Shell to Sea Good Friday Walk ends with net removal after battle with Shell security.

by Niall Harnett Fri Apr 10, 2009 23:22

All pics are COPYLEFT.

Jim Farrell of IRMS Security for Shell spotted on alert for the first time this year.

Unite at Glengad

Over Shell’s gate ...

because this land ...

... is our land

by Niall Fri Apr 10, 2009 23:29

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Security appear in numbers for the first time this year.

Onwards

Hi Mum, Hi Dad

by Niall Fri Apr 10, 2009 23:34

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Security Guard on left known to be aggressive see clip below and end of clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42R0JLGfxGI

by Niall Fri Apr 10, 2009 23:53

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Erris Women are brave, there's no doubt about that.

A little birdie slips under the net

by Niall Fri Apr 10, 2009 23:55

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Caption: Video Id: I7ZHynY0sKw Type: Youtube Video
Embedded video Youtube Video

by Niall Sat Apr 11, 2009 00:09

Jesus died for all on Good Friday, because we all have fallen short. Thankfully, grace abounds in the power of his name.

Tea, Sambos and Betty's 'to die for' Almond Pie.

Caption: Video Id: PbttqrtBKL8 Type: Youtube Video
Embedded video Youtube Video

by Margaret Sat Apr 11, 2009 05:03

Well done to all concerned,thats right you tell them!!!! unidentified uniformed thugs on a PUBLIC BEACH in CO MAYO.
Say it loud ,say it clear ,the natural resources belong to the IRISH PEOPLE, dont allow our childrens rights to be stolen from us.
We are IRISH CITIZENS not SHELL SUBJECTS!!!

by cable - Shell to Sea ~ Cambridge Sat Apr 11, 2009 08:56

These brave Erris people are struggling for our land and human rights, against a murderous multinational and corporate thuggery that threaten us all. Come to Erris to support their cause, and to preserve the land for those children and wildlife.

by LP Sat Apr 11, 2009 13:58

Well done to everyone involved, you are truly tenacious. What a scumbag that paramilitary was to attack a man on crutches; these men really are the dregs of whatever society they came from. It reminds me of the recruitment ads for the Black and Tans, "tough men wanted for a dirty job in Ireland". A dirty job surely, but I'm not sure how tough that little prick that likes grabbing people by the throat really is if it's disabled people he picks on.

by lulu Sat Apr 11, 2009 14:43

Respect to all opposing corporate land-grabbing - bad cess to the thugs.

by old codger - pensioner Sat Apr 11, 2009 14:56

Eamon Ryan knows all about the Aarhus agreement, he also knows that ireland is the only one of 82 signitaries that has not ratified it, thereby denying the Irish people the right to seek international law. Fianna Fail have decades of practice at fooling the Irish people and they are still at it. Shame on the people for letting them.
WE all abhore violence but i believe that when a private security thug uses violence on peacefull citizens those citizens have the right to protect themselves. The Gardai are not protecting you, the judiciary is denying you justice and the media under Fianna Fail control likewise, and they say that we are a democracy, is that not fooling you.
IT IS TIME TO REVOLT.

by billy idle Sat Apr 11, 2009 16:57

What little credibility Ryan had left in all this has been shot to pieces by his actions this week once again on behalf of Shell. It has merely highlighted the ongoing contempt both Shell and their government fellow travelers have for the community in Erris by setting up another mediation process which now appears like the Peter Cassels stunt, to be one big cynical PR ploy to fool people into thinking they give a damn about anything but facilitating big oils profits.

by Arm-a-Gedden Sat Apr 11, 2009 23:08

As I have remarked before on Indymedia,

The Greens have been infected by a disease its called F/Fail, they have turned Yellow.

by MARGARET Sat Apr 11, 2009 23:30

Wake up call to the " GREENER GREENS" .Dump your leader or the electorate will dump you.Gormley & Ryan are already " Spoken for " within the ranks of Fianna Fail.-Abhorance is the only word that can describe the latest actions of Eamon Ryan,to allow SHELL,STATOIL,MARATHON [who will sell out to EXXON] To destroy forever EUROPE'S last remaining pristine area.Wake up call to the rest of IRELAND.Dont allow this to happen,our country needs people of conscience to make their voices heard and that time is NOW!!!!

by Reminder Sun Apr 12, 2009 09:03

In reply to MARGARET.
"Dump your leader or the electorate will dump you."
That is not looking very likley!

In the most recent Red C poll shows The Green Party gained a point to 7 per cent, Sinn Féin dropped 4 points to 10 per cent and Independents were on 10 per cent, a fall of 2 per cent.
Support for Fianna Fáil was at 28 per cent, up five points since the last such poll. Fine Gael support was up by one point to 31 per cent, while the Labour Party fell five points to 17 per cent.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0329/...7.htm

It seems the Greens are more popular now that when they came to power in 07, then they had 5% support in a red c poll http://www.redcresearch.ie/documents/SBPMar2009PollRepo...t.pdf

by MacE Sun Apr 12, 2009 12:47

This goes to show we must redouble our efforts to educate people around the country about exactly what kind of tactics the Greens now stand over. As Trevor Sargent said:

"The witnessing of the demonstration that took place indicated to me that the government has to ask itself how we have come to this point where Gardaí are engaged in activities which themselves need investigation. It is a disgrace for people to be manhandled and beaten in the way that the community has been in that area."

"The root cause of this problem goes right back to the way in which the giveaway deals were done for exploration licences and it is comparable, in historic terms, with the Act of Union of 1800, in the way a dodgy deal can be made to look legitimate."

The then Green Party leader hit the nail on the head. We have to keep educating people. More youtube videos, more DVDs, more camcorders at the protests. If people are left ignorant, we will have no-one but ourselves to blame if they vote again for the men of violence.

by just me Sun Apr 12, 2009 15:05

PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICES ACT 2004
30.—(1) An individual who is a member of a prescribed category
of licensees shall, when providing a security service, wear an identity
badge.
(2) An individual shall not—
(i) wear an identity badge relating to another individual,
or
(ii) with intent to deceive, make or use a badge purporting
to be an identity badge, alter an identity
badge or use an altered identity badge.
(3) An individual who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) is liable
on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding \3,000 or imprisonment
for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.
(4) It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under subsection
(1) for the defendant to prove that he or she had a reasonable excuse
for not complying with the subsection concerned.
(5) In this section—
‘‘identity badge’’ means a badge—
(a) which clearly indicates the licence number of the licensee
concerned,
(b) whose form, content and size are as prescribed for identity
badges to be worn by members of the prescribed category
of licensees concerned, and
(c) which, when worn, is clearly visible;
25
Identity badges.

by Not foreign companies Sun Apr 12, 2009 15:56

in reply to "just me"

That law only applies to irish registered security companies,IRMS is not Irish.

by just me Sun Apr 12, 2009 16:21

Irish Law is applicable in Ireland. Non-Irish security service have to register with the Private Security Authority just like Irish companies and have to comply with the Private Security Act 2004.

by MacE Sun Apr 12, 2009 17:37

IRMS is Irish. It's based in Naas. Both of its co-founders are Irish. Its African subsidiary is the only non-Irish part of it (apart from its violence-loving employees).

by Arm-a-Gedden Sun Apr 12, 2009 19:56

The state is being overrun by criminality,and the cops will not, or do not have the bottle to face them down,this is a real threat to the State.

But the brave lads and lassies in their blue uniform, head to Glengad to claim their overtime, and other perks,and commit acts of brutality on peaceful campaigners, campaiging for what in lawfully ours, and theirs.

And they call themselves Irish citizens,they should bow their heads in shame.

Gormless and his motely crew stand idly by,obey thy Master F/Fail.

by Legal Query - Independent Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:50

Is the land currently in the ownership of shell? Even if you believe they don't have a right to claim ownership.

If they do in fact own the land are you not tresspassing on private property?

Is the net that is shown covering the bank shell's property? If so are you not committing criminal damage of their property?

Just wondering watched the video and it's not very clear.

by chrissie Mon Apr 13, 2009 17:39

'Legality' in Erris seems to be whatever SHell & their cops & judges say it is. SHell care nothing for land or its rightful ownership - see the invasion of private land at Pollatomish/McGrath's Pier on June 11 2007. SHell may own the net, but it's there illegally, & is removed to protect the wildlife whose home it has been for time beyond memory. God bless the people with the courage to resist the tyranny of FF & Big Oil to protect the rights & resources of the people of Ireland. Victory to Shell to Sea!

by Starstruck Mon Apr 13, 2009 20:13

Well done everyone,always inspiring!!
Also great work on the footage as always and the calm way you dealt with the situ-
Hired muscle will not win the day.

by margaret Tue Apr 14, 2009 08:13

The answer to "query" can only be given when the people of Ireland see the document,
[if there is one] when a corrupt politican [who served a jail sentence],was involved in a "deal" with the oil companies that gave away our natural resources.This deal must be shown to the Irish people,let us all decide if that deal was fair.Our constitution cleary states that the natural resources belong to Irish people.we have a duty to protect our constitution.In the meantime we must also protect our special ares of conservation.

by 'Portantfella - Irish through and through Tue Apr 14, 2009 08:44

I have been following this story for some time , sometimes i am unsure what exactly went on or is going on here , and thats me being truthful ok .

For the Llfe of me i cannot come to terms the fact of ,where is Enda Kenny and what is his views thus far , We are led to believe the same King Kenny
is in a position to bring prosperity peace and longivity to ideas in regard to Ireland's future ,so what the hell is really going down here ,when the S.2.S
SAGA is still ongoing , please explain ,and thank you .Bearing in mind he is supposed to know everything it would be nice to receive an explanation .

by Gael Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:09

To me, it seems close to unbelievable that an extremely important "oil and gas deal" (with truly massive long-term implications for the future of the WHOLE nation), and which very significantly involved a former Minister for Justice (Ray Burke) who later ended up in jail because he was found guilty of crime which directly involved serious CORRUPTION, would not be publicly re-visited in a very open and spirited manner.

Only in the Republic of Ireland could such foolish, misguided, and socially disastrous complacency thrive?

Also, and among the "Irish people" with "a duty to protect our Constitution", none feature more strongly in this crucially important responsibility than the members of our Judiciary (which of course forms one-third of our Government).

Article 34.5.1 of Bunreacht na hEireann reads as follows:

"Every person appointed a judge under this Constitution shall make and subscribe the following declaration:

'In the presence of Almighty God I, --------- --------- , do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and power execute the office of Chief Justice (or as the case may be) without fear or favour, affection or ill-will towards any man, and that I will uphold the Constitution and the laws. May God direct and sustain me.' "

Hand on heart, can the members of our Judiciary (including in particular Judge Mary Devins) truthfully and honestly claim to be upholding our Constitution in a responsible and sensible manner: having due regard for the known corruption relating to Ray Buke (referred to above), and for Article 10 of Bunreacht na hEireann?

Article 34.5.1 of Bunreacht na hEireann:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Article+34.5.1+of+...f&oq=

by lulu Tue Apr 14, 2009 13:17

The filthy rotten corrupt deal must be torn up and renegotiated to the benefit of the Constitutional owners of Irish resources, the People of Ireland.

by realist Tue Apr 14, 2009 15:40

This issue was a live one in the last election yet the people of Mayo still voted for FF & FG, both parties explicitly in favour of the pipeline, and not vocal about changing anything about the current nature of the project. The one S2S supporting candidate Jerry Crowley was given the heave ho.

I'm not saying that the general election/Dail is everything - but surely it acts as some barometer of support for the project amongst the community in Co. Mayo. And having a voice in the Dail does make a difference, it gives a cause publicity to the general population who otherwise think that any struggle is finished. Joe Higgins' presence is missed IMHO.

Regrettably I wouldnt be surprised if the same result in Mayo happens next time.
The public wants what the public gets...

by MacE Tue Apr 14, 2009 16:11

The people of Mayo have only been asked once what they want in this regard. Here are the results:

http://www.corribsos.com/uploads/nuachtmayopollrossport...D.pdf

People still vote for the men of (state) violence because they have excellent bullshit machines, that never stop. I don't hear any of these politicians falling over themselves to praise Shell because they know it would cost them votes to so plainly ally themselves with mass murderers. More prudent to distract people away from the issue.

by Seamuseen Tue Apr 14, 2009 18:21

I think voters nationwide should boycott the next election (keeping in mind perhaps that the word "boycott" has strong and useful links with Mayo): unless they can find someone to vote for who they can really trust to openly and honestly stand up for the needs and rights of the actual voters who elected them -- for their full term in office that is, and regardless of what their party leaders might later demand (assuming such candidates are not "independents", which I believe might be a much safer bet in the next election).

The only thing "party politics" seems to be good for these days is putting on childish and largely meaningless Punch-and-Judy type shows in Dail Eireann -- the main purpose of which appears to be distract voters away from the REALLY IMPORTANT issues, and into a state of hypnotic like complacency whereby they can be hoodwinked left, right, and centre into believing almost anything, and without they even being aware of it: until it's too late to do anything about the painful consequences of all the trickery and corruption going on backstage.

I think we've all had more than enough now of the "elected dictatorship" style of bogus democracy where the "elected representatives" (so called) very rapidly abandon the people who voted for them, in favour of "big business" interests largely owned and run by people who are not even Republic of Ireland citizens: which, as the ShellToSea situation very clearly demonstrates, can all too easily expose voters (and their families) for YEARS to a really perverse "rule of law" arrangement that involves bullying and tyranny at the hands of their own police force and judges (who are being paid from our own tax payers money to protect them) -- in addition to having to watch the whole nation being robbed blind and stupid of their oil and gas assets.

For all we know, the oil and gas assets in question might be vast, and far in excess of what those-in-the-know are letting on?

If, for example, there were huge lakes of oil under the Western Atlantic Ocean, accessible from Republic of Ireland territorial waters, and which might dwarf those under Saudi Arabia, why should we (as a nation) have to watch our Government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial) give away such massive resources in return for nothing to our nation and our people?

Worse still, we might in addition have to watch the "big banking" global cartel use such profits to finance yet more wars of various kinds, which are widely reported to be by far the most profitable of all their business activities -- and in more ways than one, when all the banker's political and media influence and associated legal skulduggery is taken account of.

And we might of course even get drawn into one or more such wars ourselves, allowing for the unconstitutional way Shannon Airport is being used at the present time by the vast United States military machine?

For many reasons, it seems to me that our oil and gas reserves are well worth fighting for: and fighting extremely HARD for; and, that the activists in Mayo are doing a mighty fine job, and setting a truly first-class example for the rest of our nation.

Many hands make light work, and I hope and pray that many more of our citizens will peacefully join in and stridently support the Mayo protestors in every way they reasonably can: particularly at the next election.

by lulu Wed Apr 15, 2009 21:22

It's not much, but a vote is all the poke we have at democracy - if we boycott elections, that could make it easier for the swine to get in again - & people endured a lot to get the vote for all.

by Fearbolg - S2S Wed Apr 15, 2009 23:26

The loss of the Gerry Cowley (not Jerry Crowley) seat in the last election has become something of an urban myth, in that Shell

supporters and many journalists, if there's a difference, have pointed to his support for Shell to Sea as being the reason for the collapse

in his vote. For the record, and only for the record, here are the facts, once again:

The reason Gerry was elected in 2002 was because of a strong vote in his own area, as would be expected, allied to a massive vote in

the Ballina electoral area due to his regular presence in the town and the absence of a strong local F.F canditate. His support in Erris

was marginal. In 2007, Fianna Fail targeted his Ballina vote and canvassed furiously with a readymade F.F contender with a strong

tradition in Ballina politics, namely Dara Calleary. Gerry Cowley got something like 70 votes in the Rossport polling area, as opposed to

5 in 2002. He lost something like 3000 votes directly to Dara and the game was up. His vote in Erris in general held up across the

board. Dara was in, and the fact that he's been as much use as a one-legged man at an arse-kicking party is totally immaterial in

modern day Irish politics.

I only bring this up because we hear that, in the next couple of weeks, tugs and dredgers bound for Erris will be turning up in Killybegs

There will be no voice for the people of Kilcommon in Leinster House. The policy of Government appears to be 'ignore it til it's over'

In other words, we are a disenfranchised people attempting to prevail against a huge Multinational and our own Government. I'm telling

every arse-licking toady who's helped facilitate this scandal that the blood is on your hands, and yours only.

by Mayo Man Thu Apr 16, 2009 01:40

IThe fact that Beverly made it to the Dail is in itself an argument for some sort of benign dictatorship!!

by Lyin Eyes - Specsavers Thu Apr 16, 2009 02:12

So really what you are saying 'fearboig ' is simple , we did not even need the 52mill. Euro Computers at the cliff hanging election of Gerry and ''The Lads ''
with such a close count ''to the wire '' thanks be to jazus they did break down when they did , They are all the same ,every single one of them ,
as for the computers that broke down ,they are stored with the ''Raiders of The Lost Ark '' stuff somewhere at a location near you .........

Still Costing Money ........

by Seamuseen Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:59

If we don't boycott the kind of elections whereby those who get elected are allowed to falsely claim to have a "mandate" to do whatever they like (in effect) -- regarding the extremely important matter of what the voters who elected them would wish them to do regarding the issues which arise during their term of office -- then we end up with an "elected dictatorship" I believe: which dishonestly masquerades as "democracy".

Such falsehoods can only be satisfactorily sustained by the dishonest politicians involved if a reasonably large numbers of voters actually take the trouble to vote - say 50% or more. Such percentages is what gives the dishonest politicians credibility for their "democracy" sham.

If only 5% voted (say) would these good-for-nothing (except corruption) timewasters, and money-wasters, be then able to convincingly claim in public (as they often do) that they had a "mandate" from the people?

Of course the best answer BY FAR would be to find candidates to vote for who can be trusted to reliably and responsibly stand up for the needs and rights of the people who voted for them: but, can such people be easily found -- having due regard for all the very powerful forces of corruption which are driving our political and legal systems at the present time?

Personally, I believe it might still be possible to find the odd such honest and decent "person of principle" here and there who is willing to stand for election; but, when and where such people genuinely cannot, for one reason or another, be found in a community, I think the people of such communities would be better off to stay at home on election day: rather than run the risk of providing credibility for a "bad egg", who could cause untold damage by acting corruptly behind the scenes, while publicly playing the role of a democratically "elected representative" in front of the media and elsewhere, and endlessly spouting cunning lies to beat the band -- for the purpose of fooling as many people as they possibly can.

Anyway, and whatever happens in the future, I still feel we have much to be grateful for regarding all that the Shell To Sea protestors have so far achieved in the uphill battle against the mountain of political, legal, and corporate corruption that society generally is at present up against; and long may they be able to keep up and increase their growing challenge as far as I'm concerned.

by Dum & Dummer - we the people Thu Apr 16, 2009 12:38

I can see the day when we the electorate will be advertising for the best brains in the country to represent our interests , in the newspapers or other ,
just imagine the standards we will expect , it can and will happen sooner rather than later , interesting theory , any comments ?

by Margaret Thu Apr 16, 2009 18:47

Does Enniscrone have a blue flag beach? well its being sullied with the presence of IRMS Security Thugs on a daily basis doing their workout to be ready to beat the living daylights out of the people of ERRIS. Should you wish to speak to them ,you will need a translator or several..NOT good for tourism,not good for SLIGO politicans either, are you listening MR .DEVINS?
Now we have KILLYBEGS waiting for the big SHELL boats,
Enniscrone hosting SHELLS thugs [no place for kids]
ERRIS people protecting The environment,their health and safety, their jobs and livilihoods
The political opposition parties in hiding .[We must now assume that they too were "aiding and abetting" when The dirty rotton gas deal was done ,when our GAS &OIL was given away.
Looks like there is nothing else left but "CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE"..LETS DO IT !!!!!

by lulu Thu Apr 16, 2009 20:02

You've got it, Margaret. Those who love the land will defend it.