More attacks on Eirigi by British and Irish States - North and South of the border

Recent Statements from Eirigi

éirígí confirm Ursula Shannon is party member

29/11/12

In a statement issued tonight (Thursday), éirígí general secretary Breandán Mac Cionnaith has confirmed that Ursula Ní Shionnáin is a member of the socialist republican party.

Mac Cionnaith said, “It is well-known fact that Ursula Ní Shionnáin is a member of éirígí and has been for several years. The party is not seeking to hide or minimise that fact in any way.

“That she has now been charged following her arrest under the Offences against the State Act is also a matter of public fact.

“Even though she has been charged, I am conscious that Ursula is still entitled to a presumption of innocence.

“Unlike some sections of the media during the past forty-eight hours, éirígí is not prepared to engage in prejudicial comment about this case.

“Neither will we do or say anything which could possibly undermine or jeopardise Ursula’s legal defence in any way.

“Therefore, the party will not be taking any steps to distance itself from Ursula.

“However, I have no doubt that some of the more sensationalist media outlets will try to exploit Ursula’s arrest to insinuate all sorts of conspiracy theories and to engage in McCarthy-like ‘reds under the beds’ hysteria against éirígí. That, of course, will be nothing new.”

Further example of political policing in Newry

29/11/12

éirígí spokesperson John McCusker has said that an early morning raid upon the home of one of their activists, Stephen Murney, and his subsequent arrest in Newry yesterday demonstrates yet again the political nature of the PSNI.

“Stephen is well-known as an éirígí party member in the Newry area who is very active within his local community. For the past couple of years, the PSNI have conducted a lengthy and intense campaign of harassment against him.

“Independent human rights organisations are currently investigating this campaign of harassment against Stephen and other people in the Newry area. Indeed, they have documented evidence detailing this open political victimisation. It has included constant stop and search procedures, harassment, assaults, house searches and threats from the PSNI officers – all carried out under the guise of so-called ‘anti-terror’ legislation.

“This morning, the PSNI seized items from Stephen’s home which included éirígí party literature and personal items belonging to him and other members of his family. Stephen was then arrested and taken to Antrim Holding Centre. Relatives of Stephen believe the PSNI chose this morning for this particular exercise for simple the reason that the PSNI would have known it was his birthday.”

McCusker added, “Many of Stephen’s neighbours gathered beside his home this morning in a show of solidarity and to demonstrate their abhorrence of the PSNI’s actions. I would commend those people for showing such communal solidarity with Stephen and his family.

“Serious questions must be asked about the overt and aggressive political policing which is becoming a daily occurrence, not only in Newry but right across the Six Counties.

“Contrary to the message preached by constitutional nationalist parties, the era of political policing has never ended,” concluded McCusker.