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29 May 1997 Edition

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News review

Thursday 22 May

Sinn Féin vote increases yet again in the Six-County local government elections. Unionists lose control of Belfast City Council for the first time in its history.

Dr Noel Browne, former Clann na Poblachta Minister, most famous for the eradication of TB in the 26 Counties and the Mother and Child scheme dies aged 82.

 


Friday 23 May

Roisín McAliskey is released on conditional bail to Whittington Hospital.

Rebel leader Laurent Kabila forms a government in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).

 


Saturday 24 May

Loyalist mobs attack Catholic massgoers and RUC members at Harryville, County Antrim.

Delegates at the Civil and Public Service Union Conference passed a vote of no confidence in their general officers and national executive.

 


Sunday 25 May

A bomb, believed to be the work of loyalists, is left in Dundalk town centre and is dealt with by 26-County forces.

 


Monday 26 May

The loyalist grouping calling itself the Loyalist Volunteer Force admits planting the bomb found in Dundalk.

26-County government officials admit a second round of talks has taken place between Sinn Féin and themselves.

Roisín McAliskey gives birth to a baby girl in London.

Dick Spring says a vote for Sinn Féin is a vote for peace, thus flatly contradicting John Bruton who said in April that a vote for Sinn Féin is a vote for violence. Fine Gael's Nora Owen calls on voters to vote for anyone but Sinn Féin.

 


Tuesday 27 May

Dick Spring said it would be prejudicial to the state to publish documents in relation to the Brigid McCole Hepititas scandal.

 


Wednesday 28 May

British Direct Ruler Mo Mowlam holds talks with the Apprentice Boys in Derry and the Orange Order in Belfast.

A Sinn Féin delegation led by Martin McGuinness has a second meeting with British government officials in Stormont.

Helsinki Watch, the second biggest human rights group in the world, criticises the RUC over Drumcree.

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