Your right Marty, this one does cut right to the bone. Brian sure knows how to make a point, not the type of chap you wish to get on the wrong side of..
Lethal stuff from Brian. Let's hope it is not too late for Brendan Lillis. Although, I think what years were left to him have been wiped out by his old adversary; the British penal system. David Ford totally lacks the political balls to release him even now that his health is destroyed.
The Lillis case has been a learning curve for those who believed that republicans had achieved real power by the genuis of Gerry et al.
a learning curve at this late point will never allow for any catch up. Better late than never but sometimes it is too late to be effective. It is like hurtling down the side of a cliff and learning that the bollix above you cut the rope.
It is an adverse predicament for Brendan Lillis. The government and authorities are well aware of the man’s condition and that he poses no threat to society. He is merely another political pawn, I can’t remember the thread, but Anthony described Marian as a political hostage. Brendan is no different I am confident that the authorities would have granted this man freedom on compassionate grounds if not for one thing. This would show a sign of weakness on their part and given the POW conditions the government would rather send the clear message that they are willing to let another republican die. Brain’s cartoon sums it up correctly SF have no power and this is more of an embarrassment to them. I am sure they would gladly line up to attend his funeral but have done little or nothing to call attention to his case.
Former IRA volunteer and ex-prisoner, spent 18 years in Long Kesh, 4 years on the blanket and no-wash/no work protests which led to the hunger strikes of the 80s. Completed PhD at Queens upon release from prison. Left the Republican Movement at the endorsement of the Good Friday Agreement, and went on to become a journalist. Co-founder of The Blanket, an online magazine that critically analyzed the Irish peace process. Lead researcher for the Belfast Project, an oral history of the Troubles.
Fucking brill and so very very true, cuts right to the bone our Brian does!
ReplyDeleteYour right Marty, this one does cut right to the bone.
ReplyDeleteBrian sure knows how to make a point, not the type of chap you wish to get on the wrong side of..
Mick,
ReplyDeletehe captures things so well in a simple graphic that even good writers fail to do in their scribbling.
Lethal stuff from Brian. Let's hope it is not too late for Brendan Lillis. Although, I think what years were left to him have been wiped out by his old adversary; the British penal system. David Ford totally lacks the political balls to release him even now that his health is destroyed.
ReplyDeleteThe Lillis case has been a learning curve for those who believed that republicans had achieved real power by the genuis of Gerry et al.
Alec,
ReplyDeletea learning curve at this late point will never allow for any catch up. Better late than never but sometimes it is too late to be effective. It is like hurtling down the side of a cliff and learning that the bollix above you cut the rope.
Aye Anthony or like sliding down a 50ft razor using your balls as brakes,
ReplyDeleteIt is an adverse predicament for Brendan Lillis. The government and authorities are well aware of the man’s condition and that he poses no threat to society. He is merely another political pawn, I can’t remember the thread, but Anthony described Marian as a political hostage. Brendan is no different I am confident that the authorities would have granted this man freedom on compassionate grounds if not for one thing. This would show a sign of weakness on their part and given the POW conditions the government would rather send the clear message that they are willing to let another republican die.
ReplyDeleteBrain’s cartoon sums it up correctly SF have no power and this is more of an embarrassment to them. I am sure they would gladly line up to attend his funeral but have done little or nothing to call attention to his case.