"While I am very concerned for Brendan's health, I am equally angered by the continuing denials coming from the prison authorities that Brendan wasn't sick enough to be granted compassionate release when it is perfectly obvious now that his medical condition is much more serious than they had assessed. I am also shocked that this was the information given to the Justice Minister from NIPS, this is something that I am sure the Justice Department will want to be clear on going forward"
- Pat Ramsey SDLP Assembly member
Tonight we assembled yet again on Drogheda’s Bridge of Peace where once more we sighed with exasperation at the British treatment of the ill Brendan Lillis. To the extent that the British move at all it is invariably sideways. In dealing with prisoners their attitude has always been one of ‘as late as, as little as.’ Our numbers were fewer this week but the weather helps explain that. If Brendan Lillis is not free this time next week we shall be on the bridge again, our numbers increased.
The British micro minister David Ford should either piss or get off the pot. If he has no power then he should do the honourable thing and resign. He should do so for his human dignity alone, rather than continue with the charade of being minister for justice in a situation where justice is viewed like some strange tropical disease. Quarantine it, poke it, dissect it, discuss it but under no circumstances allow it inside the building. A man of his intellect should not allow it to be demeaned by having it function as a rubber stamp for the power behind the throne.
In assessing the motives of Ford it would be prudent to apply Occam’s razor; do not make things more complicated than they are. It may be as simple as that suggested by Jude Collins that ‘he’s afraid the Alliance Party will be seen as soft on crime, so tough luck, Lillis, you stay behind bars.’ The Alliance Party, long pushed around by the ruffians of Northern Irish politics, now wants to swagger, swing the shoulders and speak out the side of its mouth as affirmation of its post-conflict hard man persona. Pat Ramsey of the SDLP, wise to this, fired a warning shot across the micro minister’s bows: ‘I sincerely hope that clear medical evidence is the only basis on which Brendan's continued incarceration is assessed.’
Yesterday, Brendan Lillis was moved to an outside hospital. As part of the long running farce, he is being held under armed guard so that David Ford can maintain the pretence of some threat posed. Roisin Lynch, the ill man’s partner succinctly summed matters up: ‘this is the last thing that Ford would want because he now looks like he has egg on his face.’ Earlier Ford’s executive colleague Martin McGuinness said ‘it is abundantly clear that Brendan Lillis is seriously ill and should be released immediately to secure the necessary medical care that is required.’ What impact this may have had is unclear but in recent days Sinn Fein have turned up the volume around the issue.
Tonight, standing on the bridge with another former lifer, putting the effort in on behalf of this ill man who had his licence revoked, my thoughts drifted to those former republican prisoners who shamefully erased ‘Free Marian Price’ slogans in North Belfast. Price too had her licence revoked. Why aren’t they standing on bridges reminding people of British maltreatment of prisoners rather than seeking to obliterate prisoners’ names from public view?
In spite of their activity the numbers of shoulders at the wheel are increasing and are turning things around. It is slow and exasperating, always more to sigh about than cheer. But Brendan Lillis is now getting treatment he had no chance of getting in Maghaberry. Ford cannot act with impunity. Former republican prisoners have a power that cannot be erased by a scab with a paintbrush.
![Share](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?s=100&p[title]=Bridge of Sighs&p[summary]="While I am very concerned for Brendan's health, I am equally angered by the continuing denials coming from the prison authorities ...&p[url]=https://www.thepensivequill.com/2011/08/bridge-of-sighs.html&p[images][0]=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fABbK1dtuCnbsRy_snKs39JCIKcAYQqP17LDr3CMno2282gMNDPYRRjgThUcxE4bZxyIj_LuWn0-e4FAnYitZGU1cNZbG2BrZT66ZgpnI8UCyjrMmVzkhn5Msstr6jbd7CqHj-dIiJCF/s400/DROGHEDARELEASEBRENDANLILLISPROTEST10thAugust2011007.jpg){kind=link}
Superb Anthony I cant say anything other than that, again you have excelled yourself a cara, well written and put.
ReplyDeleteit's ironic that 30 years ago we denounced the sdlp as imperialist lickspittle over their position on the hunger strikes; yet today the sdlp are more vociferous and demanding than sinn fein in standing up for brendan lillis.
ReplyDeletehow times change........
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt you have made your mind up about things, but I don't think Ford has any desire to swagger around and act the tough guy (you are welcome to point to any evidence of this attitude being prevalent in Alliance prior to Ford's appointment). Ford's ongoing position doesn't need him to suck up to the unionists, or the republicans for that matter.
It is a question of whether or not it is reasonable for the minister to overrule both the prison service and the parole commissioners in an environment where the doctors weren't acting to back up the claims being made about Brendan Lillis' health. It's a very tricky thing, legally as well as politically, to call your own department a bunch of liars.
The last time I can think of when the parole commissioners were overruled was when Patrick Mayhew intervened to spring Lee Clegg from jail. Even then, they had to come up with a ballistics report that cast doubt over the Clegg's conviction for murder which was made on the basis that one particular shot was fired directly at the head of the victim.
I hope that the people who pulled that pathetic and impotent stunt today at APNI HQ are proud of themselves. Well done for terrorizing the clerical staff (a young mother) and the general secretary (self-described as a small-r republican). All that sort of crap (including the two recent bombings of Alliance offices) does is reinforce the view of those who have an interest in portraying those who are concerned with prisoner welfare as being part of the same team as those who want to return this place to a daily cycle of violence.
Comrade Stalin-
ReplyDeleteAlliance wanted to move up a gear when they joined the executive- there is a lot of hard and easy and in between decisions to make- But there is no reason why an outside doctor could not have been allowed to examine Brendan Lillis months ago- no reason- except to torture Brendan and his loved ones-
So, now the Alliance party are insisting that people do not have the right to peaceful protest.....and that is what todays protest looked like to me. It is unfortunate that the Alliance workers were upset by this but I bet they are,nt half as upset as the POW,s and thier families.
ReplyDeleteYou see Mr Ford, you are the guy with the power here and therefore you cannot act with impunity and not expect protests on your doorstep. Congratulations to those protesting today.
Brilliant prose. Six paragraphs that do a better job of summarising the plight of Brendan Lillis than anything I've seen or read from other sources since this started. Fair play Anthony!
ReplyDeleteMackers,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Eamon fair play to you all.
Just home from Derry, there was a protest outside the Guildhall for BL's release. Eamon McCann SDLP several other groups there, no SF.
ReplyDeleteHow sad is that.
Brendan's life is the responsibility of all the political parties at Stormont thanks to the devolution of powers. Equally responsibility for his death will be shared also. Let's hope that compassion and humanity win the day.
ReplyDeletePress Release On Brendan Lillis
ReplyDeleteCommenting on the report that Medical Chiefs have told the Health Minister they are “confident” Brendan Lillis can receive appropriate healthcare in Maghaberry prison, the friends and family of Brendan Lillis state:
The friends and family of Brendan Lillis are not confident he can receive appropriate health care in Maghaberry prison – appropriate health care in Maghaberry has to date consisted of being left lying in a bed in a cell, 24 hours a day.
For nearly two years Brendan Lillis has been left to rot; he has received no treatment other than to be administered drugs. Is a return to this type of regime appropriate for a man with his health needs?
This travesty of justice needs to be brought to an end quickly; the claim that Brendan Lillis is a threat to society is a lie. The assertion that he will receive appropriate health care in Maghaberry is a lie.
David Ford is the Justice Minister, he needs to address the injustice of this whole sorry escapade instead of acting out his role as cheer-leader for the most reactionary and bigoted elements of government. Ends.
Gerard Hodgins 07549663246
Roisin Kane 07543800824
Press Release On Brendan Lillis
ReplyDeleteThe Life Sentence Commissioners sat today to consider the case of Brendan Lillis. This meeting lasted several hours and their decision will be made known at a later date. Commenting on this Brendan Lillis’ friends and family have said:
Yet another delay in making a decision in this case adds to the emotional turmoil both Brendan and Roisin are going through, and is a calculated insult to the people working to secure Brendan’s release.
The facts of the Brendan Lillis case are very well known and aired, further delays in coming to the only humanitarian conclusion is only prolonging the agony for both Brendan and Roisin and is nothing short of the shameful antics of a discredited justice system.
We call for the immediate release of Brendan Lillis and an end to this pantomime of callousness. Ends.
Gerard Hodgins 07549663246
Roisin Kane 07543800824
"But there is no reason why an outside doctor could not have been allowed to examine Brendan Lillis months ago- no reason- except to torture Brendan and his loved ones-"
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of reasons why people who are serving time for criminal convictions don't get top flight medical treatment. It's a shame that Brendan apparently didn't give due consideration to his medical condition and how he might hold up jail when he chose to involve himself in the kidnapping and robbery charges (I see these charges still haven't been denied) which led to his license being revoked. Wouldn't you say ?
Comrade Stalin
ReplyDelete‘you are welcome to point to any evidence of this attitude being prevalent in Alliance prior to Ford's appointment.’
This is the very point. Now that he is in the position we have seen the swagger develop in contrast to the Awfully Nice Party it was prior to office.
‘It's a very tricky thing, legally as well as politically, to call your own department a bunch of liars.’
Maybe it’s a problem that afflicts social workers. If you recall the Baby P case in London, where the social worker called to the door and settled for an explanation that the child was ok – ‘look at the chocolate he is fed.’ The chocolate of course covered the bruises and lacerations. The task of a serious politician is to get behind the story of those with such a proven record for lying.
‘I hope that the people who pulled that pathetic and impotent stunt
today at APNI HQ are proud of themselves. Well done for terrorizing the clerical staff (a young mother) and the general secretary (self-described as a small-r republican).’
This sounds like a poor mouth sob story set up for the purpose of winning sympathy for the Alliance Party. Do you really expect anybody to believe that their situation remotely compared to that of Brendan Lillis? That you can describe this one off event with such passion which is absent in your comments on much more precarious situation of Brendan Lillis reveals a highly skewed perspective. Ford said no threats were made. The protest seems mild by comparison with the brutality meted out to prisoners in Maghaberry.
There is no justification whatsoever for bombing the Alliance office or endangering the lives of Alliance personnel. That is an urgent issue that should be addressed. But if you place all actions against the party on the same level you do little to force those who take action to differentiate between the actions they take. I imagine you should encourage peaceful protests as a means to dissuade bomb attacks.
‘... is reinforce the view of those who have an interest in portraying those
who are concerned with prisoner welfare as being part of the same team as those who want to return this place to a daily cycle of violence.’
Would that include David Ford? The problem with this one eyed view of the past is that it overlooks that what is happening in the prisons today is taking us back to the past. Amongst those of us who were very much a part of that past are many who want neither armed republican violence nor prison brutality. We regularly criticise republican violence but how often do people like yourself condemn prison brutality?
Comrade Stalin-
ReplyDelete" there are plenty of reasons why
people who are serving time for
criminal convictions dont get top flight medical treatment"
Why not- what are these reasons- and anyway Brendan lillis has already served his sentence- prisoners are human no matter if you like them or not-
"When he chose to involve himself
in the kidnapping and robbery charges"
What charges are these- are you going to be Brendan lillis Judge and jury- there is a law about- try and stick to it-
Éamon & Marty,
ReplyDeleteAppreciated.
Comrade Stalin
‘There are plenty of reasons why people who are serving time for
criminal convictions don't get top flight medical treatment.’
Which seems very much like they should be denied adequate medical treatment as a punishment. This brings us closer to the real motives here. I don’t think republican critics of Ford are doing as good a job as discrediting his authority as you are.
Michaelhenry,
some good points there
AM,
ReplyDeleteI guess I think there is a subtle difference between denying care or treatment (which is bordering on torture, which I do not agree with) and providing the minimum necessary, where "minimum necessary" may mean something different for people in prison as opposed to those outside. Getting medical treatment in jail is never going to be the same as visiting your GP, on a whole bunch of different levels. I still don't accept that Lillis was subjected to inhumane treatment - I just don't trust the source - and if he was, then I'm sure there are solicitors out there who will relish the opportunity, as they have done in the past, to take the government to task through the legal system.
I don't agree with prison brutality, or any other kind of state-administered brutality, at all. But that doesn't mean that I think that prison should be a nice place. Prisoners do have to be treated humanely, but it doesn't mean they necessarily need to be afforded any particular respect. Anyone who decides to act in a way that may lead to their imprisonment should take due consideration of the consequences of what they are doing and, quite frankly, deal with those when they arise rather than trying to shirk them. We are never going to agree on this subject but I am sure you can see my point of view.
I don't have a problem seeing Lillis being released this evening. His supporters made their case to the Parole Commissioners and they were compelled to change their minds. Purely out of interest I'd like to know what went on, but I'm guessing the decision was driven by some sort of change in Lillis' medical condition. Either way, it has been done by the book and it shows that the institutions of the state are responding to due pressure, a factor that acts to undermine the arguments that have been made here and elsewhere that the state deliberately conspired to torture and deprive care from an innocent man. I see Gregory Campbell is already straight out of the blocks condemning the thing as another sop to violent republicans. Just shows what a thankless job it is, and makes me glad that we don't have a unionist in the post.
By the way, a final thought on this matter. In an interview a couple of week back Ford talked about the need to have a consultation/review of the guidelines concerning compassionate release.
ReplyDeleteI hope if there is a consultation that all of those who campaigned on this issue will take the opportunity to make a full contribution to it.
Comrade Stalin
ReplyDelete‘Getting medical treatment in jail is never going to be the same as visiting your GP, on a whole bunch of different levels.’
You see the doctor the morning you request to. Outside that can be a few days wait unless you have a walk in surgery. To me the tenor of your earlier comment was that to give a lesser form of treatment was a good punishment.
‘I still don't accept that Lillis was subjected to inhumane treatment.’
Sounds like Gerry Adams not accepting he was in the IRA. Self denial can take a long time emerging from. It is probably difficult for you given the discourse of Alliance to realise that the party was just the same as the rest of them when it came to treating prisoners – shameful. I suppose in some ways your situation compares to Catholics finding it hard to come to terms with so much sexual abuse within the clergy.
‘I don't agree with prison brutality, or any other kind of state-administered brutality, at all. But that doesn't mean that I think that prison should be a nice place.’
It isn’t a nice place but prisoners do help keep screws off the streets. All very well to say you don’t agree with brutality but if the Justice Minister fails to deal with it or accepts the chocolate on the face explanation then in that role he bears responsibility.
‘Prisoners do have to be treated humanely, but it doesn't mean they necessarily need to be afforded any particular respect.’
It has often been said how a society treats its prisoners is a reflection of society.
‘Anyone who decides to act in a way that may lead to their imprisonment should take due consideration of the consequences of what they are doing and, quite frankly, deal with those when they arise rather than trying to shirk them.’
Same can be said for anyone who decides to prevail over a regime that brutalises prisoners – take the consequences and do not shirk. Yet when the consequences take the form of a peaceful protest at the Alliance office all we hear is the pampered howling from their leafy suburbs.
I am glad the Justice Minister was defeated on this issue of Brendan Lillis. Had the political lobbying and pressure not have taken place Ford would still have Lillis in Maghaberry.
‘Purely out of interest I'd like to know what went on.’
I would too.
‘but I'm guessing the decision was driven by some sort of change in Lillis' medical condition.’
Don’t buy that for a second. They would happily have let him die were it not for the protests and lobbying.
‘it shows that the institutions of the state are responding to due pressure.’
But you are telling us it was a result of a change in his medical condition. If that is so then pressure would not have come into it. You cannot have it both ways.
‘I see Gregory Campbell is already straight out of the blocks condemning the thing as another sop to violent republicans.’
Pavlov’s dog.
‘Just shows what a thankless job it is.’
Poor us.
‘and makes me glad that we don't have a unionist in the post.’
Has Ford been sacked?!!
Comrade Stalin, you have come here and made your case. Good for you. I agree with little of it and have treated it accordingly. However your contribution was welcome and puts a perspective not often aired here.
RNU Press Release/Preas Ráiteas RNU
ReplyDeleteDate: 19th August, 2011 Area: National Embargo: None
Author: Martin Óg Meehan Contact: Martin Óg Meehan – PRO
REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN has welcomed the release of political Internee, Brendan Lillis.
Mr Meehan said; ‘RNU is pleased that the Stormont Government and David Ford have finally seen sense and freed Brendan.
However, we are very conscious that Martin Corey and Marian Price remain unjustly interned in Maghaberry Gaol at the behest of British Intelligence and the RUC/PSNI. Gerry McGeough is also wrongly incarcerated. Our Network reiterates the demand that these three Republican Prisoners also be released.
The Republican Network for Unity is also mindful that Political Prisoners continue to suffer terrible conditions because of the the failure of Stormont to instigate last August’s Maghaberry Agreement’.
Mr Meehan concluded; ‘RNU send our best wishes to Brendan and his partner, Roisin. Their struggle was our struggle and they both have been vindicated. Irish Republicans must remain united and ensure the Maghaberry Agreement is now implemented in full’.
Críoch/Ends
-- - Note -
RNU subscribe to the 1916 Proclamation and 1919 Declaration of Independance and to their realisation of a 32 County Socialist Democratic Irish Republic.