Sectarian Policing, Smears and the Strand
Like many Belfast Republicans I and a number of RNU comrades travelled to the Short Strand area to show my support and solidarity with the small community there. After an unprovoked sectarian attack on residents homes by over 100 armed & masked Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) men. While the RUC/PSNI sat uninterested in their Land Rovers.
When we arrived hundreds of local people were already on the streets heading towards St. Matthews Catholic Church as thousands of Unionists were attacking the Chapel with pipe-bombs, petrol bombs, bottles and stones. Dozens of local youths and young men were bravely repelling the attack with the few petrol bombs of their own. We eventually made it into Strand Walk which houses a number of bungalows belonging to senior citizens. Where we witnessed these homes being hit with all sorts of missiles and petrol bombs. Hose pipes were draped over the roofs and into the gardens, while a number of injured youths were sporting plastic bullet injuries. As the British Political Police continued firing indiscriminately into the crowds. Two Loyalist rioters were also hit by live rounds fired from the Short Strand.
We also walked to the Mountpottinger Road and spoke to a number of residents whose homes and cars had been attacked by the armed mob, hours earlier. They were clearly upset and dejected by what had taken place. Although, they sang the praises of the young fellas who had pushed the Loyalists back to Castlereagh Street and possibly saved the lives of countless people.
At around 1am, the trouble began dying down and the RNU Activists returned home. The following day, as the community prepared for another Loyalist onslaught. Senior members of the Provisional Movement in agreement with some Community Workers locked the gates to the local Community Centre, Parish Hall and various security gates even in Strand Walk. Whilst the media attempted to portray the incursion as a riot by rival sectarian gangs from the Nationalist and Unionist communities. However Belfast Mayor, Niall O’Donnaille and Journalist, Barney Rowan were clear that the UVF had attacked the small Republican community that led to serious street violence. Thankfully, their version was taken serious and reported as such.
The second night a number of RNU members again went to the Strand to observe and monitor the situation. We were also there to offer our help if it was needed, as were members of the IRSP, Eirigi, 32CSM, RSF and Independent Republicans. As the night before, we went into Strand Walk and noticed that the gate that gives access to St.Matthews had been chained and padlocked. We were quite surprised as many Defenders had used the gate to protect the Chapel from attack the night before. Not long after arriving, a masked man appeared with a set of bolt cutters and proceeded to cut the chain which barred access. As non-residents, we stood back and ‘allowed’ him to do his job. Within seconds, a middle-aged woman approached us naming me and said; ‘I’m telling the media and Police that you cut that chain’! I immediately denied involvement and asked the woman who she was? She replied; ‘I live here and nobody is allowed in there’! Someone beside me asked her; ‘How do expect this street and Chapel to be protected, if the gate is chained’? She answered negatively accusing us of being ‘outsiders’. I responded by saying; ‘Sure Billy McKee was an outsider and defended the Short Strand in 1970’! The woman incredibly said; ‘Billy McKee, who’s he, I never heard of him’? Well, we all laughed because Billy McKee was a Veteran Republican who was shot eight times during the famous ‘Battle of St. Matthews’. When the fledgling Provisional IRA successfully defended the Short Strand against a Unionist Pogrom. It was obvious to us all that given this woman’s age, she would know exactly who Billy McKee was and that her words were just an insult.
Soon afterwards two former POWs’ arrived to speak to the woman and she told them that we weren’t welcome and had cut the chain etc. I knew the two men well and had spent time in the H-Blocks with them both. They were both quite civil, even though they were Provisionals. As on similar occasions, some Provies usually attempt to bully and intimidate alternative Republicans like myself. When I pointed out to the woman that both men were also outsiders and came from North Belfast. She said; ‘Yeah, they do but they’re okay’. I later found out the woman concerned was indeed a Short Strand resident and current member of the Provisionals, Sile Darragh.
Minutes later, a senior Provo appeared on the scene and proceeded to walk up to me and stuck his face into mine. As with everyone present that evening, this particular Shinner lived outside the area, Andersonstown in fact. Having stuck his face into mine, he continued staring without uttering a word. Until I asked; ‘Is there a problem Duckser’? He responded by calling me a disgrace, I immediately recalled that during the Twelfth riots in Ardoyne, he had called me an informer to a neighbour of mine. When Duckser was asked for evidence, he simply quipped; ‘I know!’ I knew this was another sad attempt to attack my integrity and challenged this past comment he had made; ‘I’ve a bone to pick with you?’ Typically, he didn’t respond but continued with his adolescent staring. I then said; ‘Last July you called me a tout to Henry, can you produce any evidence?’ He replied; ‘I know!’ I also said; ‘Would you say that if Martin Meehan was still alive?’ He answered; ‘Yes’ with a straight face even though I’m his son. He also claimed that my late father was a friend of his. Before leaving, Duckser also tried to goad me into hitting him as he repeatedly said; Go on, a number of times pointing to his chin.
Since leaving Provisional Sinn Fein over it’s endorsement of British Policing in Ireland I have repeatedly been smeared, slandered and strongly criticised by a number of high profile Shinners. I have been labelled an alcoholic, even though I don’t drink, a wife beater, despite enjoying a happy marriage, a thief without evidence and a British agent, in spite of over two decades of service to the Republic. Duckser’s childish behaviour was but another stage managed event to draw me into conflict. Ever since these pathetic rumours began, I have challenged these detractors to produce evidence to no avail. I again challenge Duckser and his cronies to put whatever they have into the public domain? It’s obvious however, they prefer whispering campaigns than the truth!
If Duckser believes issuing smears, strengthening Partition and supporting the Political Police who allowed the UVF to storm the Short Strand is the correct path to a 32 County Socialist Democratic Irish Republic, he can keep his illusion. Undeterred, I will continue the road to socialism and liberation and expose British imperialism and what is corrupt in Irish society.
