Galway's conscience shines, brighter than bright, for Rossport

by Andrew Tue Nov 14, 2006 20:25

No Malaysians with headscarves this time round?

by Fred Johnston Mon Nov 13, 2006 02:42 sylfredcar at iolfree dot ie

I don't know who Fred 'Johnson' is. My name is Fred Johnston. And I am not clear on when Sinn Fein actually became a Leftist party. I am gratified, however, that Tom Dunne has found my letters worth reading and, moreover, has found them memorable. No, I am not particularly a Sinn Fein supporter. So tell me - since when does that place me on the Right?

If Tom wishes to denigrate the protestors against Shell's exploitation of our resources, I am a poor lever by which he may lift that particular stone. He gives me credit I do not deserve. The brave people were the protestors who stood out on the road while they were baton-charged. We should be proud of them, the spirit that drives them. I was not amongst them. Tom may rightly criticise me for that. The protestors are our true 'celebs' because they risk something to stand out on a cold road in support of a belief. But Tom calls me, limply, a Right-winger because I don't rally behind Sinn Fein. He allies me with the DUP!

Lord, how far we Irish, who produced orators like Burke, have fallen!

Tom would be better served commenting on how our resources came to belong to Shell in the first place; who was responsible, for instance, for giving them away. What do you say, Tom, to the Gardái's batoning of protestors? What do you say to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil rallying together to 'warn' that the Shell operation will not be stopped? These are real issues.

But tackling them is much more difficulty and much riskier than singling out an individual whose name he cannot spell.

by Not Wed Nov 08, 2006 18:36

...as long as it is either Irish or English

by Terry Wed Nov 08, 2006 17:49

Language and indymedia. The way indymedia works is you write the stories. Consequently the stories appearing here can be written in any language you see fit.

by H Wed Nov 08, 2006 10:19

"Fully support the Shell to Sea campaign. Have to say though this article is written in absurdly flowery language"

It's a bit of fun and was nicely written. Makes a big difference to have lighthearted aspects to what we do in the shell to sea campaign. Can never understand the negativity of people who want the campaign to be a grim, joyless affair. I really appreciate the article, and the action. Thanks very much.

by Tom Dunne, Waterford Tue Nov 07, 2006 19:22

I think the crank crusty element is losing this campaign support. My family live in Mayo, and that's the word from many people there. It's sad, because Shell to Sea have right on their side. And if Fred Johnson is the best 'celeb' Shell to Sea can come up with it's a poor show. I only know him from his letters to the Sunday Independent. He had one in there a while back (in January or February, I think) taking a DUP position on the decommissioning issue, saying Sinn Fein were not to be believed on this issue. You'll find it in the archives. He seems to veer madly to the left, then madly to the right.

Be careful what face you present to the public, lads. Genuinely hope your campaign wins out in the end.

by TC Tue Nov 07, 2006 19:08

Flowery talkers are always trying to hide something

by Fred Johnston Tue Nov 07, 2006 14:38 sylfredcar at iolfree dot ie

Yes, I agree, perhaps the word 'split' is too strong - difference of opinion, perhaps? As I said, I picked this up second-hand. It would be a great pity were anything like this to play into the hands of those who want the protests to go away. Keep up the work and the very best of luck and strength to you.

by JM Tue Nov 07, 2006 00:13 Rossport

As a regular at the Bellanaboy protests in Mayo, I find the colourful language above much more appealing than that currently used by some members of our esteemed (or perhaps just "steamed") Gardaí on duty here for the past few weeks.

Interesting to read of an apparent "split" in the Mayo camp. The only difference of opinion I'm aware of is WHEN to ratchet up the pressure on construction work.. some people are more reasonable and patient than others!

Anyway, keep up the great work around the country. Word of every action that finds its way to Mayo lifts the spirits no end. Fair play to you all.

by Ailbhe Sun Nov 05, 2006 12:13

Fully support the Shell to Sea campaign. Have to say though this article is written in absurdly flowery language:

"In a pellucid , ineffable moon-lit late evening, for two hours, Shell to Sea activists, metaphysically mutated Galway's Mammon conscience into something more pristine"

Give us a break!

I needed a dictionary to find the meaning of 'pellucid':
pellucid, adjective:

1. Transparent; clear; not opaque.
2. Easily understandable

Keep it simpler in the future, lads.

Best of luck with the campaign

by Crom Sat Nov 04, 2006 02:58

Peaceful protest has zero effect on a company such as Shell. Shell have the so called law to back up their claims.The only way Shell will withdraw is if they are forced by what ever means necessery to withdraw.Trendy middle class do-gooders who like the sound of their own voices or catchy slogans dont stand a chance against Shell.