What has become of Rossport?

mayo | crime and justice | opinion/analysis

Tuesday October 04, 2005 21:50

by local - concerned

Concerned

Rossport

I am pleased the Rossport five have being released but I feel this is another side to this saga that’s remains untold. It regards the locals in Rossport who are under a constant cloud of intimidation these are people who may not support the Rossport 5 and who are being made uncomfortable and uneasy in their own home.
The locals can no longer take a stroll down the road, chat with a neigbour and this is not because of Shell this is because of pushy protestors and Rossport 5 supporters. This may be unintentionally but there are people in Rospport who no longer feel rossport is the place for them because of the threat they feel from anti-gas supporters which now outweighs the threat of any gas explosion because they are feeling this everyday for the last 6 months.
Locals can no longer stop and chat with a neighbour or drop into a house for a cup a tea there are eyes watching them and immediately they are under suspicion for these simple acts. What has the place come to it is no longer a community it is divided hell hole.

I am not writing this looking for a backlash or long lecture on the evils of Shell and how they have caused all this. I am simply bringing attention and making people aware their is more than the Rossport 5and their families suffering. I understand people’s right to protest and how they feel they are protecting the land and environment and this means more than the unease and intimidation locals feel right now.
However please take a minute and think how you would feel living in a place all your life but in the lat 6 months wishing you were anywhere but there right now. Imtimidation and bullying is widespread and increasing every day in Rossport. I don’t need anyone telling me this is not taking place I am living it and feeling it. It’s time the other side of this story was known and people are allowed to have their own opinions in Rossport.