Davy Carlin

As I had started this online Diary on a historic day, I now start to finish it and bring it to completion on a truly historic day. Indeed as one commentator said about this day, ‘was that no such Pivotal moment had been witnessed since the very foundation of the state itself.

And so on May 7th Marie and I had packed our bags for May the 8th 2007, for a Journey long booked in

Indeed on May 8th as the now Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuiness, had sat. And as the now First Minister of Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley from the DUP rose to his feet - I to rose to my feet, to head off to the boarding gate at Belfast International airport.

And as I dandered I had hummed the tune to the song, ‘You raise me up – so I can stand on Mountains’.

Yet as we boarded the plane, I had thought of those seasoned journalists who had already began to state absolute amazement and disbelief at what had been moved to happen, and with that I sat down and took out those newspapers of March 27th, as I began to pen the final peace and closure to this Diary on May 8th - on that truly historic day.

Indeed such was the amazement of May 8th that one front page headline was to call it simply – ‘The miracle of Belfast’

As for the 27th March 2007 - the papers were full of that picture that will become iconic, that of Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley sitting at that V shaped table smiling together. Yet one could not get a more ‘Visible sign that spoke volumes through a picture - As for the headlines, they read simply that of ‘The Final Step’ and ‘The Final Peace’, as for some of the key commentators, they wrote of ‘Journeys End’ and of ‘A New Beginning’

– Indeed.

And so as the leaders of parties and countries assembled at Stormont with the world’s media there, our plane took of from the isle of Ireland. And with that I first looked out the window as we rose into the ‘Sky, and then looked to Marie and smiled a peaceful and chilled smile. Then I noticed her pentacle that I had bought her, worn by many who hold a belief in Wicca. Indeed it was a star shape that many believe offers protection, and hope. A star of hope -that Marie carries on her person, and I have long carried also -in my heart and mind.

It was the year that held my 37th birthday, the year of Marie’s 33rd birthday, and we were going firstly to visit friends that Marie had not seen in 17 years.

Indeed –

It was a Truly Historic day -.

- For me May the 17th was to be a day to chill and much would have been put to ease, and in thought I had visioned a place where this would be moved to be. And so on May the 16th in a far of land, in a place known locally as Witches Hill, what had been in mind we had happened upon with ease. It was a place where neither Marie nor I had ever known or had been, but it was as I had in mind. Now as we sat only Marie and I beside a lake, with fish jumping up out of the water and trees on hills enclosing us, the sun had shone right across the lake and onto us – with that we listened to the quietness of nature – and held hands.

Then we sat there and chilled until nightfall and watched as only two stars appeared in the sky.

Indeed as we had sat there that day, holding hands, it was to be the case that on that very day and for the very first time publicly back in Belfast, that key figures of the IRA Army Council and the UDA Inner Council had met - and shook hands.

And so with our arrival back home it was to be 37 days from the 8th of May in which for the first time I would stand and address those gathered in the council chambers of the once bastion of Unionist mis-rule -

- that of Belfast City Hall.

And so it was on June 14th 2007 that Marie and I made our way past the front of City Hall at 7pm to another entrance, as on that night the gates had been locked up. And as we got out of the taxi I held Marie’s hand and on this instance I realised a Black hand intertwined with that of a white hand, and with that we made our way through security.

My invite had originated from the heart of Loyalist and Protestant working class communities, from community organisations of the Shankill Road and from the Mount ‘Vernon estate, amongst others.

Although from the ‘Republican Heartlands’ it was indeed such working class ‘Loyalist communities that had afforded me my first such platform and I was glad and privileged to be asked to speak at another such event, these years later, and at this important time.

As Marie and I sat down, I looked around the gathering of citizens, and held within the gathering came those key activists from across the Progressive Movement. From Trade Unionists, Grassroots Organisations, Human Rights Organisations, Community Associations, Faith Organisations, Grassroots Political and Community Reps, Environmental, and Women’s Organisations and Campaigners, Anti Racism Activists and Minority Ethnic Groups and many more. Indeed I had seen many faces that had stood shoulder to shoulder with one self over the years including those key figures that have a ‘Standing within their respective activists bases, from across the Movement and ‘political divide.

Indeed it was many faces of that Network, and those at the forefront of the Movement for Progressive change. It was those working day and daily for the betterment of our citizens, with many in attendance coming from the heart of Protestant working class communities.

That night much was debated, from socio – economic concerns through to religion, from citizen’s rights and exploitation through to trade union rights.

And as I sat there, and looked around me, I knew it was an end to an Epic Journey, but with that – it was also the beginning of another.

I then heard my name in the distance, as I was still in thought,

…… ‘let‘s welcome our distinguished guests…. ‘Davy Carlin…………….. Founding member, organiser and spokesperson of the Stop the War Coalition and Movement …….. The Founding member, Chair, and spokesperson of the Anti Racism Network, and Movement…… Founding member, Chair of the Make Poverty History {NI} Movement. ….. ……

I then felt a nudge and looked to my left, and Marie smiled, and with that she switched on the mike.

— And so, that once child of the Ghettos, now the man, arose to his feet, under the roof of the once Bastion of unionist mis-rule – and at this Journeys end -

And with that - he looked once more around the council chambers, briefly, at the sheer make up of grassroots citizens etc, from many sections of our society, and with that,

- he breathed in – then spoke -

- CITIZENS,

- THE TIMES,

- THE TIMES,

- THEY ARE A CHANGING…………………….

Step by Step to Journey’s End

A New Beginning

As I sit here on New Years Eve, it is a ‘weird type of day. Indeed I had for a while put of writing this last piece of my Diary, this for various reasons.

Yet as I eventually sat at the computer and turned it on, at that very moment the ‘Heavens opened. And as I looked to my left out of my window and upon Black Mountain, a huge dark cloud hung over it and the rain pelted down with the rumblings of thunder and wind echoing out over the surrounding area. With that, my CD player stopped and all was silent, briefly, as the rain and thunder pelted and echoed -as if in anger.

Then as quickly as it had started and as I typed these first words, a blue sky briefly materialised over Black mountain and as I went and looked, a ray of sun lit up a ‘special part of the mountain, and my CD player came back on. Only briefly did the sun stay but it was welcomed even for such a brief time and at this precise moment as I sit to write this final and personal piece. Indeed the reasoning I say this is that such brings warmth, hope and reassurance in a way that I cannot describe, but I know it is there.

{Indeed I smiled, as such things do not faze me anymore, as stated elsewhere}.

It was before Xmas that I had started to jot and note down bits and pieces for this last piece that I now write, and on that I had thought hard on the title in this case. Yet the title I had chosen is a continuance of the ‘Words, events and ‘Moves forward that I have long written and articulated over the years. That is, ‘Step by Step, the ‘Journey and the ‘Beginning, all of which has helped, in part, to lead to the Final Peace, of my Diary that I now write.

Indeed for me it has been a long Journey, exactly 30 years this year {2007} since I had been driven to pick up my first bricks and bottles as a child. And since then events had took place that had set out the direction of my life, which can be found in ten year intervals thereafter.

The first was in the year that had held my 7th birthday, 1977 {as recorded elsewhere} in which I had taken enough. One such was enough of the brutality towards innocents from the state and its forces

Brutality that I had both witnessed and had also borne the brunt of as a child first hand. Yet for me in adulthood when I had again been driven to get involved, this time into politics, I did not seek revenge but only equality, peace and justice, and for the next generation not to have to live the life that I had lived in childhood and youth.

Indeed I had been to many of the darkest of places as a child and in youth, that many in adulthood could not even contemplate, and I did not wish anyone else to have to visit such places and times.

Back in 2003 not long after I had started writing I had wrote,
‘War for me had been witnessed on many fronts yet for oneself it is not only a question of remembering or trying to explain, but to use that experience to seek such change, so such need not arise again’.

Yet it was in the summer of that year 2003 that I had moved to intensify that part.

Indeed I had acknowledged that the hope and aspirations of future generations should not be held back by what had happened to many such like oneself and that a more equal and just society should not be a dream but a reality that could be lived – and to that end I would play my part.

Firstly going back, and it was a decade after that year of 1977 that I was again ‘driven or this time ‘Clicked into a reaction. This time it was not by the state, but rather it was brutally dished out by others locally {‘mostly by what was known as ‘hoods}. Such where the times one did not go to the police {unless a claim was involved etc} and therefore it was a situation that I had again chosen, and had to, deal with myself, this after the first time.

Indeed as a youth I was never a ‘fighter in the working class ‘hard man sense, and as a child I had also feared for the safety of my relatives as they would speak up for me.

An example of such from the mid seventies, as I go back briefly several decade years ago. -

‘Get your fucking hands up against that wall’ the ‘Brit {the term used by most for British Solider} had said to my relative as they stopped us, while another aimed a gun at his head. My uncle legs were kicked apart while the Brit roughly searched him.

The Brit then made a remark about me, and the resemblance he thought I had with a monkey. My uncle’s reply in defence of me won him a rifle butt to the side of the head and blood began to trickle down. I prayed in my mind that my uncle would not say anything else no matter what the Brit said about me. Eventually another Brit then grabbed his colleagues sleeve and told my uncle, and therefore I, to go on our way’.

Indeed I had learnt another two lessons that day’.

Therefore all such and much more I as a child and in youth had borne the brunt off.
Yet, and eventually, such was the times that I was eventually ‘clicked to survive and brutally so.

It was always the words that I remember in such situations that had lead up to that reaction in that year of my 17th birthday. I remember my first ‘beating and being lifted into an ambulance and I remember the ambulance man’s words of ‘the dirty bastards, the dirty bastards, he’s only a kid’. And I remember my mum and step-dad walking past me in hospital, as I lay on a trolley, as my face was caked in blood, and had also been beaten unrecognisable.

Then there was the time; this time about five or six of them had left me - in a gutter with sewage running over me. I lay there half naked with my new Xmas coat my parents had saved hard for and my new trainers missing and my shirt ripped of .It was again the words, ‘is he alive’ and with that my eyelid was lifted and I tasted the raw sewage in my mouth. Yet I will never forget the face of a woman standing in the background. With both her hands clasped at her mouth the words’ Oh Jesus Oh Jesus Christ, what have they done to the child’ were then croaked out. Yet it was her tears and face of pity for an ‘unknown that I will never forget, and indeed their charity, as they had looked after me for a few days as I had not want my parents involved, as I wanted nothing to happen to them. Indeed similar as had been with the brutality dished out to me by the police and army as a younger child.

And so it continued – until –

I remember a plastic bag with the smell of glue - like a noose around my neck held by one behind me, and another with a foot on the side of my face as the other side of my face lay in the mud. Another had held my legs and again it was words that I remember ‘he’s went fucking mad’ we can’t let anyone see him like this’ the words though not spoken this time in sympathy but spoken in fear.

Then I had seen out of the eye that was not in the mud a guy being lifted up with his
face pure white, a face of fear. It was a face of a guy who I did not like, indeed one of those who had long tortured me. Around his neck he wore my belt, and while I lay there I tasted both foreign flesh and blood in my mouth – and with that I laughed, louder, and then louder again –

And then this time, for the second time in my life, and from the very depths of my ‘soul, from the very core of my being, I let out the most almighty heart wrenching cry, that echoed this time around the estates below.

And so, for that second time as in childhood and now youth, I had both in body and in mind taken enough, indeed I could take no more, and on several occasions during those years I was fortunate to survive, to be alive, many others though who I had known did not survive.

Later as I looked into a mirror it was not the eyes of Defiance that I had once seen in childhood when driven to react.

Now I had ‘Clicked, and what was there was now the eyes of ‘Nothingness, Absolute Nothingness, Emotionless.

{NOTE -As I sit here the weather is now getting worse and more violent and angrier, I have just found out the concert at Belfast City Hall to see in New Year is now being cancelled due to it.}

And so with the Nothingness and being Emotionless I had left West Belfast a few years later and set up home with my then partner. Yet now in adulthood when a situation arose the Nothingness took over and with it, it no longer seen me beaten to a pulp as in youth.

Indeed I remember when on one occasion when a guy smashed me over the head with a bottle and his mate pulled a knife on me. This after I had tackled them about pulling up my partners dress. With that I had went after them as my partner called to people to help, yet I needed no help as the eyes of the brutal Nothingness took over, indeed I had the taste of blood and violence - and moreso – I was getting to like it –

And so I had learnt, I believed, that to survive - one needed to be brutal. And so whether in a situation like above or in an innocent situation, it now made little difference in mind -as my reaction would be the same.

Yes - there are many differing casualties of War, some Overt other less so –

Indeed society can and will effect who and what you are and can drive you to do things you never envisaged, moreso through such conflict. And it takes many battles to win that war - the war to claw back the real you -long buried and forgotten by such events, or indeed having never even been given a chance to materialise.

Yet again another decade later and the signing of a form to join a political organisation took place, and once again such was driven by certain events.

On this occasion I still at this stage had in many ways the Nothingness and lack of many Emotions.

In reality I could still show little feelings of closeness or humanity as they had long been shovelled from my heart and gut during the Conflict.

And so again - there are more differing casualties of War, some Overt others less so –

On this third occasion and that decade later I had signed up to a political organisation, driven to do so once again by the brutality of the state. It was 1997 the year of my 27th birthday and it was the issue of the police that took centre stage.

1997 was when I had eventually, in real terms, signed up to what was to become known as the Belfast SWP, {although I had actually come across them in 1996}, and a decade later at the beginnings of 2007 I now sit to finalise this piece.

The situation that had yet again drove me to re- act, was on seeing a young man stand up with his hands raised in the air at a peaceful sit down protest against the marching of an Orange march through a Nationalist area on the Ormeau Road. His peaceful actions where returned by the brutal batoning of him by the police that had left him bloody and unconscious, a picture that had went around the world’s TV screens, and they then tried to drag him away like an animal. Indeed it showed to the world how even such a peaceful action was dealt with here by the state forces, even at that time.

That young man was my friend, a friendship that had gone back to pre teen years when I had first met him, and I knew much of his life, and he did not deserve what was done, as had been done to many before him. It played on my mind for a long time and I had at the time written to join several political parties due to it, but had got no reply. Eventually as I have recorded elsewhere I had happened upon the SWP in Belfast city centre and eventually got involved in activism. .

I had also seen others on such TV screens close to one self in such peaceful protest but in large part it was that one action of one Police baton that had eventually politicised me into recent action, and so with it, and because of it, came everything over the last decade that can be read within and throughout this Diary.

Fortunately my intentions were not revenge or militaristic, but it again shows how one can be driven to re act.

Indeed it was then that I had let that young man stay with me until he got sorted out with stuff. Like many growing up in the conflict in such areas he had had it tough and that added to my anger.

And so with the stroke of that one baton at the time on TV {on someone I knew} it had also meant that all such memories of such brutality {and more} were brought back and relived in mind.

And so I had to go through it all again- both the suffering and the sacrifice.

Yes there are many causalities of War.

For me, as stated, I sought and seek no revenge only justice, truth and closure on much such, more especially about murders and deaths recorded elsewhere in my Diary. For me from the onset I had sought to reach out and play my part in effecting change for the betterment of all our citizens on the isle of Ireland. May it be speaking out and protesting against the Collusion of the state in the murder of its own citizens through to providing solidarity for citizens against Sectarian or Racist attacks all such needed to be done. May it be speaking out and mobilising against Loyalist and Republican murders through to various other trade union actions, all such was essential, and I played my part.

Yet for me it was and is all about, Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter, together as one.

- As I sit here at the close of 2006, I think back now even in recent times and the changes also within one self and indeed ones life.

Firstly though my stepfather has passed away {7th Nov} and we buried him on Nov 10th 2006. He was a good man who provided for his family in those darkest of days.

My brothers and sisters and I are in the process of getting all our family pictures collected and put together in a video slide etc.

Looking through some of the pictures there is a class one of my Mum and Stepfather getting married in the Murph in the early 70s’ with myself of pre school age all dolled up to the tee in wee shorts etc. They where married by the much known and respected activist, that of Fr Des Wilson.

For me I am getting back to full time work as there needs to be a balance between activism and life as things are moved forward, and on Friday 29th Dec 2006 in a board room in Belfast I had taken a big step in that regard - to attempt to secure such a better and more secure future.

Yet I will never be financially the richest person it the world and that matters little to me. More especially so as I have come to understand that there are things that I have that money can never buy.

Indeed as I had stood in my mums house in Twinbrook with my niece and Godchild in one arm and my nephew in the other at Xmas and as my mum hugged us, I could see the deep love of a mother to a son as she looked into my eyes. And I knew she could see the growing peace of mind within myself and the love for her that my eyes can only now begin to reveal as the Nothingness fades away, with that growing peace of mind.

From all my brothers and sisters I had the verses on the Xmas cards and the hugs and loving words. Similarly from my Gran and Aunts, and those firm manly hugs from my Uncles. Again as with that look of eye from my partner and those hugs and loving words from her, and her {and more of my} immediate and extended family, I realise how much love there is there, in its many forms towards oneself.

Then I think of my time in politics and the times of personal need and the real friendships and support that was offered, much of which was unexpected, but came from many many quarters and at times across the ‘communities.

And I know also of the much activist support and solidarity held within many aspects of civic society.

Indeed at times it made me feel like your man out of the film ‘It’s a Wonderful life’.

With such love, with such genuine friendship, support and solidarity, and with that almost completed personal peace of mind, indeed I now know how rich I really am.

Yes, I now realise, that I have things that money cannot buy

Yet, and of course one needs money etc, more especially in our ever-changing society. And for me it is no longer a matter of day to day thinking in that regard, but now thinking and planning for a secure future – for there is a future, now.

So back to the gym, cycling, and I walk everywhere. I have also {for good this time} given up smoking, and to do that I had to give up drinking, and through giving up drinking, it has meant less of those mad late night take aways on the way home. So now I am into my third month now without touching a single cig or any alcohol, {all over Xmas to} with less take aways.

And with that I have found two benefits from this change, firstly I feel better and healthier {and look in my twenties I am told! - sound} and secondly we could in the time ahead save £300 plus a month, for our plans ahead.

And so on top of our regular interests {Yes I am also still giving it the ‘Welly on the dance floors} - we will have a renewed interests of going to the pictures, ice skating, going to the opera, musicals etc more regularly and, yes, one of my Xmas presents this year I had asked for several Cookery books!

So much personal change {which I will come back to later in this article} -as well as societal change.

Well now for an activist update and what we have been up to the last few months.

Firstly though I provide important links to articles I have written.

{Some of the links may be down but will be back up shortly}

The History of the Belfast Anti War Movement Part 3.

The Final Part -

This article also has some personal issues raised within it.

http://www.phoblacht.net/DC23090610g.html

West Belfast the Past the Present and the Future –

The completed online series of my life growing up as a kid in West Belfast during the recent War - attached below.

http://www.phoblacht.net/DC19070618g.html

The Movement Past and Present –

If you trawl through this thread you can get a link to many of my writings and accounts of the Mass and ‘Unprecedented Movements I have been involved in, and my role within such.

http://ireland.indymedia.org/article/76495

Below is a final snippet of a forthcoming publication, and rises like many others whom I had known or who are related throughout my extended family – that issue of Collusion and the murder of them.

Yes, that of the State murder of its own citizens during those times, this notwithstanding the murder of those children who are both related to me throughout my family or whom I had known as a child.

Such issues need to be addressed, both in regard to collusion and cover –up, and also in relation to the Plastic bullets that murdered and injured children and adults, as so to bring closure.

{Update – Just before I put this article up and a week or so after I had started it, ‘Sir Hugh Orde the Police Chief Constable released a statement. Within it he stated and acknowledged that –

‘If you look at the past, it is absolutely clear that a number of people who were killed {murdered} {17 in total}, were innocent –some of them kids. These were people who were hit by rounds and should not have died’

‘ – I cannot change the past but we all need to work to ensure that such situations are never again repeated’}

This statement is welcomed, as another key step forward to the finding of truth and bringing closure on such issues.

Snippet -

‘I gave my head a shake and looked out the taxi as we neared the bottom of the Whiterock Road. Looking ahead and to the right I saw the house that has a plague over it which acknowledges that James Connolly had lived on the Falls Road. James Connolly was a great Socialist and trade union organiser who was executed following his role in the 1916 Easter rising, and much has been and no doubt will still be written about him. I had just come on to the Falls Road deep in thought as to the man and what he stood for when I looked directly to the left of me.

I had been thinking about how the Falls Road also holds so much history of struggle when my eyes met Sean Graham’s bookmakers, which is at the junction of the Rock and the Falls Roads. Sean Graham’s bookmakers on January 13th 1990 had seen three men go into it to do a robbery. Undercover British soldiers from 14th Intelligence Company apparently aware of the robbery in advance waited until they had come out of the bookmakers then gunned them down. Eye witness state that the men were again shot as they lay on the ground while wounded, while the driver the first to die with no warning given and also unarmed was shot at very close range through the window of the car. One of the three men had remained inside and so survived. Those that were killed were the get away driver, John Joseph McNeill, as well as Edward Hale and Peter Thompson. I had looked at that time at each of the faces in the paper until I set eyes on the face of Peter Thompson, and in doing so, I had seen another face from childhood’.

{UPDATE, it has just been reported that – 7 police officers may be investigated about Collusion and Murder in the 90’s – this on the back of other reports of such past Collusion being reported recently, and to be investigated}

THE IRISH PEACE PROCESS

My Articles and views on a number of related issues

St Andrews Agreement and the left

http://www.phoblacht.net/DC031106g.html

The Peace Progress and the State –

http://www.phoblacht.net/DC02070611g.html

- Republicanism –

http://www.phoblacht.net/dissidentrepubdc.html

The Murder of Brian Stewart, written by my Mother – in – Law, with a brief introduction by myself.

http://cryptome.org/brian-stewart.htm

And finally with both the ARN open list- and MPH thread
{‘From Belfast to Dublin to Scotland http://www.indymedia.ie/article/69964} several Movements to effect change – visible and otherwise, through out and within - can be found –

On the above issues of the peace process the area of greatest debate and concern presently, is the issue of policing in the North, and on that I give my take.

For me I am a free thinker, and with that I read and remember, as the way of trying to understand. I also in my mind {with such study} then attempt to really put myself both in the shoes of, and the mind of many differing understandings.

This is of course harder when one has been discriminated or brutalised by such, nevertheless to succeed in doing so will be, and is, of benefit to all.

Also as a free thinker I am not a purist in the leftist political sense and have come to my understanding on many issues. I remember when getting involved in politics that the big debating point was ‘Reform or Revolution’, and this went across the board within and throughout all struggles.

Yet I thought why must it be one or the other, and why must it be across the board.

Therefore in my own mind, {within the context of this recent Irish War}, I came to the understanding of ‘Reform and Revolution’ as the dynamic of moving things forward from where we where at, here. That is, tactically, to ‘Revolutionise a static or unwanted situation through a process of radical reform from the status quo, this visible and otherwise, throughout and within.

Indeed not only do Revolutionaries make the best Reformist’s, but the best Progressives, and Reformist’s, at times can be the best, and in the best position, to Revolutionise, through those methods.

In reality it is in tandem with such, that steps forward can also be won. It is not solely a case of seeking ones ultimate objectives through the understanding of Revolution, but knowing also of how and when to change tactics to move that situation forward.

This I have ‘embedded as strategy over the years, solely within the context of this situation. Indeed a Revolutionary is not one who is smitten by purism but is one who can seek to effect the most progressive change while the tide is against us, and then seeking to effect the most fundamental change when the tide is with us.

As I have pointed out in my article {linked} on the ‘St Andrews Agreement and the left’, such ‘moves are a step forward from the War.

Indeed it will no longer be a Protestant Parliament for a Protestant people, although it will be in many ways, I believe, a Capitalist Parliament for a Wealthy people.

Such is not what those on the Revolutionary Left want, but as I have pointed out in attached article it will offer more ample opportunity to win others to our understanding.

On the issue of policing, I again touch on such in that said article. For me, and those on the left, we are well aware of what the police are about. And I repeat as to my belief, and to that that I have written from my very earliest of articles, that the Police are but a tool of the state, and their attentions are turned and tuned primarily against working class people.

Yet again it cannot be an issue of purism, as if the case, then one will be simply left behind in an ever changing society, or more importantly being seen as complete wing nuts by those we seek to win {this in relation to some of the positions taken by some on the ‘left}. Indeed it is easy to talk of what the working class did in some other country 100 years past or how people did it here 35 years or so ago {and it is important at times to state such} Yet this is not 100 years ago or 35 years ago, this is the here and now in a differing time and situation. And those who understand this are the ones who are and will continue to move things forward for the betterment of such communities, - while still seeking their ultimate objectives.

Indeed the lessons of such history is essential to learn from, but Political Purism and Godly Tradition while good in rhetoric and fires up the membership, it though offers little more in the reality.

Further to that, and to those who know the reality of such working class communities in the North that had borne the brunt of such policing, the issue is not that of policing per say. Indeed most will state that they would welcome accountable and transparent policing as a service - the problem for many, is in fact the actual history of policing in the North and how it was used in such a brutal way against the Nationalist people.

Indeed for most - it is not ideological – but more so practical.

Therefore when the DUP say to Sinn Fein {the largest Nationalist Party} that there can be no agreement on power sharing and transfer of policing powers etc until all the dots are dotted, many in the Nationalist community could say similar in relation to the PSNI. Which to many would still be a huge swallow to give support to, given the recent and brutal history witnessed by and inflicted on many innocents.

Such Nationalism though, it seems, is prepared to take that swallow in the interest of moving forward for all, is Unionism?

History {even in a decade from now} will read such of Nationalism, what of Unionism, and the leadership of such?

{UPDATE -, Sinn Fein through their structures have today agreed to take that Historic step and to go to their membership seeking endorsement of policing and the legal structures.}

Any body can make war, but making peace, well, that takes at times even greater sacrifices, but it maketh a ‘greater man and a ‘greater woman because of it, it is said

Indeed one just has to look at the life of David Ervine {recently deceased}. A person I had met on many occasions, -{I had engaged with Loyalism from my earliest of Political years and was condemned by some on the Left and isolated from others for doing so, including that of my then Political Leadership {PC}, who told me that I was on my own in that regard, but I knew there was Political Purism and ‘Godly Tradition and then there was that of the reality and of the Necessity – and it did not matter to me that some attempted to call me a ‘Half Prod, indeed I was proud of it} - and who I in the decades ahead will say to those closet to oneself, ‘yes it was men and women like him, in the latter stages, who played their part to attempt to move to the society that we have today, and to lay the groundwork for the future – this despite their past..

This through attempting, as much as the constraints allowed them to, to begin to move working class communities forward from a war footing. He of course had that past, as did and do many similar, but it will be that of his recent Present that will be remembered more in the future – I believe.

This was reflected in not only the turnout at his funeral but on the make up of that turnout. Indeed, I believe that on only one other occasion in the whole History of the recent Irish War, has the leaderships of Loyalism and Republicanism openly stood shoulder to shoulder, having been brought together. And that was done visibly several years prior under and throughout the banner of the Anti Racism Network in which I, also a David, was founding member and Chairperson of.

Indeed ‘Reaching Out {to the more progressive representatives and respected community activists}, as I had both articulated and Practiced from my earliest of days, was essential to achieve that, as recorded elsewhere.

And yes, I say this of a man who belonged to an organisation that had murdered those who I had known.

-And so

-for those on the left I believe it is again, as I have long stated and practiced, ‘Two – Tier, {in regard to the here and now} that is, those of us outside of Governance or who do not believe in such, our role should be to hold the state, the police and such to account. May this be attempted through the media and writing as is the case, in below link to one of my articles

The Peace Progress and the State –

http://www.phoblacht.net/DC02070611g.html

While also mobilising against such -

Picture of myself marching against State Collusion behind the Ballymurphy {The Murph} banner down the Falls Road.

http://www.dannymorrison.ie/gallery/Various/37_G_001

Or even by using ‘won legislation etc.

For those who seek {and chose} to go into governance, {or influence such}, and to also sign up therefore to policing {and all associated organisations}. For them in many ways it will inevitably be a matter of timing, in this context. Indeed the Shinners may choose to attempt to effect change to such policing and all associated this year, other progressives may have done several years prior and yet more several years prior to that. In reality it was not a matter of timing ‘collectively of differing parties and such all getting involved together. It was and is a matter of how each felt and feels when the most change, they believe, can be effected by such a move by their own constituency etc, for the betterment of all in society.

Indeed it is to ‘strategise tactically

Yet, for me to deal with the issue of policing, I first need to start of with the history of the state, and that governance of Unionism. I read and hear much of Unionism and of the murder and mayhem visited upon ‘their people and on society by Republicans. And for me I can, and have long acknowledged much of what is said in that context.

Indeed the murder of such innocents is wrong, plain and simple and I have long stated that, organised against such threats and murder, and engaged with that understanding.

Yet it is also important for Unionism to acknowledge, or at least to understand the role that ‘their state and their governance had played in all that has went before.

Indeed the issues concerning such a state and its various wings, may it be the police, army, judiciary etc and much that has been stated in relation to it, is not perceived, but indeed real. And I know this not through the reading of ‘propaganda etc, but because I had lived through it, and had witnessed such.

May it have been the murder of men, women, and children by the state and the collusion and cover up that had went with much such. May it have been more of my relatives who had attempted to go through the courts and had seen no justice or justice obstructed. May it have been the mental and physical brutally and violence others and I had suffered at the hands of those instruments of Unionist Governance. May it have been the Gerrymandering and the Discrimination embedded within the very cornerstone of established society and wider afield, and thus the poverty and the eeking out of an existence - and all else that stemmed from that.

And much more -

Yes it was real, very real, and all such situations and those who immediately come to mind, were innocent and good people, and citizens. Citizens though who where not seen and therefore not treated as equal citizens, by such Unionist governance.

And for the more progressive and democratically minded Unionists, I believe they do at least in mind, have much such understanding, and with that, the heart to move forward for the betterment of all citizens.

Yes pain and hurt has visited us all, and it is time to move on as so to attempt to never visit such again on another generation.

Yet there were those who had also stood outside of such ‘Law and through doing so had seen such ‘Law indeed stand outside of itself.

And on that matter that brings me on to the Intelligence Forces and the Peace Process.

I hear Nationalists and Republicans debate on this matter, yet the way I see it is simply like this. Such agencies the world over {as is their nature} are rarely moved to such accountability. Indeed in many cases even their sitting state Governance finds it hard to hold such to full account, while in many cases such Governance simply cannot or will not – as it is not in their interest to do so they believe.

Indeed when necessary they are a law onto themselves and will, can, and do operate as and when they see fit to operate outside of their own constituted State law and state governance.

A point I have raised in writings before.

Therefore it is from that reality that we should begin.

If therefore such is the case, how then is it best to attempt to presently hold such to ‘account, more especially within the context of the Isle of Ireland.

My understanding of this {in points raised in regard to those who believe in all aspects of Civic governance } is firstly through attempting to actually ‘remove such from the wider mechanisms and structures of policing {and other Civic associations} in which accountability measures won can therefore be attempted to be utilised to their full {albeit limited} ability within and throughout that civic arena.

AND -

Secondly without the shelter and the umbrella of such wider structures then such issues of concern can be raised in terms of the specific, focussed and concentrated, within and throughout wider society, at such.

In effect seeking the removal of such from, and concentrating on those, Civic Structures, presently, which can be moved to more ‘real accountability. That includes all other mechanisms and functions of the state that had both discriminated against and was used against sections of its citizens.

Indeed for those who embrace Civic Governance that would be a step forward.

Therefore on the Left one can talk of not supporting a Capitalist Police force, others of not supporting any police, while others again not supporting a British Police force, and all have our right to do so. The majority though, and overwhelming majority of citizens will see a reality of indeed having a policing service, presently, that is accountable and transparent

And to that end, they will vote for those who they best believe can deliver that, and within Nationalism that will primarily be Sinn Fein and the SDLP.

{UPDATE – Before I put this up on my Blog it has just been announced by the British Prime Minister, that the British Intelligence Services will, indeed, be separate from such Policing structures}.

And so this brings me on to the issue of points that I have both heard and read in the past, that is, that the North cannot be reformed. Well, I believe what is needed is Revolution and to that end I continue my activism, but to state that there cannot or more especially that there has not been any reform in the North, is simple purism.

Indeed every aspect of life and society has and is seeing reform over the past several decades, more especially in recent time, which was ‘won and battled for {Two Tier}. Firstly, and initially primarily outside Governance and on the streets. This through Civil Rights Movements, Mass mobilisations, Insurrection, Direct actions and much more, but at the same time, in part, won inside the system, indeed that is the simple reality of it.

And through it all it has seen not only Revolutionaries but also Reformists dying and giving there lives in the pursuit of not only Revolution, but also Reform, as such was the brutality dished out to those who even dared to rise their heads peacefully for even the most modest of Civil and Human rights -

- this by Unionist Governance and the State.

Therefore for us who work outside of Governance and for that Revolutionary Situation, we should not only welcome reform but to give whatever support we can to those fighting for it.

And so we fight not a purist corner to see who can remain the most static and most entrenched in political purism and Godly tradition, but remain to our understanding while in tandem supporting others who seek to win advancing Reform –

- to the best of our abilities.

This does not of course stop us from raising our differences as to the how’s and why’s - and to the differing society that can be won.

Indeed it is essential to do so

Why?

Well, we do not want simply a British Secret Service removed and replaced with an Irish Secret Service; we do not want simply a Protestant Parliament for a Protestant people replaced with a Capitalist Parliament for a Wealthy people.

What we want is a flag that flutters in the wind and as it does so, its colours speak that of both political and economic freedom, not only for and to the citizens of Ireland, but to the citizens of the world.

And so while lending all such support to win such reforms, and support to such Reformists, it is to the Class and to the Revolution that we pledge our allegiance.

-Well an update of activism over the last few months, before finishing of on more of my personal experiences.

UPDATE -

- In my Previous inputs I had again raised the essential issue of funding for Conway Mill in West Belfast. Well in this last input I am pleased to report that it is now to be funded to the tune of Several millions, and similar to the West Belfast festival, it to received the funding required, as did other important initiatives.
-
- And finally I had raised the issue of Just Books; well we are now opened in Central Belfast. –

Over the last few months I have attended many various events, more especially those of the 25th Anniversary events of the Hunger strikes. Fifteen to twenty thousand attended the event in Casement Park. Marie and I had marched directly behind the Turf Lodge {The Turf} banner with neighbours from the Turf, down the White Rock Road and up to Casement.

We had also attended one of the last such events in West Belfast. It was on the grounds that we had Ceiled on, the grounds where once had stood Andersonstown Barracks. Yes that barracks where Marie and I with others, including Gerry Adams had stood, shoulder to shoulder, rain, hail and shine to picket over the issue of Plastic Bullets year in year out.

Marie and I, and other relatives can be pictured in the local papers last year, to right back to the nineties in that regular vigil, with many others.

And, for me, those Andytown Barracks can be remembered right back to the seventies and of a child in a Balaclava getting wired into it – indeed.

But back to the present and that candle lit vigil, and one picture of each of the hunger strikers was held, and by chance, I had lifted that one of Bobby Sands and as the songs rang out I had looked into the darkness and thought of such times, then had looked upon the lights held all around and thought of a future

I had also attended book launches, organised and participated in various protests and actions, with the most visible and recent being that of our stand against the coming imposition of Water charges and Privatisation

And a record of the recent momentum created in that stand against it is below, then I finish of my Diary with my final personal thought.

Firstly there was a West Belfast meeting, and with that meeting aired on the BBC, on the 27th Nov, and the coverage the next day – things stared to really move in activist circles, as word and actions to build Momentum then intensified.

WATER CHARGES –

And so with that - and on the ‘28th -

- it all began

From : david carlin
Sent : 28 November 2006 16:50:33
To : antiracism@burngreave.net
Subject : [Antiracism] Update

Dear Friends,

If anyone needed any further convincing just read our press statement below, and circulate it if you wish.
The ‘We won’t Pay campaign, is building momentum, {BBC slot last night, papers this morning, West Belfast meeting last night - etc} - and we have held and are to continue to hold meetings from the Falls to the Shankill, all around Belfast, ‘and in Towns and Cities across the North.

This ‘charge can be beaten, if done properly, and the ground is being prepared for mass non payment and mobilisations etc, so all progressive individuals and organisations, get involved and join the ‘We wont Pay Campaign - as the Momentum further grows.

Davy Carlin ‘We Wont Pay Campaign, ‘and Organise!

And then -29th Nov - —

From : david carlin
Sent : 29 November 2006 16:09:12
To : antiracism@burngreave.net
Subject : [Antiracism] And so it begins,

And first,

they decided to discriminate against, and to come for those who are ‘Rock Bottom’

Well if anything was and is to get ones blood up and to drive one forward on such matters, then it is such an attack on the poorest in society.

To those who stand on the side of right, to those who work against the end of poverty, to those who stand against the attacks on the low paid and the most vulnerable, to those who oppose privatisation and the grubby hands of the rich to exploit the poor – it is time to stand against such.

Have no doubt, whatever measures the government promises, the market and the profiteers will dictate that water charges will rise and rise and rise, effecting us all, over the years.

Please circulate and support the below protest, and in every and any way one can, lets get the word out as individuals, within whatever organisation, trade union or campaign, and build the Momentum –
Join the We won’t Pay Campaign,

- and so it begins,

in earnest …

In Solidarity ‘D

See You Tomorrow

PROTEST AGAINST PETER HAIN

We’re NOT ‘Rock Bottom’,
We’re Rock Solid behind Mass Non-Payment!
No Privatisation of OUR Water Service!

6pm Thursday 30th Nov Outside Blackstaff BBC Studios Great Victoria St Belfast

The BBC current affairs programme ‘Question Time’ will be broadcast from Belfast tomorrow evening. Secretary of State Peter Hain will be a panel member on the programme. The We Won’t Pay Campaign will hold a protest outside the studios against Peter Hain imposition of water charges and privatisation of the service against the overwhelming opposition of people in Northern Ireland.

With that, then the 30th

From : david carlin
Sent : 30 November 2006 11:12:06
To : antiracism@burngreave.net

Subject : [Antiracism] ‘UNPRECEDENTED’

Dear Friends,

And so it begins {2}

Update Water Charges – legal issues etc.

Yesterday evening the Irish Congress of Trade Unions {ICTU}, our Trade Union Movement, which represents around a quarter of a million members and their families in an ‘Unprecedented Stance’ called for support for non payment of Water Charges.

{Brief report of Irish News article}

John Corey of ICTU and General Secretary of NIPSA said,

That ’the Unions stance was ‘unprecedented but a responsible and democratic decision’

‘If the Government think that they can brow beat the public in Northern Ireland to pay these Water Charges or mislead the people with false information on charges they are far mistaken’.

‘The way for the people to let their opinion be known is to back non payment’.

Ciaran Mullholland of the We Won’t Pay Campaign stated that

‘ Non Payment could yield results.

‘Half a million house holders cannot be taken to court – it would take centuries’.

-As I had stated previously on ‘preparing the ground.

Many, indeed, have thought ‘long and hard, on this issue and the ground is being well prepared.
In regard to the ‘legal. The We Wont’ Pay Campaign as well as NIPSA have and are to set up legal fighting funds, and legal teams for their members.

ICTU also has been advised that ‘it is not a crime to refuse to pay a water bill and that the government cannot turn of anyone’s supply’ Additionally NIPSA Solicitors has confirmed the courts are effectively powerless to enforce water charges – more especially I say when tens of thousands of us refuse to pay them.

It was also good to see some politicians yesterday voice their support for those who will not pay and a number of good articles and reports are in this mornings papers.

The Newsletter has a two page spread and Newton Emerson, I must say, does an excellent article in today’s Irish News. In which he goes into the legal issues as well, in which he sums up in part by stating that ‘non payment of a civil debt and cannot result in imprisonment, a fine or a criminal conviction.

Indeed many are rising such points, and their understandings. And I state as I have always stated, that is, that this charge can be beaten.

Indeed it will not be beaten be the politicians {although their voices are welcomed} but it will be beaten by Mass Non payment, by that Mass Civil Disobedience, it will be beaten, by we – The People.

Finally, further evidence of the support for the We Won’t Pay Campaign’s call for mass non-payment of water charges was shown by a poll carried out on the Stephen Nolan Show yesterday in which 93% say they will refuse to pay the charges.

All that is left to say is Join us in our stand-

- - - With that growing Momentum created and continuing, others were then moved to action, to join us in that visible stand. Including that of my former party in Belfast who acknowledged their new shift to activism and visibility on this issue with some of the biggest posters I have seen, put up on lampposts.
So such Momentum as on many occasions prior, once again, had both shifted and moved others to get visibly involved.

Yet such Momentum needs not only to be created but also held and intensified, and for my part, with others, we have set about doing local community agitation on this issue in our local communities. Saying that, over the coming months I will become less ‘visible, although still active, as I have found when it comes to seeking certain employment etc, many are wary of such ‘ Prominent Radical’s, as I have been called even in my earliest of years in the media.

And as time goes on I find my responses changing when one hears other young radicals or others talking about such times that I was witness to, or had played a key role within.

Indeed over recent times, I had a young and very new activist attempt to sell me a Political paper, and talked of the ‘Great Anti Racism Movement and rallies a few years back, ‘that had united thousands to stand against Racism. I but smiled, purchased the paper and told him to keep up the good work.

Then there was another ‘newish activist who talked to me about the ‘Magnificent Unity against Sectarianism by Catholics and Protestants several years ago, and of the ‘Scores of thousands’ that had mobilised over the murder of a young postal worker Daniel Mc Colgan, and of the Fire -fighters and Postal workers - and the Falls- Shankill marches.

Again after agreeing with much of what he said I simply and politely wished him well in his endeavours, after declining his appeals for me to ‘get active.

Although there was one occasion at the Library where I listened as a number of young people were seeking research for a school project and were going through the local papers of that time of the initial War on Iraq and of the mass mobilisations and actions in Belfast against it. Then they started nudging each other and nodded to me, as they had found a picture of myself leading of a march with the Anti War Movement Banner.

On that occasion though I did help out.

As with the article attached on the History of the Local Anti War Movement, I have found that even now such is seen and raised as, {albeit recent, but nevertheless} important History.

Similar from the local MPH Movement though to the growing Water charges Campaign, such had and will no doubt mobilise and find support amongst thousands.

And the reason that such Movements in the North are looked upon not only in Ireland with such interest but throughout many parts of the globe, is because of that unity as opposed to our well advertised history of divisions.

And so, I have talked of the Past and the Present and now to finish on the Future.

Much of what I wish to do, and will do, is held within recent points I have raised throughout the links of my Diary. Indeed although only in my mid 30’s I realise that I have been witness to, participated in, and did so much in life already to date. And on that note I will give a final come back onto this Diary, one more time – on my 40th birthday, still several years away.

But, I will say that in a short couple of months ahead that Marie and I are to set of backpacking and exploring again, this time, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark etc.

And where we lay our hats will be our home for that duration

Yet on a given night, at the side of some far of Mountain and just the two of us beside a lake, and the stars in the sky with the sound of the quietness of nature all around, we will chill.

And with that, it will have closed that Final Chapter and will have secured that Final Peace, of mind.

Indeed for me, Sin é.

And so, it will be Journeys End, and in that regard, that War, my War, will be over.

I say though, as one who has sought a better society for all our citizens, and one who has been at the forefront of, and has been able to initiate, mass campaigns and Movements with ‘differing and ‘various others over recent years. That I believe that an understanding of both the political realities and of the know how, of how to strategise successfully within that, is essential, if one genuinely seeks to effect change and to move towards ones ultimate objectives.

In that regard, I hear those who I believe offer little alternative on such a way forward, only that of Dogma, Purism and almost ‘Godly Tradition, and it is their right to hold such.

Yet while in itself one has that right to hold such views and understandings, and should be part of such debates on the way forward. I {and many others} have seen, do see, and will ‘see in, much more continual change, in regard to this society.

I have long stated and long practiced, that one cannot always stand in ‘Supreme Isolation of Godly Tradition just for the sake of it {may it be the Left or others}, and at times one needs tactically to get into the heart of the beast, ‘in part strategy’, to effect change, as history has and indeed will show.

. And for those who remain in such a mindset as I have described, I believe, at best, they will {still} remain static, as I had already written year’s prior.

And so for those of us, who have and do realise that such change, gains won, and that that has been moved to happen, is essential as we move forward {with always our ultimate aims in mind} -

- yes, we need to keep driving such forward, as always, - visible and otherwise, throughout and within.

Yet as I think back one last time to 6 Sevastopol Street and the Falls Road almost thirty years prior, and remember that young child with brick and bottle in hand. A child with brown trousers, ripped in one knee, a shoe with two toes looking out to the world at the front of one of them, and a green jumper all threading and worn.

And through that ‘blacked out face I remember those eyes of my history, of my life, from Defiance right through to the Nothingness. Yet, and with now that growing peace, that ghost in mind now fades away, never again to visit, but also never forgotten.

And with that, I look back and see that much change has been won; yet there is much more to do, and with that, those three words, as always, burn yet again in my mind.

And they are simply that of -

- In The Beginning. ‘D’

The link provided below provides the final part of my series of articles about me, as a black kid, growing up in West Belfast during the height of the recent Irish War,

There is also a picture of me at the age of nine where I had lived then on the Falls Road in 1979.

The series of articles is on ‘The Blanket’ website, and is entitled ‘West Belfast - the Past, the Present and the Future

Link attached-

http://lark.phoblacht.net/DC19070618g.html

Having moved originally from the ‘Murph estate down to the Lower Falls in the mid seventies, we then eventually moved to the Twinbrook estate of ‘Bobby Sands {Hunger Striker}, at the start of the 80s’. Although one of the reasons for the move was for a new modern house, in large part though, it was also to get the kids ‘away from it all {away from the heart of the ‘war being played out within the Murph and Lower Falls}.

Twinbrook then was in the ‘countryside and a far cry from the lower Falls. Yet it had turned out to be a case of ‘from the frying pan into the fire. Indeed it was only a short time, as a child, before I was once again looking into yet more friends, neighbours, and children coffins, seeing more mangled bodies and those ‘lumps of meat that where once walking, talking and living. Also smelling that nauseating smell of burning and burnt flesh and much more – through to banging my bin-lid on the news of Bobby Sands death, before a short time later, looking upon his face as he lay in his coffin in his home.

Indeed it was not long after Bobby Sands death and others locally that I had went back to the Murph. On doing so I had went back upon Black Mountain one evening and sat and listened to the war and all the events below.

Then it had started to rain ever so lightly and with that I knelt up upon my knees with my arms out stretched, and looked up to the ‘heavens as the rain slowly came down and soothed my skin, and in part my mind.

And with that, and from that position, and from the very depths of my ‘soul, from the very core of my being’ I let out the most almighty and heart wrenching cry which echoed not only around the streets below, but I believed around the city of Belfast.

- Indeed as a child, I had no gun – but nevertheless, I to was fighting a war

Indeed many have their own personal memories of such times. Some such memories will go to the grave; others will be spoken, talked and written about presently. While others will be articulated when people feel that they can bring themselves about to do such.

Looking back to such times and now 25 years on, much indeed has changed, but much still has not. I also had found that on the 25th anniversary of the Hunger Strikes that I had found oneself at the forefront with others, organising support and solidarity for another hunger strike in Ireland.

A point I shall go into later on.

Indeed over recent years, and I had touched on it before, of the extreme, heightened, re- occurring and intense sense of Deja Vous – amongst other things one experiences

Indeed in saying that, I must say, that I have come to understand that there are parts of the brain – etc- that are not yet tapped unto, and as yet fully understood.

Going back to such times one of my core memories was that of the real poverty that existed. Ones family had seen five or six kids in a box room, extremely poor housing and unemployment, this due to decades of Unionist discrimination, and ‘misrule in relation to such. I remember the yellow food parcels that where given out {from the EU ‘food mountains, I believe} and of how there ‘was to be no ’shame in seeking help, {through absolute necessity].

Indeed, this when all were in the same position and therefore it was a matter of necessity to help out, as friends, family and neighbours rallied round, may it have been for clothes, food or helping out at Xmas etc.

Indeed if one links here – http://www.indymedia.ie/article/72852#attachment15631

One can see my street of old in the Lower Falls Road, in which I was reared in the mid seventies through to the start of the eighties. Indeed the picture shows and represents what it was like, in real terms, on those streets in which I was reared.

It was on that very street that I had been ‘driven to pick up my first bricks and bottles by the actions of those state forces around me. In saying that though it must be said that not all such ‘Brits had ‘tortured me as a kid, and that there was some who had tried to intervene and direct their ‘comrades, attentions away from me.

- At times I listen and read of some Unionist politicians about how this and that didn’t happen. Well it did happen, and I know this because not only did I live it but on many occasions was victim to it, seen it, or simply had borne the brunt of it through out my life. Yet despite that I have not one bigoted bone in my body and have always sought to reach out to the ‘other community despite such ‘powerful memories of real injustice, and isolation at times from some in ‘my own community for doing so.

Yet I have come to understand the nature of such politic, where a stand against all injustices is ascended by the ‘politic of community, which takes primacy.

I believe that the ‘us and them’ is so ingrained within the establishment fabric that it sometimes could go unnoticed. This from politicians where some cannot, whatever the case, be seen to say injustice is injustice because it was injustice to the ‘other side. Or the way some in the media always try to concentrate on the ‘youse and them’ even when some politicians are trying to talk about bread and butter issues, but such is simply brushed aside for the ‘sexier ‘them and youse’ questions.

Indeed I have come to understand that many such have ‘fixed points not only in a local context but those writing about our wee patch of earth from afar.

Indeed many years on from a child when I had got involved in activism I had starting reading various pamphlets etc on such times and on those theorising on it all. In doing so I had found some such writings were academic while others less so, but in relation to some; they breathed mantra and little else. Which of course was further enhanced to fit into a specific tradition or ideology. Yet ‘distance or non-involvement does not impair anyone writing about issues, especially those who are Internationalists. I have found though that life experience is more, ‘real, and less ‘abstract in many cases. More especially if it is written as ‘real - and not to fit into an unbending and specific tradition. Indeed in some cases I had found some to go as far as rather than dealing with the reality {and what actually happened} some instead attempt to create a reality, as so to fit into a specific tradition. Such I have found in quite a few such writings from the ‘left.

Yet for oneself Racism, Imperialism, Repression, Discrimination, Poverty, Brutality etc, was very very real, and in some cases still is. Yet in my early days of activism, for some, a working class lad like oneself, who had little academic Qualifications and who has and does battle against mild dyslexia, had seen my written words ridiculed and my spoken words dismissed, {by those ‘comrades’ on the left} including by those who had thought themselves academic authorities of the Conflict.

Not the case anymore though as ones words and writings are listened to, read and collected by many local and International activists and organisations. More importantly for oneself though, seeing much support and solidarity provided and forthcoming, this both visible - and otherwise.

On that point I would like to thank big Mackers and Carrie of the Blanket site and a few from Indymedia who had advised and helped me throughout the years on improving both my writing and computer skills, while my spoken word I am told is sound enough.

And so while others on the left had ridiculed me over that time - such support will not be forgotten.

Now though I continue to ‘self educate, through reading and studying many issues from many ‘traditions and none, while learning from, and being active at the forefront of various ‘living Movements over the last decade. Of course, I am to do other forms of study but this out of necessity to gain ‘progressive employment under and throughout the system.

- Going up and ‘down the Road brings back so many memories.

Indeed I can remember my first day starting in Primary 1, right through to going to La Salle in Andytown. On that point I had went along to the closing of my old secondary school {to be moved elsewhere}. It was though a throw back in time going around the classrooms I had attended in youth and talking to my aul teachers including John Allen my form teacher for five years. Seeing the pictures of oneself projected on the wall or photos of myself receiving football trophies from Gerry Armstrong and Mal Donaghy in the 80’s{not long after their superb world cup performance} brought back many memories. Indeed many such cuttings of youth from the local Newspaper {Andytown News} I have still.
.

Sometimes though on looking through such cuttings or old photographs I think of how one just has to turn a ‘ different corner, be some where when one shouldn’t have been, or happen upon a street stall’ etc, and your whole life can change for many years. May it be through meeting a new friend or partner, joining an organisation etc - your life is directed’ {DC} - and changed’ in the space of but a few moments.

Although I have many memories of the time of the conflict {and my memory goes back to the age of four and to the Murph estate of 1974} I also have many - ‘chilled and happy memories. From sitting on a deserted beach with my partner watching the sun go down in a far of lands on our Honeymoon, through to sitting at Lake Geneva with the Alps behind and pine trees surrounding us, on a little bay on which we had put up our tents. Indeed sat there, with a dozen or so other activists and ‘travellers from around the world, sharing a smoke, a few beers, food and songs of solidarity and resistance from our various ‘countries. Indeed, knowing that we probably shall never meet again, but for that night savouring every moment of eaches company and Internationalism.

Picture this - {looking back}

Then there are other times when looking at front-page cuttings of oneself in the Irish News. With one such occasion having pictured oneself ‘storming and pushing past Guards at a Multinational in Belfast’s Royal Avenue as we ‘occupied and ‘plastered various such stores, in what was the largest {and first} of such Anti Capitalist demos in Belfast with several hundred Anti Capitalists on the march.

{AHHHHHHH those early days}

Below is a few more links to pictures of Movements and campaigns that I have come across on the net, in which I am pictured with activists.

Belfast Anti War 03 – and Civil Rights Movement 04–

http://homepage.mac.com/grow/PhotoAlbum23.html

West Belfast Anti Racism Network 03 -04 –

Falls Road -

1} http://www.mcrc-ni.org/ARN/pictures/WARN%2009.jpg

2} http://www.mcrc-ni.org/ARN/pictures/WARN%2008.jpg

3} http://www.mcrc-ni.org/ARN/pictures/WARN%2014.jpg

MPH Movement 05 –

http://www.makepovertyhistory-ni.org/event_motiv8_roundup_3.html

{and yes, attached again, as indeed that is me standing next to Gary Lightbody of SnowPatrol – as I have been asked, again and again}

More updated links of reports and pictures attached below of more ‘recent activism.

ACTIVISM = SPEAKING, WRITING, AGITATING AND ATTENDING

SPEAKING

Over the last few months we in Organise! have been busy both in initiating and lending support to various initiatives.

Firstly though, I had pencilled into my diary to do a number of meetings I had felt were important to do, such as below, the speakers where –

MIGRANT WORKERS’
DR NEIL JARMAN, DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE OF CONFLICT RESEARCH

EMPOWERED FOR INCLUSION’
MS BERNADETTE McALISKEY, SOUTH TYRONE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

COUNTERING RACISM’
MR DAVID CARLIN

PLURALISM & EDUCATION’
PROF TONY GALLAGHER , QUEENS UNIVERSITY

Link to the reasoning as to my attendance found here –

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75567?&condense_comments=false#comment146503

WRITING

I also found time to get involved in some important online debates with ‘associated individuals

Firstly on the issues of Dissident Republicanism – link here –

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75378

and that of

Sectarianism, Collusion and the Media, – link here -

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/76275&comment_limit=0&condense_comments=false#comment151217

and here -

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/76019?&condense_comments=false#comment149170

Through to debating and discussing such issues as

Socialist Factions Battle for heart of new Germany party – link –
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75892

AGITATION

This year had seen one of the most ‘Diverse Trade Union Marches in years, where the Movement took to the streets

The march itself as was widely acknowledged had seen very little advertisement and was working itself up to be a march simply to do, as in Dublin May Day. But some activists decided to attempt to turn it around as so to be a celebration of the Movement. more especially given the actions of unity and ‘historic victories in recent times.

And so in doing so we had seen a great day with the Movement on the streets of Belfast

Link to build up - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75760

Loads of photos of the Movement in Belfast that day {includes first pictures of oneself carrying the Organise! Banner with Sean}

Link - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75888

Indeed someone over from London has stated to me that

‘You could actually breathe in the Movement here’ –

This on the back of the Postal workers, and Joanne Delaney mobilisations and victories in Belfast!

And now seeing the Movement in its diversity on the streets of Belfast.

- Then a short time later we had seen tens of Afghans going on hunger strike in Dublin, and with that Organise! had initiated solidarity actions in Belfast.
-
- {This on the 25th anniversary of the ’Irish Hunger Strikes}
-
- While there was a momentum created I had also found that it had also re -vitalised and re- generated others into once again street protest, pickets etc, And so it was good to see the ARN once again calling a picket through the momentum that we had created, and I hope it will see such visible and further action on the issue of ‘Asylum and detention etc - here in the North, to which I will distribute ‘personal support for such calls.
-
Indeed the ARN - RAG had organised such similar at one time before, this where I and another activist had organised to mobilise up at Belfast International airport. And although being the only SWP member to attend {as well as organising it -as the SWP had other campaign ‘priorities that day} – it seen thirty activists travel all the way up to protest on a Saturday afternoon.

- Reports of Belfast actions linked below {also many ‘various links, if one trawls, which can be found on Indymedia in relation to the Dublin actions and others in other ‘Southern Cites. Such were initiated and participated in by various organisations in the course of providing such essential solidarity}.

Belfast Solidarity {with photos} – Link - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/76063

ATTENDING

I had attended a number of events in West Belfast.

Firstly the rededication of the James Connolly plaque on the Falls road where Connolly had lived. This was done by Gerry Ruddy of the IRSP and Fra McCann of Sinn Fein. Then across the road Marie and I had attended the unveiling of a mural to James Connolly where the oration was given by Gerry Adams. And then I had also attended another well attended event, a ‘Talk Back’ event on the hunger strikes with various people on the platform who had direct experiences of those times.

- Indeed as I look back 25 years I remembered those whom I had known who are no longer here – and there are many of them. Many murdered while others having committed suicide, then there are more who had been jailed for a long time, and it had ‘changed them, with others again who had become ‘destitute, because of the conflict.

- Yet I am fortunate enough to firstly have survived and secondly to have travelled a lot, and on such travels it has enhanced ones realisations of how many ‘here are but relics of the past. Such speak and act as if we are still in the seventies – or indeed the fifties, and hold an entrenched sectarian mindset. Indeed their words as like on the issue of racism, give succour to those who wish to ‘attack on the issue of sectarianism – there is no ifs or buts about that.

Whatever the case about such mindsets, change, will continue to roll on, as there is no other alternative to that. The only difference though is, do they embrace it or do they need to be dragged with it. Either way, I believe, that there is only a forward mode from now on in {in that regard}, as already I see my ‘own generation miles ahead of such a mindset, as we see a society in change.

Indeed ‘with or without such – such forward mode and ‘beneficial change will continue, so there is little worry ‘specific in that regard.

For oneself though I seek fundamental change, the real change that can bring ‘real equality and justice – and it is in that where I direct my attentions, while lending full support for that forward mode that wins each bit more for those that need it most.

- You know, I believe I am fortunate, despite all one had endured and witnessed as a child.
-
Yet, fortunate, in the sense that I can at least in myself find it to move on, and have a life, while seeking to bring benefit to others.

The small things in life to me, while of little consequence maybe to others, I though enjoy. May it be on a winter’s night with the wind and rain howling outside and my partner and I cuddled up on the sofa with a pizza and a good flick on. Or in the autumn walking through the park with our wee dog admiring the bountiful colour and array of leaves on the autumn floor.

In the spring it would be cycling around looking and finding out about our local history or in the summer sitting upon our mountain or down at the meadows chilling and talking about life as the sun beats down as we admire the wildlife around us.

This while, and as always, Black Mountain watching and looking over us.

Such things ascend greatly for me as I move on in years. I also believe that if one can, one should seek to do as much as they had wanted to do, and not be held back simply because others may wish to hold you back.

One only gets one shout at this life and one should not look back with regrets.

Yet there is a world out there that affords little opportunity to many and whose main concern is of where to get the next bucket of water from and where to get the next loaf of bread from. Indeed our problems are miniscule in relation to the plight of the majority, and it is in that context that on many occasions I look on how oneself and others live.

In that regard, I believe one should attempt to do what one has always wanted to do and wished to do, and not to be held back from such - if one can do that. Yet at the same time seeing and organising against a world, both local and International, who puts the interests of a minority over the needs of the majority – a world that needs fundamental change.

-Well that is me, for now, I will be back every six months or so as I will be knuckling down to work, study, activism, and time with friends and family. I will continue to write and will be writing more ‘specific articles on other sites etc –

I hope you have enjoyed and I will return in November or so.

Links to where I will be writing

Organise! - http://flag.blackened.net/infohub/organise/news.php

Street Seen - http://streetseennews.blogspot.com/2005/08/davy-carlin-fill-up-my-senses.html

Indymedia - http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire?author_name=Davy%20Carlin

The Blanket - http://www.phoblacht.net/dc23124g.html

My joining of Organise! …

And a few months of History!

After looking around at various political organisations, I have decided to join Organise! I do so as I agree with what they stand for, I like the way they organise, and hold respect for the way they seek to treat and engage with other activists.

Who we are,

Organise! is a working class organisation. We seek to secure for all workers a full and equal share of the wealth and social benefits created by the combined labour of our class. We are for the abolition of all hierarchy, and work for the creation of a world wide classless society.

More information on Organise!, our aims and principles, our publications, and further reading can be found on our site at www.organiseireland.org.

I had found at my very first meeting of Belfast Organise!, it to be very open and democratic and fully participatory, indeed I am, with another comrade, to provide a discussion document for a forthcoming publication we are to publish, this from that first meeting.

Apart from joining Organise! I am of course still involved in Street Seen, of which our new edition is on the streets North and South and can be found in various other outlets, as can Organise! publications.

The very first action of Organise! as a member, was to see my former organisation {SWP} in their paper calling that action a ‘Fantastic and Historic Victory’ {there are though a few minor issues still outstanding in relation to Joanne’s re-instatement, and that victory}. Nevertheless it was a victory in which, amongst the activist’s networks, they had acknowledged both Organise! and Labour Youth as being at the forefront in both initiating and spear-heading this ‘Historic Victory’ – {North and South} through our Solidarity pickets and actions. This while of course seeing many others lending support and solidarity to our calls, and through other initiated actions. May it be from signing petitions through to raising it in the capacity as elected representatives or holding meetings etc.

Yet within this achievement it again showed how ‘Collective Representation’ rallies, pickets etc, ‘on specifics’, can have and had delivered tremendous success. Indeed at a similar time last year an initial ‘unprecedented’ victory was won. That time though it had seen Street Seen activists at the forefront of the campaign with students and others. Again seeing collective representation of the Movement, and creating a momentum, and with it the strength for victory. Indeed, again this time contacts and e-mails of Solidarity for our calls came from the ‘Republican Falls Road through to the ‘Loyalist Sandy Row, for a Trade union activist in Dublin, such was the unity we had created

Below I give brief reports on this struggle.

REINSTATE JOANNE DELANEY – SACKED BY DUNNES FOR WEARING A UNION BADGE

Joanne Delaney was sacked by Dunnes stores in November 2005 for wearing her union badge on her uniform. With more than four years service in the Ashleaf store in Crumlin on the south side of Dublin, the 22 year-old MANDATE shop steward received a letter on the 29th of November 2005 informing her that she had been dismissed by the company.

Dunnes Stores has accused her of not complying with company policy in relation to the wearing of her union badge on her uniform, despite the fact that there is nothing in the policy about wearing a union badge. Joanne had been suspended by a manager at the store since 18th October for refusing to remove the Mandate Trade Union badge from her uniform. Joanne was advised to attend a disciplinary meeting at 6.00p.m, on Friday 21st October. However, the meeting was cancelled due to the fact that she was accompanied by her Union Representative. The Company has continually denied Joanne the right to Union representation at meetings with management.

Responding to the dismissal, Mandy Kane, Divisional Organiser of Mandate said, “This sacking is petty, vindictive and does the image of Dunnes Stores no favours whatsoever”. Its also pretty much in keeping with the anti-union record of a company that sacked workers who refused to handle goods from South Africa during the Anti-Apartheid Boycott of the mid-eighties.

- The North.

-‘So in the North Organise! called for solidarity pickets from Belfast to Derry and so in early Feb 2006 we had seen -

‘Solid working class Representation at the Organise! called picket in support of sacked Dunnes worker’

80 people attended the picket in Belfast called by Organise!, this, over the period of the lunchtime hour.

We had seen also halfway through cheers going up as we were joined by 10 or so striking postal workers.

In attendance, we had seen dozens of rank and file workers from various unions many in work uniform. We also had seen key personal as well as official representation from various unions ranging from UNISON to NIPSA and also leadership figures from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Belfast Trades Union Council in attendance.

Anarchists where joined by six {I think} political parties and their Representation.

This was a great solid show of support –and we ran out of the many hundreds of Organise! leaflets.

It was also good to see so many people not only taking our leaflet - but engaging with us - and supporting the collective stance taken’

- Another report at the time -

‘Solid Representation of the Trade Union Movement’ in the North of Ireland, as well as by Political parties.
Members from UNISON, NIPSA, ATGWU, FBU, CWU, ICTU, Belfast trades Council, SP, CP, SF, IRSP WP, and one SWP –, joined and answered Organise’s! calls for Solidarity’.

We had also seen many rank and filers from other work forces - and unions- as well as support from 10 striking postal workers in full uniform’

Then a few days later Organise! started to look to holding pickets in local communities in which Dunne’s stores where. And with that the first was held at Dunnes store in West Belfast {at the Park Centre.}

After that, momentum really started to build and a Belfast Support group was also established and another protest was called, but before it could take place Dunne’s had already backed down. -I though had headed down to that particular Dunne’s store anyway to see if anybody had not yet heard the good news, where I had met Jason of Organise! who had had the same idea.

In the South.

A protest was also held in early Feb and was called by Labour Youth in which around 30 people attended,
Then – a support group was set up

‘A meeting in Crumlin Village {Dublin} Tuesday evening (Feb 7th 2006), seen about 60 local activists and residents who agreed to form a support group for Joanne Delaney, sacked by Dunnes Stores for wearing a trade union pin, last October. They also agreed to place a weekly picket on Dunnes Stores in the Ashleaf Centre starting next Saturday at 12 noon’.

-And so with that as in the North more pickets and other acts of solidarity where called for and initiated, and so the campaign in Ireland {and International} over the coming weeks really started to build momentum with also other cities beginning to take action. With that, and within a few weeks we had seen the MANDATE executive setting up a budget to support the sacked shop steward and to pursue a national wear your union badge day in Dunnes stores. Additionally we had also seen SF at this time call for a National Day of action.
Therefore with that momentum created and the growing pressure that had been brought to bear - Dunnes then backed down as reported -

‘Sacked Shop Steward receives letter of reinstatement after campaign of solidarity pickets’

And so while this was being termed as a ‘Historic Victory’, {and Organise! are proud to have played a key role within that}, yet another ‘termed ‘Historic’ trade union issue was taking place at this time.

This was to do with the recent postal workers strike.

As reported by a comrade at the time.

‘Postal workers rally crosses Belfast peaceline’.

Postal workers and supporters held a march and rally at lunchtime today. Over 400 posties and supporters marched from the Shankill Road across the peace line at Lanark Way on to the Falls Road.

Members of the Belfast Local of Organise! are proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with postal workers on this historic occasion. While it is not, as one speaker claimed, the first time the Shankill and Falls have marched together in an act of working class solidarity since the outdoor relief strike of 1932* (the fire-fighters held a similar march to the Springfield Road fire station during their 2002-03 dispute) it is significant none-the-less. A mass rally was held at Lanark Way and speech after speech heard the bullying tactics of Post Office management condemned. The longest speech was delivered by Eamonn McCann, of the SWP and Derry Trades Council, who addressed the wider class struggle and the general attack on working conditions and workers rights taking place across workplaces.

At 2.00pm the speeches ended and workers marched from Lanark Way onto the Springfield Road, on down onto the Falls Road and into the city centre. Along the route whole families came out of their houses in support and workers downed tools to get a glimpse of the march, while people in cars beeped their horns in support. Chants of solidarity and whistles rang out along the route - the mood throughout was one of defiance and strength in solidarity.

This march, organised by the postal workers themselves, gave a morale boost to their strike. The strikers got a loud and clear message of support from working class people in Belfast today, one that counters media claims of ‘chaos’ and unwelcome disruption caused by the wildcat action. It also emphasised the importance of this struggle reaching beyond the workplace and involving working-class communities. In solidarity lies victory.

A victory for one is a victory for all!

See here for a history of the strike:

http://www.libcom.org/history/articles/belfast-outdoor-…1932/

The Fire - fighter march that the comrade speaks of above {2002} I give brief reports of below. They are articles that I had done {this from the benefit of being both a spokesperson and an organiser of the march} and were printed in local newspapers and journals at the time,

TITLE – When the Falls and Shankill marched as one.

{From the Blanket website}

On the 14th December a demonstration took place in West Belfast, a demonstration that raised both eyebrows and comments from various quarters. From parts of our local media we had ‘an historic march’ while others drew a symbolic significance of seventy years past of the outdoor relief marches. This was a march which seen people from the Shankill Rd march up Lannark way to meet people of the Falls - Springfield road, a road in recent years that has seen confrontation between orange marchers and the local residents. On this day though it seen unity in a common cause of economic concern in support of the fire-fighters and of our fire service, with many of those marching stating it was an absolutely brilliant initiative.

The march itself consisted of about one hundred and fifty persons. It was led by a banner, which stretched across the road stating ‘Falls and Shankill in support of our fire service.’ I would like to thank my more artistic young comrades in the Belfast Socialist Workers Party (SWP) for doing the banner, as those community and trade union activists who carried it with me gave it nothing but praise as did fire-fighters who suggested I should keep it safe in case for further use.

Behind this banner, the N. Ireland Fire Brigades Union (FBU) banner was carried with up to twenty-five local fire-fighters in full uniform walking behind it. This was then followed by other trade union banners such as that of Unison and that of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance banner (NIPSA), the largest union in N.Ireland, with other political and community banners joining also in support. The make up of the marchers drew many rank and file trade unionists as well as leading members of the Belfast Trades Council and the Irish Congress of Trades Unions (ICTU). They were joined by Catholic and Protestant, loyalist and republican community activists, socialists, and local residents with their children amongst others all lending support. The speakers were from the ICTU and FBU and also a young woman who being inspired by the reasoning of the march asked if she could say a few words at the end. The march was the first organised by the West Belfast Firefighter Support Group and supported by the Belfast Trades Council and the Fire Brigades Union. I found in the build up to the march a lot of people in ‘both communities’ having a lot of support for it. Doing interviews together, attempting to build support for the march through different media outlets myself and Alex, a Shankill Rd community worker found massive vocal support for the Fire-fighters’ cause. Such issues of concern can and do find a resonance and support across the ‘divide’ and with the possibility of a similar march in North Belfast being raised, again another ‘flashpoint’ and interface area, persons involved in the support groups are looking for cross community support for the firefighters and our fire service.

Yet it is not only on bread and butter issues but on other issues I have found ‘cross community’ support. For example as per my previous article on The Blanket I wrote of the two hundred plus march last week through central Belfast against US imperialism’s initiated coming war on Iraq. The march called by the Belfast Anti-War Movement brought again amongst others Catholics and Protestants. Fortunately as a leading organiser also for this march I knew and could see key community activists from East Belfast’s Protestant estates marching with key community activists from West Belfast’s Falls Rd behind their Trade Union banners such as that of the Unison banner in support of the Belfast Anti-War Movement.

Of course after thirty or so years of this recent conflict we see still a lot of bitterness or disillusionment or tiredness and of ’sure nothing will change’. Yet as in the very first article I wrote for The Blanket, written this time last year, and one of the first article I had ever written entitled ‘New Governance And The Working Class’ (archive section), I will therefore end this article with the same understanding as I ended that one.

That is - may it be in initial small steps, patiently but determinedly, building unity and in doing so creating strength, locally and internationally, we then have it within ourselves to attempt to effect real change. Some wish it to, some want it to, but ultimately despite whatever - may it be through small victories or indeed against defeats we always have to keep working, keep building, keep moving forward, to attempt to make it happen’.

- While it is a fact, that before the Fire – Fighter issue, that there had not been any previous such form of trade union and ‘cross community’ march showing such unity in that area, since the outdoor relief strike -.

They’re of course where differences between the postal and fire fighter marches in which I outlined {below} on an open online discussion board with a Socialist activist.

‘ Well it was not ‘longer or as big of a march of course {fire – fighter as compared to postal worker one} - although the fire-fighter march did see several trade union banners outside of the FBU banner marching in Solidarity also.

Nevertheless it was as unprecedented, more especially within the context of the time

Also let us not forget that it happened when many thought it could not happen, while others did not want it to happen, as I have recorded elsewhere.

-That is probably why the ‘fire – fighter march’ had seen Police in Flack Jackets walking at either side, and behind our march, openly carrying machine guns.

Times of course are a changing, and such will I hope become more regular, as many of us have been arguing for and actively seeking to create for years.

Indeed on many occasions it has been against threats, intimidation, dismissive ness, as was the nature to us ‘Half Prods’, and ‘Loyalist Lovers’ etc at the time

Despite that, I am glad though that things seem to be moving on.

Indeed the Postal worker march again was historic and they should be supported by all in their continued struggle, as had been the Fire -fighters one at the time.

Just one further point - apart from the larger numbers and longer march, there was one key and important difference between the at the time termed historic Falls - Shankill, Fire -fighter and Postal workers marches.

The Postal workers march was organised by the Postal workers themselves. Whereas the Fire fighter one, was initiated, organised, and built by the local grassroots support group, locally.

The postal worker one seen a majority therefore of postal workers whereas the Fire - fighter one seen the majority from additional supporters, this from other Trade Unions, rank and file trade unionists, local residents and politicians amongst others. As stated though, it had seen quite a few uniformed Fire – fighters from the local West Belfast fire station in attendance behind the FBU banner, as recorded.

{I still have – now boxed away, that lead banner that myself and a few others that had lead of that march with}

The local West Belfast grassroots support group had did much activity before the march. Therefore it differed in those regards, as well as within the context of that time, as raised above.

So while the FBU organised central marches of their membership, the local groups sought to mobilise and find support for their cause in ‘the communities’, in tandem.

I say this as I believe that such local support groups are essential – indeed we have seen the recent support and solid ‘Trade Union Representation’ from across the Northern Trade Union Movement at our Belfast picket, for a trade union comrade in Dublin - re Dunne’s.

I had written and recorded quite a bit, re - the FBU dispute, but for a bit of flavour of the time {2002} and the sense of organising and activity, I reprint one of the articles I had written which were carried in the Northern media at the time.

I think it is important, given the grassroots sense of organising, in relation to support, solidarity, awareness raising and activity that has ascended greatly in Belfast in recent years.

2002 – West Belfast Fire Fighter Support Group.

‘The local West Belfast Fire -fighters Support Group was established recently along with other local support groups after a meeting of various trade union and community activists in Central Belfast. We decided initially amongst other activities to do a collection and distribute leaflets at the Kennedy Centre on the Falls Road. With a dozen local trade union representatives from West Belfast, various unions, and local community activists, we were joined by over a dozen fire-fighters from the local fire station. Some of those in attendance had brought their kids - some dressed in fire-fighters uniforms. And with a fire engine parked outside we were very visible.

Rather than standing outside the premises we were actually not only invited into the main mall but also provided with table and chairs by the centre which was much appreciated. The response by the local people of West Belfast was absolutely brilliant, with not only hundreds of pounds donated in a couple of hours but people were very aware of the role of Blair and his supporters in relation to the fire-fighters dispute. Much of the propaganda about the fire-fighters put out by various networks cut no ice with many whom I spoke to.

Such support was greatly appreciated by both the fire-fighters and the local trade union and community activists who came to lend support. Much of the propaganda put out by the government against the fire-fighters is part of a bigger political agenda as witnessed through its recent interventions.

The fire-fighters seek only fair pay yet the government refuses to allow this and calls for ‘modernisation’. The FBU has stated its commitment to further introduce change for the benefit of the communities it serves and has already put out its position statement on the way forward for ‘true modernisation.’ Yet the modernisation the government states and seeks will actually mean cuts to fire cover and would be equivalent of closing down the entire Scottish fire service if taken in relation to UK.

With the recent support and solidarity shown in those few hours in the Kennedy Centre for ‘fair pay’ for the fire - fighters I would like to say to the hundreds who showed their support in West Belfast ‘fair play’ and I hope such brilliant support and solidarity will continue as Blair continues to dig in his heels while his spin-doctors unleash their propaganda’.

Davy Carlin, Spokesperson, West Belfast Fire - Fighters Support Group.

- Although after the postal workers victory they have went back to work - some issues though still remain unresolved and more strike actions could be forthcoming.

- I had mentioned above in an article the very first march of the Belfast Anti War Movement {BAWM}, a name, which I had proposed at the time, although in hindsight I could have thought of a better one.

Similar as I had proposed the name for the ARN {originally Anti Racist Network, more especially as I had wished the ARN to be a Network, as I was already, in real terms, moving away from the ‘ways of organising’ of the SWP}}.

Eventually after a while, and on second thought and some debate, it was changed to Anti Racism Network.

Although some even today still refer to it in its original name.

- On the 3rd anniversary of the war on Iraq an International day of protest was held. On all such other days the BAWM had mobilised and marched through Belfast, this time though Belfast still rallied, but it was organised under a different banner.

As I had stated in recent months change was needed to ensure democracy and accountability of the BAWM, this, rather than seeing activists concerns and requests being ignored, as was, as stated, the case.

Yet, and unfortunately, it seems that that ‘mindset of control ‘remains, and which has meant, in real terms, that the once BAWM finding little, if any support now.

Therefore what can be done?

Well in that regard a new coalition, democratic and accountable may need to be formed in Belfast that can muster and mobilise real support, similar to the BAWM of old. Of course I believe we may only be able to initially muster hundreds, but this may grow very quickly, more especially if things on the ‘War front’ intensify further.

I will speak to colleagues and other activists from across the Movement and get back on that – as it is, the collective ‘WE’ who are the Movement and it can very easily be ‘reclaimed to re - mobilise.

Indeed although small, {50 – 60, as not much advertised} some though gathered outside Belfast City Hall on the day for a rally called by SY. It also had seen some key groups of activists and individuals rallying who had been involved in the BAWM.

Banners where there from Organise!, Socialist Youth and Ogra SF, and the others who had specifically mobilised to be represented at the rally where Basques, Palestinians, Catalans, the Socialist Party and Socialist Democracy.

So Belfast, again was no different on the International day of action, we still rallied, although no longer under the banner of the BAWM.

I had though bought several Black Shamrock Anti War badges on St Patrick’s Day from an SWP stall. Marie and Marie Senior {wife and mum – in- law} and some cousins, had went to the St Patrick’s days concert in Belfast after having marched with the WARN {West against racism contingent through the city centre}.

UAF - I was not going to touch on the SWP, as they are now irrelevant to the Movement locally here and to oneself in general.

-But it must be recorded that in recent times ‘some’ of the SWP have attempted smears etc against well-known activists, some on sites,

while other genuine activists they have actually tried to verbally harass. Such as a comrade who did not wish to purchase a shamrock, and was subjected to all sorts of sectarian crap,

{this from the same boyo that I had bought the Shamrocks from for the family – and who recently approached me to talk about the ‘ARN and the racist cartoons. And while I know that the issue of the cartoons was greatly raised by the British SWP, and so through experience, therefore it is to be the case here through such an organiser – and then through comrades}.

Yet despite that I was nevertheless ‘still partly’ surprised that his ‘sole concentration’ was ‘solely on this matter, this while ethnic minorities are again being attacked and put out of their homes left, right and centre in recent times.

This more especially in South Belfast and that of ‘’East Europeans’.

Again with such issues, the nail continues to be hammered right through, {and although the SWP have organised nothing new onto the streets of Belfast in almost a year and a half now} I state this, as they ‘continue’ to do themselves no favours by such, continued, treatment of genuine activists.
Although all are not like that, I though have come to the conclusion that, for some, such cannot change – so now they are simply side stepped, as has been the case over the last year or so, as we move forward. -

- I had mentioned marching with WARN on St Patrick’s Day.

It is now 9 months or so since I had decided to stand down from the ARN steering group, although still a supporter of the Network.

The ARN, itself, as a Network, had seen a specific Movement created that had never before been witnessed in the North of Ireland. Indeed it is widely acknowledged as being one of the most important, key, and inspiring visible Anti Racism Movements ever seen in Ireland, whose stand and actions where reported all around the world in those early days.

Prior to having left the ARN steering group the ARN was at that time, and prior, involved in central mobilisations of thousands of citizens with hundreds more mobilising in local communities. This combined with all other sorts of ‘collective representation’ street agitation, which was used to drive back the rise of brutal attacks {as recorded and linked elsewhere on this Blog}

Now the ARN are more pro - active rather than re – active.

While no longer seeing any of the street mobilisations, the ARN are though engaged in various other important initiatives, some for which they seek and have secured funding {such as the pubs and clubs initiatives} through to holding Anti Racism gigs, and meetings etc.

Since leaving the ARN steering group {SG} I have not been as active in the local WARN group as I would have liked, but nevertheless I do and will try to get along to any initiatives they organise, and fully support them.

For me I am proud to have been founding member, and its ‘chairperson’, and those early days where indeed hectic with the ARN at the forefront of the visible fight against racist attacks. Our ‘reason of being’, then, was to organise and ‘street mobilise’ to attempt to drive back the tide of racism that had seen Belfast termed as the ‘Race Hate Capital of Europe’.

Indeed it was I who had coined the phrase of PVC {of which the then Steering Group used to laugh about, given the other well known meaning of PVC} – which was used to articulate what we – the ARN – where about then, and how we organised then.

Which was about a Practical, Visual and Collective stand’ against the racist attacks and racism – ‘the reason of our being’.

The ARN worked on consensus, a consensus of the then seven person steering group, but our calls where met and supported by many thousands of citizens who mobilised to our calls of, and for solidarity.

There were of course those who were and are supporters of the ARN who disagreed with some things we had done or said. As was the case recently in relation to the ARN statement on the cartoons, where quite a few Anti Racism activists had disagreed with the ARN SG analysis.

For oneself though I would agree with the ARN SG statement under the heading ‘Context is everything’ {and welcomed the ‘debate’ they had organised in South Belfast on the matter in recent times}.

While in agreement on that point, I would say though that the ARN SG should be responding to the again brutal raise of overt racist attacks seen in recent weeks, more especially in South Belfast, and to respond similar as we had done a year or so prior, by mobilising as soon as they happen.

While although the last time the ARN had mobilised onto the streets against attacks, was 9 – 10 months ago. We nevertheless had built up over the prior years the support and respect, which, will see the ARN name finding that hearing to such essential calls, if that call actually goes out.

Nevertheless I am glad that I had played a founding role in such a Network, and do hope that they {those now organising the events and ‘making the calls etc} can in that pro- active way of organising, continue with those important initiatives and to also further secure that funding sought to carry out those very initiatives. And, although I may no longer be on any ‘decision making’ committees or groups I will support those events that they continue to organise and participate in – such as the St Patrick’s Day contingent.

In saying that, that is not to say that I am not busy in Anti Racism activity. Indeed I have and will be speaking at various conferences. I am also writing articles and documents for various organisations, as well as doing local and International interviews and drawing up various other local agitation leaflets, newssheets and publications etc. Indeed I am as busy still as I always was in anti racism activity. Indeed even through Street Seen we had again seen those ‘PVC mobilisations, once the cornerstone of the ARN, not only against homelessness and poverty -but indeed against deportations and racism as well.

Note - on Fascism, I do though believe as the peace process beds in, and more especially with our local ‘situations’ being wound up, that there will in the time ahead, I believe, be an attempted raise in fascist organisations here.

With that, there will be the need for a specific Anti Fascist organisation and perhaps a specific Anti Fascist Movement that may not only need to mobilise in numbers as the ARN had done in its early years, but also to physically confront such if needed.

It will be there in which my activism will be orientated, if the situation requires it.

There is already such a Network in the North, Fascist Out! with comrades who have had first hand experience in the stance against Fascists and their organisations in the North. From closing down their mail boxes through to physical confrontation this campaign has been an excellent success to date.

It will be with this group, and its specific ‘reasoning for being’ that I will be standing with, as and when the occasion arises for that stance. And of course the call will go out for solidarity and for activists to stand shoulder to shoulder with us against the Fascists, and – or their organisations, if and when the need arises.

As with the recent years of the peace process I had believed that their may be a rise in more overt racist attacks, as I believe in the years ahead there may be an attempted raise in Fascists seeking to organise here.

Therefore we must prepare!

Briefs –

And yet another bit of history!

The 24hour UK wide strike action over pensions recently had seen what was likely to be the largest strike since the General Strike of 1926.

In Belfast as elsewhere around the North we rallied. It was the first time I had carried a ‘differing’ flag, this as other comrades carried our Organise! banner – which can be seen in the two-page write up and pictures of the day of action, in the Irish News. More action on this may be forthcoming.

The ‘We won’t pay campaign’.

The ‘We Won’t Pay Campaign’ recently rallied outside Belfast City Hall. Up to 200 citizens rallied under our banner and joined that stand against incoming proposed water charges. The Socialist Party, who have put in a lot of back -work over a long time on this matter and can be seen doing a stall every week in Belfast, had initiated this campaign.

Although others are and have been involved in other campaigns, it though is the specific tactic of mass non-payment and of building up community and local groups, which is something, that Organise! supports, and why we are also involved in this campaign.

This first such rally at Belfast City Hall of the campaign was supported by NIPSA, FBU, Queens Students Union, Socialist Party, Organise! and many more. {Press release below}

Support for protest grows

1pm Saturday 1st April outside Belfast City Hall

NIPSA BACKS PROTEST AGAINST WATER CHARGES

1pm Saturday 1st April outside Belfast City Hall

Northern Ireland’s largest trade union has called for people to join the We Won’t Pay Campaign’s protest against water charges outside Belfast City Hall at 1pm on Saturday 1st April.

NIPSA President Billy Lynn announced that Saturday’s protest would mark the 12-month countdown to mass non-payment of water charges.

‘If Peter Hain continues to ignore the opposition of the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland to this unjust tax, he should be answered with mass non-payment of water charges next April.

‘The government vowed to Make Poverty History last year, but the introduction of charges will lead to further impoverishment across Northern Ireland. Water charges are a complete rip-off, we are already paying for water through the rates, which continue to rise and rise.

‘Every community across the North needs to get organised to fight water charges. NIPSA lends it’s full support to the protest called by the We Won’t Pay Campaign and we call on people to attend the protest on Saturday 1pm outside Belfast City Hall.’

The protest is also supported by the Fire Brigades Union, Queens Students Union, Socialist Party, Organise!, plus many more

www.wewontpay.tk

-While we have a year or so for us to really build up momentum for the campaign, it was outlined by a speaker, that having this turn out a ‘year in advance is a good start. More especially as they had seen less numbers mobilising at this stage when they had then went on to defeat the water charge in the South of Ireland. {The turn out in Belfast would be equivalent to 7 - 800 people turning out in protest a year before the water charges in Dublin}

This may well be a battle and a half, and the Campaign is already at this very early stage seeing an attempted clampdown on aspects of our campaign. Secondly, it must be acknowledged that we are not only taking on the government, but indeed the ‘established parties here are against the tactic of non payment. And so, coverage, in both such parties publications, and aspects of the wider media will be limited, presently.

Nevertheless this is an issue that can be won, and not only are we aware of past ‘defeats’ but also well aware of past ‘victories, and lessons have been learnt.

UAF – After the rally and meeting, members of Organise! had went to a local pub for a few drinks with leading members of NIPSA, FBU and several other leading members of the SP [Ireland}.

And for oneself on leaving, it had seen firm handshakes, and unity of purpose acknowledged within those embraces.

{Indeed, I had tried to ‘make up’ in recent time with some in the SWP, simply for past fraternal reasons.

But’ for some’ for whatever reasons, they just don’t want that to happen, this through their continued actions and words, not only against oneself but towards comrades close to me – therefore so be it.}

-In recent times also we had seen the ‘feud’ that has went on in the Murph estate, and I had attended a rally called by the local resident’s organisations. I believe such local groups are doing excellent work in many areas. Indeed Marie volunteers time to work with Special Needs adults and with kids in after schools clubs. Volunteering with the Upper Springfield Trust, Marie talks of the utter dedication, not only of its Voluntary workers but also at such staff whose care and support goes far beyond the reasoning of a pay cheque.

It is indeed through a want to provide and support those in need and the most vulnerable.

At the moment Marie is away from the Isle of Ireland for a week or so as a Volunteer looking after two Special needs adults from the North at the World Championship Pool competition, then has also Volunteered to help at the Special Olympics.

Yet such events are not fully resourced with some Volunteers having to still pay some expenses, which they do through such dedication from their own pockets.

Indeed we have also seen the recent decision in regard to such local funding in education. These proposed cuts are an absolute and utterly complete disgrace.

Such ‘needs’ should well ascend above the ‘needs’ for such cuts.

Then we see at another local level the West Belfast Feile, something that was set up to take the kids away from the bonfires and everything that went with that, is to lose funding.

And of course we are, again, to see the spectacle of the ’Sectarianism’ of funds, again based not on objective need but on the politics that cements the ‘us versus them. While, and of course, such funds are essential to such working class areas as outlined before, any further, politics though, of us and them is not beneficial.

Yet we are told; we are moving forward - how are we, in this regard, if the most vulnerable are being attacked and when essential community services and events are being axed, with that aul Sectarian ‘us versus them’ further ingrained? I believe persons really need to think this through – in detail?

Marie’s voluntary and community work follows on a tradition of the local campaigning of her immediate relatives in Turf Lodge. Indeed given what I see happening around oneself recently I to will try to find the time to get involved and to lend further and visible support for local community initiatives. Again as with Marie’s relatives in the Turf, my own immediate relatives in the Murph where involved in such communi