QUB Sheena Campbell Cumann have Successful Freshers

2009 has witnessed another successful fresher’s day for the QUB Sheena Campbell Sinn Fein Cumann. Over 200 people expressed a desire to get involved and we will be making contact with them over the course of the next week on a 1-1 basis to discuss the cumann’s plan for the year and to answer any questions they may have.



Speaking at the event, QUB Sinn Féin activist Grace Lynch said,

“We had a great response from everyone on the day, the names collected prove that Sinn Fein are the relevant party within Republican politics today. We have a busy year ahead of us, our plan of work so far includes a talk by Martin McGuinness, a trip to Dublin and a trip to the Crum.”

“Being active within the colleges is important for creating a sustainable radical movement, QUB Sinn Fein are conscious that 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Na Fianna, and the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement, two historic event which have unprecedented relevance for today’s republican youth and the interest shown in Queens is testament to the significant contribution Sinn Fein is providing to communities across Ireland and to Irish Reunification.”

Video of Slogadh na nÓg '09 - Watch and PASS ON

The following is a video produced of the recent Slogadh na nÓg in Rath Cairn County Meath. Please watch and pass on.

YOU can make the difference – No! 2 Lisbon

With only hours to go before the people of the 26 Counties go to the polls to vote AGAIN on the Lisbon Treaty.

The democratic wishes of the people have been usurped by holding ANOTHER referendum. It would appear that their FIRST answer wasn’t good enough for the Eurocrats of Brussels and Fat Cats of Ireland’s political elite and their friends in the banks.

This undemocratic, anti egalitarian, Treaty needs to be sent another resounding No!

YOU can make the difference.

(Ógra Shinn Féin activists urging people to Vótáil Níl at Newgrange, County Meath)

Play your part in ensuring a No! vote, leave the Eurocrats and the Fat Cats in No! doubt of Ireland’s answer. YOU can help by;

- Encouraging all family, friends and colleagues to vote No!
- Putting up messages on social networks (Facebook, Bebo, myspace etc) encouraging everyone to vote No!
- Emailing and texting all your contacts encouraging them to vote No!
- And obviously voting No! yourself

Tomorrow is a decisive day, let us all commit ourselves to wiping that arrogant grin of Michael O’Leary’s face, and sending Brian Cowen packing.

Vótáil Níl!

Strabane ÓSF Hungerstrike Commemoration 2005

National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan, speaks at a Hungerstrike Commemoration held in Strabane in August 2005. The event was organised by Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin.



Ógra Shinn Féin are currently collecting footage from past events, and uploading on YouTube for everyone to enjoy and to keep an archive of past footage of republican youth speeches and events.

If you have any footage from Ógra Shinn Féin events or speeches, and would like to share them with us, please contact us on osfnational@yahoo.ie.

Go raibh maith agat.

Ógra Activists Tour Crumlin Road Jail

Ógra Shinn Féin activists visited Crumlin Road Jail this past weekend. The tour organised by ÓSF An Lorgain, gave activists the opportunity to visit the famous old jail and even walk the infamous tunnel, between the Court House and the Jail.

Activists were particularly humbled to visit the execution chamber, were republican Tom Williams was hanged in 1942.

Ógra activist Stephen Scullion commented,

“Today’s tour proved very successful. The history of the Jail stretches over 150 years, and is of particular interest for the history of executions in the jail. Vol. Tom Williams was executed there in 1942, and would remain there until his body was re-interned in 2000 after a long campaign by republicans. It was quite a moving experience.”

He continued,

“The more recent history of the Jail including the status of Political Prisoners was also interesting. ‘The Crum’ was a common place for republican prisoners on remand in the latest phase of struggle.”

“Overall the tour proved highly educational and enjoyable.”

For information on booking a tour visit:

http://www.gotobelfast.com/default.aspx?page=7741

Dublin Ógra join community sector demo

Around 15,000 people took part in a protest against cutbacks in the community sector. Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin activists arrived early with flags, placards and leaflets.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Vice President Mary Lou McDonald were also in attendance.

The ‘Communities against Cuts’ campaign represents thousands of workers providing essential services to children, the elderly, disabled, recovering drug addicts, travellers, young people and women in the country’s most disadvantaged areas. Government cut backs have already seen the closure of community development projects and the McCarthy report proposals, if implemented, will result in the loss of a further 6,500 jobs in the Community sector.

Ógra Atha Cliath spokesperson Mick Farrell said; "The community groups who benefited least from the Celtic Tiger are paying the price for the government's failed policy of profit over people."

Some of the groups suffering from cuts include Drug Task Force groups, CDPs and community service programmes.

Ban Plastic Bullets Anois!

The newly emerged South/East Belfast Ógra Shinn Féin have called for an immediate ban on plastic bullets. The republican youth movement which will be officially launched next month has called for a ban on the lethal weapons which have been used to deadly effect in the past, killing 17 people, including 9 children and where deployed recently in the Shortstrand by the PSNI.

Graffiti in support of Ógra Shinn Féin’s call has sprung up on the now dormant, former PSNI Mountpottinger Barracks.



South/East Belfast Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson Padraig Keenan said,

“We are calling for an immediate ban to plastic bullets; these lethal weapons have killed children in the past and should not have been used in the Strand at the beginning of the month. It was irresponsible and dangerous, it was wrong. We will be campaigning on this issue until these weapons become a thing of the past.”

Use democracy for democracy's sake - vote No!

Barry McColgan
National Organiser
Ógra Shinn Féin

Your vote is void, please vote again.

This effectively is the message being sent out by the incumbent Dublin Government as citizens across the 26 Counties are being asked to go to the polls again on Friday 2nd October to be good ‘wee’ Europeans and deliver the ‘right’ vote this time around on the Lisbon Treaty.


False promises of change, of guarantees, are little more than hearsay and lip service paid to the previous resounding No! vote.

In reality the Lisbon Treaty remains exactly the same treaty put to the 26 County electorate before. Not one iota of change.

The Lisbon Treaty remains the same anti workers rights, anti public services, anti neutrality, anti sovereign treaty that was presented the last time.

Some will claim the guarantee of worker’s rights, and obviously a sure sign of this is when working class hero and trade union champion Michael O’Leary is supporting a yes vote.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea, the man who has continuously overseen and authorised illegal US Military rendition flights through Shannon Airport usurping Irish neutrality in the process tells us Irish neutrality will not be affected. It must be true then.

But, best of all, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, the man who brought us 500,000 jobless is now telling us to ‘trust’ him with Lisbon 2 and vote yes.

Would you buy a second hand car from this man? Never mind voting on his word on as important an issue as Lisbon.

The only job a yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty will save is his.

Ógra Shinn Féin believes and are strong advocates of a social Europe, a green Europe, a Europe of workers rights, democracy, public services and neutrality. As James Connolly, put it, ‘A free federation of free peoples.’

If you are happy with the current Dublin Government, the half million jobless, savage budget cuts on public services, re-introduction of student fees, drastic loss of Irish sovereignty and neutrality, by all means vote yes.

However if like me, you desire a social Ireland, playing a progressive role in a social Europe, then stand up for the over 500 million EU citizens denied a vote, stand up for our children, for the future of Ireland, and for Europe and vote No!

Now that’s democracy!

Fermanagh Ógra Shinn Féin Successful Recruitment Drive

Fermanagh Ógra Shinn Féin recently engaged in a recruitment drive in the Diamond, Enniskillen, distributing hundreds of Fermanagh Ógra newsletters to interested young people. The recruitment drive was initiated in advance of the launch of the cumann in November.

The response was very good on the day with all the newsletters being distributed within half an hour, and many young people genuinely interested about the republican youth movements activities in the Fermanagh area, stopping to chat, and ask about upcoming local and national activities.

Speaking on the recruitment drive, Fermanagh Ógra activist Chris Conwell said,

“While we have been active over the past year, we are officially launching Fermanagh Ógra Shinn Féin in November, naming the cumann in memory of a local republican. In advance of the launch we wanted to raise awareness of our actions, and promote our politics to the young people of Enniskillen and further afield.”

“We will be recruiting young people across Fermanagh, and will be involved in republican and social campaigns, local educational events, as well as organizing national and international delegations to educate the youth of Fermanagh about our history, the republican struggle and other international struggles. Ógra Shinn Féin are the largest, most active and impacting youth movement across Ireland and we are proud to be officially launching in Fermanagh.”

Slogadh na nÓg '09 - Tír Gan Teanga, Tír Gan anam

Bhí Slogadh Na N-óg ar siúil i Rath Cairn Co. Na Mí i mbliana. Ba iad muintir Tuaisceart Cúige Laighean a rinne reáchtáil ar an Slogadh an bhliain seo agus iad ag iarraidh dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar an teanga. Ní hamháin daoine le Gaeilge a bhí i measc ag an deireadh seachtaine ach daoine gan Ghaeilge ar bith a bhí ag iarradh an teanga a fhoghlaim.


Bhi béim iontach mór an bhliain seo ar dhaoine nach bhfuil focal Ghaeilge acu, bhí ranganna ar fáil dóibh siúd nuair a bhi an dream le Gaeilge líofa ag díospóireacht faoi struchtúir an pháirtí agus.

‘Tír Gan Teanga, Tír Gan anam’ a bhí mar téama don deireadh seachtain agus muid ag plé cén fáth a raibh an teanga chomh tábhachtach sin do Bhobby Sands agus Pádraig Mac Piarais. Bhí roinnt caint poiblí i rith an Slogadh faoi an teanga Gaelach sa lae inniu , bhí turas stairiúil de chontae na Mí, agus freisin ranganna rince ar an sean-nós agus seisiúin ceol gaelach san pobail áras i Rath Cairn.

Counter-revolutionaries

Lee Casey
ÓSF An Lorgain

Divide and conquer has always been a valuable tool used by imperialists throughout the ages. It is as effective as it is destructive. It is currently manifesting itself in the various groups that have emerged in recent times claiming to be continuing the ‘true’ republican flame.

In Lurgan, North Armagh, at the weekend a number of vehicles were burnt out on local railway lines and a number of skirmishes occurred. This was all directed with the aim of causing a riot and a reaction from the PSNI. I think the mainstream media made an exaggerated mountain out of what was really an insignificant mole hill in their interpretation of events.

The events of last weekend were both senseless and pointless. They served to annoy and disrupt the local community. The majority of which stayed clear of what was just mindless, a-political vandalism on a Friday night. The cars and vans that were burnt out were not done so at any checkpoint or crown force facility, the destruction took place on the very doorstep of local people much to their anger and annoyance.

The use of a riot is sometimes the best counter-maneuver against crown force oppression. It has been used throughout the struggle to prevent crown forces from pillaging republican communities. But this business of enticing the PSNI into an area for an altercation is both pointless and dangerous and serves to bring down the name and reputation of an area.

The PSNI were not the only targets. The fire services also came under attack and out of justified fears for the security of their officers and equipment, were instructed not to enter potentially unsafe areas. Had there been a house fire and people in urgent need of rescue, lives could have been lost.

I am not on the other hand rushing to defend the PSNI, for they are far from perfect and have much to do to win the trust of the republican community, but I am very suspicious of any group who want to make an estate a no-go area for the PSNI and would question the real reason why this is.

And what have the people who orchestrated the destruction and disruption of their own community to say for their actions? The usual response; nothing. I feel we should no longer use the term ‘dissident’ to describe what is a small, faceless and anarchistic group of people. I think ‘counter-revolutionary’ is a more accurate term.

As an Irish Republican my loyalty is to the idea and creation of a unified socialist republic. As such, I will support the movement that will deliver it with the greatest speed and success.

Sinn Féin is the only party I see in the political landscape of Ireland that fits this criterion.

Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael represent two puppets attached to the same corrupt ideals of a thirst for greed and a lust for power. The SDLP represent a sinking ship whose members like rats will cling to anything that floats in order to stay above electoral water.

As for these other so-called republican groups, we must not let these counter-revolutionaries distract us from the change we are bringing and will continue to bring to the people of this country.

Votáil Sinn Féin!

Flag of Na Fianna - Liam O'Lapain

Armagh Ógra Shinn Féin activist and singer/songwriter Liam O'Lapain has recorded a new version of 'Flag of Na Fianna' to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Na Fianna Éireann, the first republican youth movement and forerunner to Ógra Shinn Féin.

Liam first sang the song for the Na Fianna Éireann Dinner Dance held in Quinn's Corner on Saturday 15th August, and dedicated it to all the young Fians who give their lives in the struggle for Irish freedom, particularly Fian Tobias Molloy, who's family where present on the night.



Liam has included another verse at the end to modernise the song, and encourage young people today to become active in the freedom struggle, drawing their inspiration from Na Fianna, and the sacrifice of their young activists.

We are uploading the song for all to enjoy!

Women in Struggle Interview: Connaught Ógra Organiser Mairead Farrell

Gemma McKenna
Gender Equality Officer
Ógra Shinn Féin

19 year old student Mairead Farrell from Galway has recently become Connaught Organiser for Ógra Shinn Féin. She comes from a family background steeped in politics and activism, and was involved variously in different social and political campaigns before joining Ógra.

She is a passionate advocate of the Irish Langauage and has campaigned pro actively on various International issues including Palestine.

When not protesting, agitating and organising, the young Galway girl likes to go clubbing, and when she finds time in her busy schedule goes to the gym.

She has a burning desire to establish a strong Ógra Shinn Féin presence across Connaught, and in only a short space of time has made huge progress.

Named after her Auntie, Mairead Óg possesses the same passion, confidence, and charisma of her late Auntie, who she no doubt derives inspiration from.

Where are you from?

Galway.

What do you do? (student/occupation) if student what are you studying:

I’m studying History and Economics in NUI Galway.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like going out clubbing with friends and going to the gym!

How did you get interested in politics?

Politics has always been a big part of my life as my parents are politically active but I thought about the importance of politics for the first time when we read Pearse’s oration at O’Donnovan Rossa’s grave in school.

Were you involved in politics before getting involved in Ógra?

Yes, I have been active in broad left groups in Galway for a few years. I was involved in the Galway Alliance Against War, Galway No to Lisbon , different Palestine campaigns and the clean water group. Then I decided to join the senior party and then a while after joining it I joined Ógra.

How did you find out or know about Ógra Shinn Fein?

I had heard about Ógra a few years ago but I only really found out about it through a friend in college who is active in it. She told me to come along to a weekend, I did and decided that I definitely wanted to join.

Has your interest in politics come your family influence? And How?

Yes, both my parents are very political and so they raised me to be political. I was dragged along to protests and meetings from an early age so I can’t really imagine my life without politics.

What would you be doing if you weren’t involved in Ógra?

I’d still be in Sinn Féin and I’d still be active in different political campaigns in Galway and in college. I’m delighted though that I am in Ógra it’s brilliant to know other people your age who are in your party.

What actions have Ógra taken in your area (weekend’s protests etc)

We are doing our best to build Ógra in Galway at the moment so unfortunately we have as of yet not had any major campaigns. We have, however, done leaflet drops, protests etc and hope to step up our campaigns over the next few weeks. We might even surprise everyone and have a weekend in Galway in the not so distant future!

What do you like most about Ógra Shinn Féin?

I think that the political education we get is invaluable. It is the only place in Sinn Féin that I am being politically educated. I also think that the comradeship that is built between the Ógra cumainn around the country is brilliant. I’m sure that comradeship will remain for years to come.

Have you any major achievements within Ógra or things that you will remember for a long time to come?

I’ll definitely remember the anniversary of the Céad Dáil for a long time. I found it very impressive.

I was very happy to become Ógra’s Connacht organiser, I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully maybe even some success!

Why do you think it is important for young people to get involved in politics?

I think that although voting is of course important young people need to do more than ‘just’ vote. The recession showed the world that capitalism doesn’t work and that there is a clear need for an alternative. It is important for us to mobilise the youth of the working class now as they are those who are being hit the hardest at the moment.

What do you think are the major pressing issues for young people?

The recession is clearly the main issue for young people at the moment. It in turn brings the massive unemployment for young people and it is the government’s excuse for the crazy cutbacks. Fees is another major worry for young people. There are a lot of people who may not be able to afford to go to college if they are introduced.

How do you think Ógra constantly makes itself relevant to young people?

The various campaigns put Ógra in the spotlight and are key to attracting young people. I think the fact that they tackle issues that are important to the youth results in people gaining respect and interest in the party.

Why is it important that Ireland once again vote no in the Lisbon treaty?

It’s extremely important that there is a second No vote for several reasons. Firstly it’s a disgrace that the government are putting an already rejected treaty to the people and then they have the nerve to talk about fixed elections in other countries! They are spending millions of euro, during a recession, in an attempt to ridicule the notion of democracy. This is happening at a time when vital services like the Sligo Cancer services are being taken from the people. Secondly the treaty itself is nine years old which means that the economics of the document is the economics which got us into the recession. It’s all about less regulation for banks!! Otherwise the fact that our voting rights will be halved whilst those of Germany will be doubled. This means that Germany will have 20 times our voting power.


Quickfire Round:

Favourite Food:

Chicken Curry.

Favourite Drink:

You can’t beat a good cup of tea!! Otherwise Koppaberg Pear.

Favourite Music / Artist:

Arctic Monkeys, I generally just listen to music when I’m driving around in the car so whatever’s in the charts is what I listen to.

Favourite songs :

‘Wild Horses’, ‘Song for Marcella’ and ‘Nobody Knows’.

Favourite Films:

‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’ and ‘Little Miss Sunshine’. My favourite Christmas film is definitely ‘The Santa Claus’.

Favourite Book:

‘The Life and Times of James Connolly’ by Greaves and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

Favourite Holiday resort:

Berlin

Person most influential in your life:

My Dad, especially politically.

Person you would like to meet (living)

Hugo Chavez, although I’d also love to meet Adhmadinijad!

Person you would like to meet (deceased)

Mairéad Farrell

If you were president of Ireland or Taoiseach what 3 things would you do to change Ireland ?

Have a united Ireland , have socialism and have Irish as the most widely spoken language in Ireland . A United Ireland and socialism clearly go hand in hand, those would be my aims but obviously that’s not the sort of thing that happens over night. The Irish language is extremely important, not only is it our national language but to lose any language is a terrible loss.

One Big Reason to Vote NO! 2 Lisbon: Michael O'Leary

Enough said. Vote No!

Durkan resignation exposes SDLP faultlines

Fra Cochrane
Uladh Organiser
Ógra Shinn Féin

This week’s announcement by Mark Durkan to step down as leader of the SDLP has exposed serious fault lines in a party that has become increasingly rudderless and out of touch with the nationalist electorate of the six counties.

Mr Durkan is now SDLP party leader in name only, a lame duck politician who has committed a serious strategic error as we fast approach the Westminster election.

Local MLA Margaret Ritchie is apparently in the frame as one of the front runners for the position, which suggests a lack of confidence in her ability to succeed Eddie McGrady as south Down’s next MP. This is because Mark Durkan tells us that one of the reasons he is leaving his post as party leader is because he is unable to fulfil a dual role as Assembly Member and MP. Of course his assertion was contradicted by his party colleague, Allister McDonald, the south Belfast MP who believes the opposite and that he indeed can carryout both roles. Somewhat tellingly, Ms Ritchie kept her views on this matter to herself.

During the Stormont press conference to clarify his original announcement, which Mr Durkan had made a day earlier to BBC journalist Mark Davenport, he was flanked by senior SDLP personnel in a show of solidarity that fooled no one. Clearly the knives have been out for Mark Durkan for some time and he cast an isolated and lonely figure.

The outworking of this unseemly power struggle illustrates the lack of unity of purpose that characterises the SDLP and this is reflected in their approach to working within the Assembly. For example, last Tuesday they rejected a bill that is designed to pave the way for the transfer of Policing and Justice Powers to locally elected representatives. In doing so, they have chosen to put petty political differences before what is needed to ensure an accountable policing and judiciary and they have therefore failed, yet again, to provide any type of leadership on what is a key issue that must be resolved.

Ógra Shinn Féin an Lorgain hold successful AGM

Ógra Shinn Féin an Lorgain held their AGM this week and began proceedings with a political briefing from Sinn Féin Councillor and republican ex-prisoner Noel McGeown, which led to a discussion regarding the importance of young people in advancing the struggle.

The Cumann elected their new officer board for the year ahead and also dealt with cumann issues and planning campaigns for the period ahead. This includes an intense campaign of youth engagement with community groups, youth groups and also engaging with local school students.

Fergal Connolly, newly elected chairperson of the cumann, said

“We look forward to continuing the work of engagement and campaigning on republican and socialist issues. Young people have been at the forefront of the struggle and Ógra Shinn Féin an Lorgain will continue to be at the forefront and ensure the voice of young republicans is heard in Upper Bann.”

Cumann member local Cllr. Johnny McGibbon commented

“The AGM proved a very positive meeting. We are now planning our work for the year ahead and look forward to Ógra growing from strength to strength in the Upper Bann area.”

Ógra Shinn Féin’s 5 reasons to vote No! 2 Lisbon

1. The Lisbon Treaty does nothing to protect your rights as a worker. Recent European Court rulings against Trade Unions who where trying to protect low paid workers from exploitation, despite pressure from the people of Europe to resolve this, demonstrates that there is nothing to reverse these decisions. The so-called 'declaration' obtained from the EU does absolutely nothing to improve on this situation.

2. The Lisbon Treaty leaves public services wide open to further privatisation, and will continue the trend of essential public services being sold off or being used to make profit for wealthy businessmen. Think of your local school or hospital. Public services for the people, not the businessmen.

3. There will be more increases in the militarisation of the EU. Article 28 commits us to 'progressively improve their military capabilities', which will mean an increase in our spending on the military. What will come next?

4. Huge amounts of new powers are centralised in the EU in this treaty. Many people on the yes side of the debate will tell you that the treaty increases democracy because of the new powers given to the parliament. What they don't tell you is that these new powers aren't coming from the commission; they are coming from our own domestic parliaments. The EU will gain new powers in 105 new policy areas, on issues like asylum, transport, culture and justice. We will lose powers of veto in 68 areas. This treaty reduces democracy, not the other way around.

5. We already said no!! It shows a remarkable contempt for the will of the Irish people that they are asking us to vote on the exact same document, only a year later. In fact this is the third effort to force this treaty on the people of Europe. In 2005, France and the Netherlands voted no to the European constitution, which is accepted by all parties to be 96%, the same. What part of no don’t they understand? This time, let’s leave them in no doubt.

On Friday 2nd October, Vote No! 2 Lisbon - Vótáil Níl!

Meath Ógra lead Lisbon street canvass

Meath Ógra Shinn Féin led a national delegation of activists on a street canvass as part of Slogadh na nÓg weekend. Activists from across Ireland mobilised for the weekend in Rath Cairn Gaeltacht.

Meath Ógra initiated a campaign against the Lisbon treaty on Friday with a banner drop and distribution of leaflets.

On Saturday afternoon, delegates from across the country assembled outside Navan Shopping Centre with creative posters and banners. Local councillors joined the demonstration and reception from passers by was excellent.

North Leinster Organiser Caoimhe Ní Shluáin said;

"Like Lisbon round one, people are still not sure about the content or implications of this complex treaty. They are concerned and they have a right to be concerned. Its great to see young comrades from across the country joining us on this canvass. The reception from people in Navan has been great and we have done our level best in setting out our reasons to vote no a second time. One of the most critical points of our canvass was that Ireland will lose power. Article 6 of the Lisbon Treaty changes the way in which key decisions at the Council of Ministers are taken. Ireland's voting strength would be reduced to 0.8% while Germany’s would increase to 17% and Britain’s would increase to 12%.”

“Lisbon also equals lower wages. In recent years the European Commission has enacted policies and the European Court of Justice has made judgments that have the effect of driving down wages. The Protocol on the Internal Market and Competition contained in the Lisbon Treaty provides both the Commission and the Court with an even stronger mandate to undermine workers pay and conditions.”

Petty Policing must be challenged - Doherty

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has condemned the harassment of a young party member from the Mid Tyrone area. Barry McNally, chairperson of West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin was held at a checkpoint in the village of Moy on Saturday past (19th September). Mr McNally underwent a search as well as having his car and personal belongings searched.

The PSNI had set up a roadblock in the village and were asking drivers for their licences. However it is claimed that when PSNI members asked for Mr McNally’s licence they also asked him to pull his car to the side of the road. According to the local MP Mr McNally was spread-eagled at the back of his car and searched before having his car searched for the next 45 minutes.

Speaking Pat Doherty MP said:

“This type of policing is totally uncalled for and unwarranted. Those of us who are advocating community policing and wider community engagement are finding such incidents make the case for community engagement even harder. Such policing practices are counter-productive in terms of building support within the nationalist community for policing in the north.

“This young man was told that he was being detained under the Prevention of terrorism act and that the PSNI believed he could have items likely to be of use to terrorists. This is just the most recent case of harassment to young republicans in the local area. Indeed this young political activist was detained on spurious grounds after being taken off a bus by the PSNI whilst going to Belfast from Omagh a number of years ago.

“This is petty policing and harks back to days gone by. It is clear that some within the PSNI are intent on derailing Sinn Fein’s strategy of holding the PSNI accountable and bringing a new beginning to policing. There are some within the ranks of the PSNI who are finding it hard to deal with the new political realities and are resisting the changes that Sinn Fein are bringing to policing. They must realise that harassment and roadside detentions must be consigned to the dustbin of history.

“We have brought this issue to the attention of our representatives on the Policing board and DPP and I will be in contact with the PSNI District commander at the earliest convenience demanding an answer of the PSNI actions in regards this issue.

“This so-called operation dissent is causing a huge inconvenience to members of the public. I would question the nature and scale of the operation, which is confined almost exclusively to nationalist areas. This operation amounts to blanket harassment for people living and working in nationalist areas.

Meanwhile member of the Policing Board, Daithi McKay has condemned Saturdays detention:

"There is no doubt that there are certain officers within the PSNI who are intent on continuing to do everything in their power to harass Sinn Féin members and carry out this old out-dated style of policing. This episode at the checkpoint in Charlemont was truly pathetic and is just one of many stories behind the PSNI’s high number of Stop and Search statistics. If certain officers feel that they can continue to do this, hide behind legislation and get away with it then they will. It harks back to the past and is one of a number of contributory factors which could drag this society back into conflict. That is not something that we want to see happen and if senior PSNI members want to see this prevented then they need to put procedures in place to ensure that the harassment of people like Barry McNally because of their political opinion comes to an end."

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Dublin Trip - Bígí Linn!