I have not been online much nor blogging the past few weeks folks. I've been a little busy with family, local community issues and of course my political work for RNU. The title of this post should be entitled; 'A Week is a Long Time in Politics'. The phrase is widely quoted whenever a Politician and/or a Political Party experiences difficulties in public life.
There is little doubt that since BBC's Spotlight; A Woman Alone With The IRA which aired on Tuesday October, 14th 2014, that once again exposed is the huge failures in Irish Republicanism to properly help and achieve justice for victims. The programme also exposed the real threat to our young people by alleged sex-offenders and others who through their words and deeds only cause victims more pain.
The popular Current Affairs programme broadcast serious claims by a former member of Ógra Shinn Féin, Máiriá Cahill: that she was raped and repeatedly sexually abused between the ages of sixteen and seventeen, by an alleged IRA Volunteer and Ex-Political Prisoner. She also stated on Spotlight that senior Provisionals including, a number of Belfast Councillors, Stormont and Westminster Representatives, not only knew details of her claims, but incredibly did not notify Social Services but also prevented her family and friends from doing so!
Máiriá Cahill |
Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Dessie Ellis and others have belatedly admitted publicly that the Provisional Movement filled the policing vacuum in Nationalist districts across the Six Counties, throughout the recent Conflict. The Republican Socialist Movement also used similar tactics in dealing with the dregs of our society. What her Investigators did not do was to notify the Social Services in Belfast regarding the consistent narrative of abuse described by Miss. Cahill. If so, her alleged attacker would not have been able to have freely moved to County Donegal where he could have abused other innocent teenagers.
Like many local Republicans, I am acutely aware of two similar cases. Both of which took place within the Greater Ardoyne area! One in which a former Political Prisoner abused a number of children during the '70's. Who was permitted to stay in the district afterwards by the Provisionals because he was a Volunteer! The same waster later attempted to violently rape a male friend of his in the late Eighties. Luckily, the resident had the quick foresight to escape his clutches and immediately reported the frightening incident to known Óglaigh. Within days, he was shot in the legs and expelled from the Six County area.
The second Paedophile consistently sexually abused a number of including his own children throughout the Seventies but because he held of a prominent role within the local PIRA, he wasn't beaten or shot. Even though, there were detailed complaints made against him by a few courageous victims against him. He was expelled and subsequently forced to live in Dublin until his death last year.
Neither sicko nor their disgusting crimes were reported to the Social Services North or South by senior Provisionals. Which is incredible, given the fact that sex offenders are known to infiltrate trusting families, organisations that work with children and cohesive communities. Devastating criminal actions like these should have been reported to Social Workers. How else could other children, teenagers and/or vulnerable adults be protected from these two consistent offenders? Whatever happened to the core principle 'cherishing all of the children of the nation equally', as outlined in the 1916 Proclamation?
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The Provisional IRA investigated Máiriá's allegations against one of it's supposed Volunteers. According to An Bunreacht/the Constitution of Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise known as The Green Book. The alleged Rapist was given representation at a convened inquiry, which is the right of every Óglach regardless of what the allegation would be! Who exactly spoke or represented the apparent victim? What rights did she have, is a question that I have? The Republican inquiry lasted some seven months, a long time in a teenagers life and no doubt she was under pressure throughout. The decision to allow an abuser to personally confront his victim was disgraceful and should never have happened! Even though Máiria was notified the investigation had ended, she was informed that na Óglaigh had ruled on the matter and decided their findings had been 'inconclusive'.
Finally, anyone who has ever been subjected to sexual abuse and/or rape must contact the Social Services. There are also Counselling Services based across the Country dedicated to helping victims in anyway they can. I will pray for you to gain the much needed confidence in achieving the truth and justice.
“Finally, anyone who has ever been subjected to sexual abuse and/or rape must contact the Social Services. There are also Counselling Services based across the Country dedicated to helping victims in anyway they can.”
ReplyDeleteMartin, this does not address the justice aspect that is also central to a victims well being and sense of closure.Id be more interested in how you suggest that missing piece is filled if its not to be the Army administered. Isnt Mairia’s complaint that her attacker wasnt tied to railings with a placard around his neck (as she stated to Suzanne Breen), as opposed to the actual process?
Martin,
ReplyDeletethis piece is being read by large numbers of people, indicating the interest in the topic. I guess what you write is what the story is being distilled down to: the concealment of this type of activity from the wider public.
"She also stated on Spotlight that senior Provisionals including, a number of Belfast Councillors, Stormont and Westminster Representatives, not only knew details of her claims, but incredibly did not notify Social Services but also prevented her family and friends from doing so! "
ReplyDeleteVery, very important point Martin Óg.
Whereas all sorts of defences for not going to the police might gain good traction with Provisional supporters and in other quarters too, not informing Social Services is much more difficult to explain away or justify.
All the more so when compared to Gerry Adam's actions in 1986 when he reported his then sister-in-law to Social Services because ... her children 'were dirty and had knits in their hair'.
(This is documented in Ms. McDermott QC's cross examination of Gerry during Liam Adam's trial).
from Ardoyne Republican
ReplyDelete@ AM, of course my blog post is all about why those opposed to Mairia's narrative want to conceal it.