HOW COBH
SAID "NEVER, NEVER"
TO
IAN PAISLEY
ADMINISTRATOR OF BRITISH RULE IN IRELAND
AT THE PUBLIC PROTEST
ON FRIDAY 18th APRIL
COMMODORE HOTEL, COBH
A Chairde,
Following an invitation to Cobh to Ian Paisley by the Chamber of Commerce to speak at the 50th Anniversary Dinner and Civic Reception to be given by Cobh UDC MacCurtain/McSwiney Cumann under its Cathaoirleach Donal Varian distributed 2,000 leaflets door to door in Cobh calling on the public to protest against this invitation by phone to the Chamber of Commerce and Cobh UDC and also to join a public protest on the 18th April 2008 at 7pm at the Commodore Hotel. Cobh.
Republican Sinn Fein, Munster were also invited to support this protest. With regard to the leaflets and the proposed protest representation was made by Special Branch to Cathaoirleach Donal Varian.
On local radio 96FM there was much discussion daily for almost a week, mainly disapproving this invitation. This led to a debate on air on Thursday morning between Joe McCoitir, Chairman, Chamber of Commerce and Donal Varian, Cathaoirleach, at the end of which Niall Prendiville, Presenter held a text poll for and against the proposed visit of Ian Paisley. The result of this was a resounding 83% of testers saying NO to Paisley. Only 17% said YES. Mr Prendeville remarked that the station had not previously experienced such a high poll in such a short time.
As the protesters arrived at the Commodore Hotel, Cobh, they were greeted by a large force6 of Gardai and a dog handler. The Cathaoirleach was approached by a group of Gardai including an Inspector and a Superintendent seeking assurance of a peaceful protest. Despite the awful cold and rain MacCurtain/McSwiney were supported by members from Clare, Kerry and Limerick and other groups and members of the public. Plackards were carried calling for No Collaboration with British Administration in Ireland and No Collaboration with British Forces of Occupation. Numerous Tricolors were carried and displayed. For an hour and a half the protesters marched up and down and chanted slogans and gave a rousing Republican welcome to Ian Paisley, his minders (our local "lickers Allsorts") and the paying guests.
An Poblachtach Abu.
Paisley - Flying the Flag with an embarrassed Martin sulking by the railing
Words of advice ..... "Remember its Reverend not Chuckle Brother"
Waiting
"I'm telling ya its the Weetabix they get in Templemore, great stuff it is. Sure look at yer man"
