Where are The Spartans?

Tonight The Pensive Quill carries an article by guest writer and former blanket man Thomas Dixie Elliot who attended Sunday's demo in support of Marian Price.

I attended yesterdays rally, April 22nd, in support of Marian Price, where I met up and walked with several former Blanket Men, among them Willie G, my friend Sa and Davy Glennon. Just after the speeches a former Blanket man/Hunger Striker from Belfast, Hodgie, approached me and asked did I see the banner.

The banner he referred to was a drawing of Marian with the question above it ... 'Where are The Spartan's?' (sic)

The Spartans are how Richard O'Rawe referred to Blanket Men in his first book of that name.

Speaking for myself I must say I was angry that someone had gone to the bother of not only making such a banner but that it was held up beside the platform. And this while former Blanket men from Derry and Belfast stood among the crowd in support of Marian.

Indeed if the question was asked, 'Where are the Spartans?' I'll attempt to answer.

In the years since the Blanket protest many of those whom Richard called The Spartans have died; quite a few killed by British forces or loyalist killer gangs, others have died of natural causes. In fact I've heard that at least 50 have died, maybe even more.

A few are now running the North on behalf of the British; pushing through Tory cuts and criminalising Republicanism. In the words of Bobby Sands they are now: “Systemised, institutionalised, decent law-abiding robots.” They have done well for themselves; they are landlords, business owners and have holiday homes in Portugal or Gweedore. The lesser among them are in jobs funded by Britain and they dare not speak of Marian or injustice, never mind protesting, for fear of being seen as dissenting and thus loosing favour and those jobs.

Then there are the former Spartans who are still imprisoned by the past and wasted years.

Last night in a bar with my wife we sat beside two young girls and got talking to them. Their surname brought back memories of a young boy who was just 16 when he went on the Blanket Protest. I hadn't heard of the lad in many years even though he lived only a few miles away across the river. The girls told us that indeed he is their uncle, the brother of their father. He had got married many years ago in the US and the marriage lasted only 3 weeks.  Today, they told us, he is still in jail. That jail is a small flat he only leaves to get a few messages.  He cannot escape from the memories of 30 years ago.

In Derry I know there are many other former Blanket Men like that, worse even. Some find escape in alcohol, others have serious mental problems; like the lad who talks to the Hunger Strikers and phones a friend, another former Blanket Man, to ask him does he remember the time the screws came into his cell at four in the morning to beat him and his cellmate senseless.

I saw a former Blanket Man standing close to the platform, a big man who had just been operated on to cut cancer from his body. He leant on a walking stick and when I asked him how he was after the rally, the pain etched on his face as he spoke, said more than what he told me.

I’m told that there are many former Blanket Men going though what I described above in other parts of the North.  I cannot speak for them but I hope I’ve answered the question asked by those holding up the banner as to the whereabouts of ’The Spartans’.

Indeed the question should have been: ‘Where are all those who passed through the prisons since the Cages and Internment?’

Then again, maybe the answer is similar to that of ‘The Spartans’?

49 comments:

  1. Powerful and moving post,I was standing close to that banner on Sunday,and yes I for one like many others here will know many lads whose lives have been all but destroyed by the blocks,others have made very nice lives out of the blocks by being close to the so called leadership,others have kept the faith so to speak and pay the price today for not bending the knee,others have just give up sickened that their wasted years was for the betterment of the few,I write this as an individual and not as a spokesperson of the Marian support group,but I would be fairly certain that the banner we are speaking about was not meant as an insult to those who bravely stood up to the inhuman and degrading treatment in the blocks,but as a call to those Spartans to come to the aid of a comrade in her hour of need,knowing those who are working and organising these events,the last thing on their minds would be to further alienate fellow republicans,qsf have done enough of that already,

    ReplyDelete
  2. A good piece, Dixie.
    Today, the youngest person to have been on the blanket protest would be 50 years old. Unknown to me - indeed, it came as a shock - almost a third of their number have passed away. Also, I know quite a few who suffer from the types of problem you refer to i.e, alcoholism, depression and anxiety, rooted in their past experiences. Martial breakdown is not uncommon amongst ex prisoners many of whom find themselves living alone in small flats or houses. However, none of these hardships should cause them to ignore injustice today. If you, Hodgie and Davy can attend the protest for Marian then so can others.

    I suspect the "Spartan" title had a more general application on the day. I would treat it as a call to all who have been through the gates of British prisons to show their support.

    ReplyDelete
  3. In my opinion the words on the banner referred to a recent letter in the Irish News calling for the 'Spartans' to unite behind Marian and support the other Republican prisoners protesting in Maghaberry. The banner seemed to be asking why we weren't there.

    I couldn't understand why someone would go to the bother of making and holding up such a banner thus disregarding the thousands who passed through the prison system over the years.

    I think the banner should have been put to better use in challenging PSF over their whereabouts when it comes to justice. Or rather Injustice.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hugh Brady made this suggestion which I think is a great idea...

    "Maybe its time to put an ad, full page in the Irish news from former prisoners calling for her immediate release. I would argue that the ad is paid by donations from former pows. What are your thoughts on this?"

    My thoughts on it are...

    I'm sure that lists of former Prisoners could be compiled in various areas, they could be asked to sign the statement while at the same time contribute a donation to pay for it.

    Maybe it could be passed around as in a chain letter. I take it, sign it and donate say £1 and pass it on to others I know. Meanwhile other former prisoners do likewise.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dixie,

    in addition to the full page ad perhaps all should consider
    an online petition would be effective considering most people belong to one or more social websites so it would probably reach a bigger audience than just an ad in the Irish News.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dixie,
    I think the banner if anything was aimed at the people you refer to as the Adamsites in previous postings. The people who followed the man instead of the cause. Maybe it could have been made clearer by those who designed it but I don't think they meant to cause offence to men and women who suffered or are suffering.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tain Bo

    The idea of a petition in the Irish News would be to show the powers-that-be that Republicans haven't forgot Marian.

    It might even scare the Shinners into getting off their arses.

    An online petition would only be seen by those on these forums.

    BKeane

    It may well be that the banner wasn't meant to cause offence but it would have been better used making the point that Marian languishes in jail while former comrades govern on behalf of those who intern her.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dixie,

    Many sites offer free Templates that make it simple to start a petition/cause.
    http://www.change.org/start-a-petition

    or just type in free templates.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dixie,
    I think the add in the paper is an excellent idea and I know quite a lot of ex-prisoners who would get involved in their own areas.
    I am not really in a position to speak about the relevance of that banner but I will certainly pass it on and get some clarity in relation to it.
    Just sorry that decent and dedicated people were offended.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Arlington house , see www.youtube.com for the Madness video written in tribute to the Irish who lived there. Made the lives of Blanket Men seem quasi decent. Shame on the periodically bankrupt 26 counties.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The song is called "One Better Day"

    ReplyDelete
  12. Not a big madness fan Dave but I like that song and video, I prefer the Pouges and The Snake With Eyes Of Garnet..

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dave while we are on the subject of songs and thinking of Marian,Tony, Martin,Gerry,and all our pows how about Christy Moores No Time For Love

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think the pressure should be placed on SF, and no one else. They should hang their heads in shame for what they've done to Marian and all the other political prisoners. Fully agree that some sort of advertisement in the papers showing support of Marian should be implemented. Oh, just a wee sidenote: I think it was Sam Millar/Miller who first coined the phrase The Spartans in regards to the bold Blanketmen in his bio On The Brink.

    ReplyDelete
  15. dixie, very good article. you say 50 blanketmen have died. what is the full number of blanketmen?

    ReplyDelete
  16. As always a powerful piece from Dixie, I like the way he writes as anger and contempt for an injustice drips off his pen.

    The campaign to free Marian seems to be gaining legs in Ireland, but in England it needs a nudge, I wonder if any thought has gone into sending the type of round robins that went out over here during the hunger strike to people of influence who may be sympathetic.

    Mick

    ReplyDelete
  17. Mick I proposed that we disrupt the upcoming olympic games,that should be a starter for ten..Downing st that is a cara ..

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dixie,
    I have spoken to a few people who were involved in the organisation of the march for Marian and there is a general consensus that it was as Alec said a 'general application on the day' asking why so few prisoners are in attendance at these marches.
    I would like to ask if I could have more feedback in relation to the newspaper add!
    Every ex-prisoner I have spoken to is of the opinion it is an excellent idea.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I floated the idea of an add a while back and it sort died for lack of someone taking responsibility for it. If all those willing to put their name to such an add would also make a small donation of one or two pounds it would be self financing. I think this would be a power public statement of support for Marian in the lead up to the march later in the month. Fionnaula, I would be willing to help you with this piece of work.

    ReplyDelete
  20. From Mandy Duffy:

    IRISH NIGHT, tomorrow night Sat 28th April, McNallys Bar, Toomebridge. Music by ROADSIDE AMBUSH. ADM £5. PLEASE REPOST.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dixie,

    a great piece which I agree with. When I saw that banner I felt it was grossly unfair to many people. If those defending it think about it, then they might conclude that it was too generalised and not specific enough. A question that does need raised is how former blanketmen can turn up for events opposed to republican injustices but ignore those injustices inflicted by the British.

    Tom,


    that's right about the origins of the Spartans. Richard told me he had noticed it in Sam's work

    ReplyDelete
  22. Mackers,
    it's not that I am defending the banner, more a case of being less sensitive than others. There are loads of former blanketmen who could be showing their support for Marian whatever their personal hardships in life. After two years of campaigning on behalf of prisoners, I am well past the point of making excuses for people.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Mackers,
    Have you any idea how the banner could be more specific?
    It was painted by the Derry Artists and I think we are all pretty satisfied now as to whom it was intended.

    Alec,
    Mackers has my email address and it would be great to get that idea of the ground, really appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Alec,

    I doubt if more support is going to follow the tone of that banner. People might have valid reasons for not supporting this or that cause and may not even share our views on it. I know for sure had I not supported the Marian cause that banner would not lead me to supporting it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nuala,

    for example, 'where are the rest of the able bodied Spartans?'

    But I think it was better left out whether more specific or not. It was too adversarial at a juncture when something else would have better served the purpose.

    ReplyDelete
  26. People need to get over the banner. The families and supporters of political prisoners are equally entitled to express their anger at the lack of support coming from certain quarters. Even if the banner was a tad insensitive towards a certain group of former prisoners - I'm still not convinced it was designed to be so - it does not excuse their failure to oppose present injustice. And if this banner helps to focus debate on the reasons why ex prisoners, bar the few, are not to be seen on the streets then it has severed some purpose.

    ReplyDelete
  27. "adversarial"

    We are sick pussy footing the ex prisoners and political parties. Marian Price did not go into jail yesterday. How long does it take to make up one's mind on such matters? Either her imprisonment is a blatant injustice or it is not. I think sometimes people have to come down of their high horses in order to get their hands dirty in the real world.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Alec,

    there is a whole range of injustices not being opposed today. People have a finite resource of energy and commitment and can't throw it into every cause going. Many people have just drifted away and take no interest for whatever reason. We can't hold them to our causes for ever and a day. We just have to work with what we have. We will persuade more people into supporting Marian than we will embarrass into supporting her

    ReplyDelete
  29. As I siad, Mackers.

    I'm beyond making excuses for people who should know better. I have spent the best part of two years trying to convince, coax, cajole republicans of all hues to support the just and reasonable demands of the prisoners. We created a generic platform so as to appeal to the largest number without success. I personally feel there is more cause to be critical than there is to be understa
    nding of the multitude of excuses.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Alec,

    people choose their causes. There isn't much we can do about it. It is frustrating when an issue matters to us but not so much to others. I know all about that. But frustration never solved one problem for on that front and only fed despondency. Ex prisoners are like most other people in society. They move on. The real issue is when they become what they once opposed, when they seem to side with repressive state apparatuses. And we all have to allow for human frailty. All of us have it

    ReplyDelete
  31. I met with Hugh Brady today regarding the ad. We discussed various aspects. IE how do we pay for it as it would likely cost thousands. Do we ask those signing to pay a £1 or as much as a £5 etc each?

    Also we discussed getting other areas onboard. Ie Belfast etc.

    We also discussed approaching all ex-prisoners no matter what their political opinion today.

    And we agreed that besides Marian we should include the prison struggle still ongoing in Maghaberry, Martin Corey and Gerry McGeough and demand that all these issues are resolved soon.

    The banner is forgotten about so lets hear no more on it.

    Any help would be great and I have already asked several former prisoners for their help and they have agreed.

    Hugh will get a quote from the Irish News for the ad.

    Lets just keep this to what we can do and constructive advice from here on.

    ReplyDelete
  32. A further point. I believe that if the various groups, 32CSM, IRSP, Eirigi, RNU,RSF etc made the effect we could get effective rallies off the ground.

    It would need the willingness of these groups to demonstrate under the one banner and as a united force.

    These groups would need to push to get as many of their members as possible as well as their families out and to wherever the rally might be.

    We saw this year bigger attendances at Easter commemorations for various groups. Why can't this happen for something that should and could unite Republicans?

    I've made the point often that party political banners should be replaced by banners supporting the prisoners and demanding an end to injustice only. If this would happen I believe we can get more onto the streets.

    Most of all we need new ideas...

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dixie,

    the Family and Friends has been campaigning for almost two years now using generic banners and posters. The logic behind this was simply that it would make it easier for a larger number of people to attend protests without being associated with political groupings. It has not been easy and progress is painfully slow. I welcome fresh ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Alec,

    I imagine that a generic banner is meant to be something that everybody can stand behind and does not alienate. There is a certain logic to that. This is why I feel the thinking behind the Spartan banner was a liability. It went against the grain of what I think you mean when you talk of generic banners.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Mackers,

    I accept that the banner in Derry had a point to it. However, I think the sentiment was wholly understandable in the context of what is occurring inside the prisons. But as Dixie said, enough about the banner. Let's get on with the important work of exposing these injustices and building support for Marian, Martin, Gerry and the protesting prisoners. Another issue is the possible impending extradition of Liam Campbell to a sub standard foreign prison in the arsehole of nowhere. All of these issue are deserving of our support if only on a purely humanitarian basis.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Alec,

    it was the Dixie article that drew much attention to the banner and I found it a very good piece, one that invites strategic thinking rather than mere recrimination. I guess that is why it is the most read article all month even though it is only up a couple of days.

    Liam Campbell's position is subject to a regime of silence. There is virtually no one mentioning it. There are other prisoners in very difficult circumstances which we discussed offline but again a regime of silence.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I don't want to rehash over the whole banner issue - I agree with dixie that people need to move on from that - I understand the issues brought forward and maybe a better worded question would help ?? There does need to be a c ampaign slogan something that can be repeated a soundbite that maybe the media and others will pick up on .... i'm not totally sure what the phrase?terminology would be at this very point in time.
    I have been trying to get irish/american organisations and individuals on board with Marian's campaign ... it is somewhat disjointed and slightly problematic but surely we can get a few dollars together for an advert .... I really think that is a great idea - I would print the advert out on a big format and paste it everywhere ..... too much time has passed for inaction ... as Alec stated rightly it has been more than two years since those currently in prisons were denied the implementation of the "august agreement" .... regardless of political affiliation how can any human being not show some compassion and humanity for those unjustly imprisoned??

    Bernadette was right in her call to educate agitate and organise .... have people really forgotten how to do that ? There's no way everyone has forgotten as I am significantly younger than the men and women of the "spartan" era and I was educated well how to organise and agitate :)
    Keep fighting !!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have a different view of the Derry banner but no matter. If Dixie's article helps to bring a little focus to awkward questions then it is worthwhile. There are several issues which have not received a proper airing for different reasons. All these matters are of interest to republicans and human rights activists.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I have since been told that the origin of the Blanketmen/Spartans analogy came from a speech given by Tommy McKearney in H3 just prior to him embarking on the 1980 hunger strike. I haven't spoken with Tommy yet to confirm

    ReplyDelete
  40. With respect it is pretty clear why some former prisoners have not yet got behind this campaign en masse. Marian's imprisonment was designed to achieve just this, it was a warning by the British government what might happen to republicans who move beyond their carefully set status quo.

    As AM has already said most prisoners have moved on with their lives, not sure how many are still politically active but I doubt it is much different to the general population.

    People wish to join a campaign which is on the rise, is actually going to achieve something. If it fails to gain support it is because it is not striking the right cord. Never, never publicly blame those whose support you need for not rushing to the colours, they are more likely to say fuck you and slam their door, than look to their own responsibility.

    Besides, surely most POWs have already given the best part of their lives for republicanism and they know it, they are not going to be bullied or shamed into going the extra mile, they need to be coaxed and gently encouraged.

    If it gets enough signatures, from a broad section of the Irish community an open letter in the press is a good thing. One from former POWs alone is something different and whilst it may gain some support, I would guess most of them already support Marian, but only the most committed, brave or foolhardy will sign the letter at this stage.

    For this just campaign to move forward it must move beyond the republican camp, to your credit you are beginning to achieve this, this was always going to be a slow burner.

    Sorry for speaking bluntly but I have witnessed years of small left wing groups over here, looking to build support amongst their own constituency and in the process failing to turn outward, and when they get nowhere blaming each other for their own failure to connect with the masses.

    Comradely regards

    Mick

    ReplyDelete
  41. A full page add in the Irish News is £4200+vat,half page £2200+vat quarter page £1600+vat these prices were quoted to Marie and other ex-pows when they left in a letter on Thurs

    ReplyDelete
  42. Organised Rage/Mick,

    While I think that may be a factor in why some do not get involved I am of a view that there are wider reasons. The ex-prisoners in SF will be pilloried within the party if they show any independent sign of support for the prisoners. I believe this was the experience of Brian Halpin in Dublin when he was trying to raise support for Gerry McGeough. I believe Brian actually wrote about this somewhere. The issue is many ways exposes the failure of SF in terms of what it negotiated. And it is reluctant to loosen the reins too much.

    I think the banner did not help in terms of what you said ‘Never, never publicly blame those whose support you need for not rushing to the colours.’But there does seem to be a consensus emerging that the banner incident should be allowed to fade.

    I do believe many former prisoners and blanketmen would sign a letter to the press, just as they did to express their opposition to policing in 2007.

    I also feel your comparison with the British Left has much to be said for it. The fractiousness is said to be serious. Marx once said about socialism that there is no socialism when the sects get a hold of it. Republicanism at the minute is divided and seemingly eager to remain as such. In some ways this explains the frustration of some republicans who are burnt out with meetings and arguments and want to see decisions. I don’t envy their task.

    Nor can we rule out the apprehensions that many ex prisoners seem to harbour about the ongoing armed activity. There is a view out there that to become involved in prisoner support campaigns will be used by the groups some of the prisoners are affiliated with to boost their fortunes. While I reject that as a valid reason for withholding support from prisoners I cannot deny that the sentiment exists.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hugh Brady and myself have drafted a letter which we are sending to as many papers as we can. It is hopefully the first stage is getting something moving.

    It is calling on all former Republican prisoners to support Marian, Gerry and Martin as well as the protesting prisoners in Maghaberry.

    The theme of the letter is...

    'This is not about who of us is right or wrong, it is about righting a wrong.'

    I'm sending it to the Derry Journal, Derry News, Irish News, ATown News, Strabane Chronicle and the Newry Democrat so far.

    More Nationalist papers are needed...

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hugh and I have discussed the Irish News Ad and realise that as well as finding the money to pay for such an Ad the big problem is getting names in different areas, getting them to a central source then sending them altogether to the Irish News.

    Not only that if the Irish News carries the Ad on a day when it's not widely read then all that effort might achieve very little.

    To get round this we thought of an idea that wouldn't cost a penny and wouldn't take so much effort but which could achieve greater return.

    In each area, for example Derry, we draw up a very short letter demanding that the British Government resolves the issues regarding Marian, Gerry, Martin and Maghaberry immediately.

    Below it we put the names of all former prisoners we have collected as signatories in that area.

    Then we send it to our local papers.

    Other areas, Belfast, Strabane, Newry etc do likewise and we coordinate it so that all signed letters are carried in the one week.

    When this happens we get each area to count the names signed in each letter, and put out a single letter the following week to each of the papers stating that ex-number of former prisoners across the country have signed letters demanding immediate action.

    Any thoughts on this?

    ReplyDelete
  45. Our Nuala has a letter published in todays Irish News, Tomorrow Marie and another two ex pows will have their letter published.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Maries,Eve,s and Kate,s ex pows letter will be published on Saturday now in the Irish News,seemingly there is a deluge of letters about the Bradyboy,hope the legion of Mary havent been mobilised....

    ReplyDelete
  47. just seen that republican sinn féin reproduced this article in their paper saoirse (may-edition).

    ReplyDelete