Sligo Says No to War

sligo | anti-war / imperialism | news report Tuesday August 22, 2006 16:58 by Joe Flanagan - Sligo Anti War group Ballymote, Co. Sligo. 087-6296899

Over 60 people participated in the Anti War demonstration organised by the Anti War Movement and Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Ballymote Co. Sligo today. The demonstration took place near the site of the Michael Corcoran monument which was being unveiled by New York’s Mayor, Michael Bloomberg.

“Its not just about knowing in your heart that the slaughter of innocents in the Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine is wrong – it’s about expressing these sentiments in public” said Mr Tim Mulcahy, of the Sligo Anti War group, when he praised all those who had participated in the peace demonstration. “I also wish to thank all those Sligo public representatives who did not attend the ceremonies in Sligo and Ballymote to honour Mr Bloomberg. Their support was appreciated.” he said.

“Sligo and Ballymote can hold its head high. We sent a clear message to Mayor Bloomberg and the Deputy U.S. Ambassador today - we oppose the Israeli war against the Lebanese and Palestinian people, a war in which the Bush administration has played an integral part and we oppose the war and ongoing occupation of Iraq.” he said.

”The destruction visited upon Lebanon cannot be justified. In this context we in Ireland must show the strength of our opposition to those vested interests who have promoted war.

“Mayor Bloomberg has publicly endorsed the Israeli war of aggression and praised President Bush and his cabinet for their continued support of the Israeli regime.

“Today it is important that ordinary Irish people express their abhorrence for the Israeli military campaign in Lebanon and Palestine, and that we express our sympathy with the innocent civilians of all persuasions, so many of whom have tragically lost their lives over the past number of weeks.

“Given the devastating situation in Lebanon and the Middle East, the international community is indicted over its failure to seriously challenge Israel and the U.S.

“We in Ireland must do what we can to make our voice heard. I know that the views expressed by those people from Sligo who participated in today’s anti war demonstration have certainly been heard loud and clear by Mr Bloomberg and the U.S. Embassy.

“It’s important that we express our outrage at the actions of the Israeli regime and that we demand compliance with international law. We cannot continue to be among those who have settled for muted criticism of Israel and the U.S. Ireland should be leading the international response to demand peace with justice in the Middle East.”
said Mr Mulcahy.

Expressing disappointment that Sligo’s Sinn Fein councillors had attended the reception in Sligo City Hall to honour Mayor Bloomberg, Mr Mulcahy said that the Anti War movement had specifically requested public representatives not to attend any function where Mayor Bloomberg was guest of honour.

“We had hoped that the three Sinn Fein councillors would have joined in the anti war demonstration in Ballymote - it’s clear that their failure to participate in the demonstration today was designed to appease Sinn Fein’s wealthy American backers. When it comes to a choice between principles and money, principles always seem to lose out.” said Mr Mulcahy.