40 years on and still no change in republican North Belfast

STATEMENT: THE FACTS ABOUT ARDOYNE 13th JULY 2009.

ON the 13th of July 2009 the Orange Order assisted by RUC/ PSNI attempted to trample on the human rights of nationalists and republicans in the ARDOYNE area. We will never forget how in 1969 the RUC spearheaded the attack on Ardoyne. Forty years on and a better equipped RUC/ PSNI tried to drive a loyalist march through the same area. The media, RUC/ PSNI, Nelson McCausland and Sinn Fein elected representatives attempted to blame ‘dissenting republicans’ in particular the R.N.U. for the protests and the ensuing civil unrest.

Co-incidental or co-ordinated? It is for the nationalist community and the greater Republican family to decide. What we in the Republican Network for Unity do know is this;

• Our activists were on the ground and were clearly seen to be attempting to participate in a peaceful protest on the Crumlin Road at the Ardoyne shops.

• This can be verified by independent sources including the International press who both witnessed and photographed/filmed Republican Network for Unity members remonstrating with youths who, provoked by the militaristic display of the RUC/PSNI, began throwing stones.

• The firing of lethal plastic bullets and the use of four high pressure water cannons at the first sign of stones being thrown. Facts which Gerry Kelly and Provisional Sinn Fein overlooked on that very day and then when giving interviews in the days which followed.

• That the responsibility for the civil unrest which took place in Ardoyne on the 13th, 14th and 15th of July was in the first instance that of the Orange Order. The rioting was in response to the provocation and conduct of the RUC/PSNI who made any attempt of peaceful protest at the Ardoyne shops impossible. The behaviour of the same paramilitary force in the subsequent days i.e. swamping the streets of Ardoyne, stopping youths and residents under section 44 of the PTA, sectarian insults from armoured land rovers, the raiding of homes and subsequent arrests guaranteed that the youth of the area would respond as they did.

The naming of individuals without any proof or veracity, a clear case of ‘felon setting’ by Gerry Kelly was and is shameful. The repeating of these names and unsubstantiated allegations was made (to journalists known to us) by DCI Mark Hamilton RUC/PSNI. One of those named, Tony ‘TC’ Catney, is currently taking legal counsel with a view to pursuing an action on their behalf in the courts.

From July 13th the Republican Network for Unity have publicly called upon Gerry Kelly to show proof to substantiate the wild charges that he has made about ourselves and the individual Republicans that he has effectively set up to be arrested or attacked. R.N.U. call on Gerry Kelly and North Belfast Sinn Fein to work with the majority of local republicans to end marches that foster sectarian division from entering our areas. JOIN RNU NOW! Fight for your rights!

The Good Friday Agreement: - 11 years on and still no closer to a United Ireland or an Ireland of equals.

EVEN after the new political dispensation in 1998 and the promises Sinn Fein made about real change and an ’ Ireland of Equals’ absolutely nothing of any substance has materialised for residents in North Belfast. In R.N.U. we are now actively organising in all areas and are challenging all the political parties on the issues that really matter. People ask the question what sort of society does R.N.U. want? The question the political parties should have asked is what sort of society and facilities do the people of our areas want? Our elected representatives have been in ‘power sharing agreement ‘ with the DUP for years so why have none of these issues been addressed?

1) Re-route all Orange marches that are unwanted by northern nationalists/ republicans. We in Ardoyne and Carrick Hill demand the right to be left to enjoy our summers in safety, free from sectarian parades which have no place in a civilised society. To the Orange Order we say march in areas you are wanted!

2) End political policing by the RUC/ PSNI and stop the arrest and harassment of the young people in our area.

3) Develop and implement a strategic public sector housing policy for our areas to stop overcrowding and create affordable accommodation in the North of the city. Far too many families are living in sub- standard overcrowded conditions or are paying high rents to private landlords.

4) Campaign to abolish all the special legislation such as Section 44, 28 day detention powers and the Internment by remand of countless republicans such as Colin Duffy and Terry McCafferty. This special legislation is being used by the state to harass and subdue democratic republican politics.

5) Develop proper leisure and basic social amenities for our families. Even 11 years after the Good Friday Agreement, every leisure centre, swimming pool and large supermarket is located in a unionist dominated area of north Belfast this is clearly no mistake. The nationalist and republican community of NORTH BELFAST have a right to equal treatment.

If you have your own ideas for changes or improvements in your area please contact us!