' in the New Year, then at least to save human life in these islands.

If Labour wins then the end of this government is made imminent. If the Tories retain the seat then John Major will have no excuse for continued dependency on the unionists for the short time before he has to call a general election. Lives in the North of Ireland, however, cannot wait on a vacuum lasting three months. If the unionists oppose moving the writ to allow the people of South Wirral their voice now, this interference in England's politics will set an interesting precedent for the handling of the principle of consent in Northern Ireland.

Joe Murphy,
Birmingham.

Marks & Spencer Boycott

A Chairde,

This morning I went to Marks & Spencer at Castle Place in Belfast to return some products (biscuits, a candle and cheese). The lady at the desk said it is company policy not to accept back food products for hygiene and security reasons. I said that I felt they could afford to accept back such items and pressed the issue, saying that I do not shop in Marks & Spencer myself and did not wish to have these items. I asked to see the manager.

A supervisor came and accepted a boycott leaflet which the assistant had refused to take. She repeated that they do not accept back food items. She suggested that I see the Food Manager in the Food Department.

When it came to the refund for the candle I was offered a gift voucher. This I declined to take, saying I wished to have cash as I am not prepared to have Marks and Spencer's products in my house. I left the three items on the counter, plus the gift voucher but declined to face the further humiliation of seeking out the Food Manager.

I am a pensioner and did not find the above action an easy thing to do but I am unprepared to in any way support the Conservative & Unionist Party through Marks & Spencer [M&S are one of the Conservative Party's main funders] while they continue to deny me my democratic rights by refusing to recognise my elected representative.

Noelle Ryan,
Springhill Close,
Belfast.

Kathleen O'Hagan Tribute

A Chairde,

I recently had the honour to attend a very special night in commemoration of Kathleen O'Hagan. This function was organised by the West Tyrone Sinn Féin Women's Forum and congratulations must go to them for presenting such a successful and moving night. It was also a credit to the whole rural community in this area who attended in great numbers to show their support for the O'Hagan family. Their message to the British government was also loud and clear. Irish people will not accept or be intimidated by the huamn rights abuses carried out by those who act on behalf of the British and with their full consent. To Paddy O'Hagan, I congratulate you for your courage and spirit. Your family is a credit to you, and I wish you and the boys all the best for the future.

Siobhán Power Crossan
Derry/Australia.

University's blind eye

A Chairde,

It was recently reported that the University of Ulster awarded his royal Highness Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan an Honorary Degree in Belfast and that the brother of King Hussien of Jordan spoke of peace in the Middle East and later met with staff of the University of Ulster about their work with the United Nations to resolve world conflict.

I find this incredulous and an absolute insult to the conscientious scholars and educators sincerely devoted to efforts of world conflict resolution.

If the University of Ulster is working with the United Nations to resolve world conflicts, then perhaps they should start in their own backyard and practice the Middle East Peace Accords method of talking with all parties involved in the conflict. They should urge John Major to commence talks with all parties involved in the conflict in Northern Ireland including Sinn Féin, especially considering Mr Major's wholehearted approval of the Middle East Peace Initiative and more specifically the Oslo 1 and Oslo 2 agreements which involved extensive discussions of all parties involved in the Middle East conflict.

If the United Nations and the University of Ulster are unable or unwilling to do this, then one must seriously question if they have the wisdom, expertise and tenacity surely required for the very arduous and complex issues involved in real world conflict resolution.

Colleen Malone,
Virginia,
USA.

Lords and ladies a-leaping

A Chairde,

Citizens of Ireland may be glad to know that Chestertons of London is selling Irish Titles ``of high standing and excellent repute.'' According to the advertisement, appearing in the Irish Tourist Board's `Ireland of the Welcomes,' the purchaser and spouse have a unique opportunity to buy an over 900 years old Irish Title and style themselves as ``Lord/Lady''. Additionally, Chestertons exhorts that the ownership of such an Irish Title ``creates great social and business opportunities whilst being a unique and solid investment.''

The price seems to be quite attractive, as it is approximately $20,000 which is less expensive than many American automobiles. In America, one's car reflects one's perceived status, yet with Irish Titles at such an attractive price, Americans may find Irish Titles a more superior investment as they offer an instant leap up the status ladder.

At first glance, Chestertons' offer may seem to exhibit a liberal attitude worthy of James Connolly, as the sale is open to ``Ladies and Gentlemen of all nationalities''. Unfortunately, ``only those of impeccable standing, honour and integrity'' are encouraged to apply, which would preclude most Irish and Americans, as they possess an incurably rebellious and dishonourable disposition.

What should be interesting is how Chestertons of London responds to the following questions likely to be asked by prospective buyers:

Does my new Irish Title include an appropriate number of Irish subjects?

Will my coat-of-arms match my eye colour?

Does your offer include a money-back guarantee if I am not satisfied with the whole nobility gig?

Does my new Irish Title mean that I get to call Queen Elizabeth ``Mom''?

Is there a more romantic way to explain how I acquired my Irish Title other than saying, ``I paid cash''?

How long after my purchase will my blood turn blue?

Can I still drink tea at three?

God forbid, I don't have to live in Ireland, do I?

John F. Henning III,
San Francisco.

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