17 July 1997 Edition
People power halted bigotry
An important milestone was reached in the history of the Six County state last weekend. For the first time nationalists - armed with the threat of peaceful demonstration and the confidence to express their rights on the streets - turned back the forces of sectarianism.
Thousands of nationalists all over the Six Counties decided that the march on the Garvaghy Road was a march too far. And their determination and political conviction proved to be more than a match for a state which has trampled over nationalist rights for too long.
By their actions, nationalist people have brought closer the day when the marching issue is once and for all settled. They must urge the Orangemen to take the next logical step and enter into dialogue with the communities through whose areas they plan to march. Continued determined opposition to coat-trailing can lead to a progressive resolution of the issue.
Nationalists must also take the unity that has been forged further into the political arena. By resolutely facing up to injustice and inequality and being prepared to assert their demands on the streets nationalists can help move into an era of justice and lasting peace.
Since 18 year old Bernadette Martin was shot dead in the early hours of Tuesday morning it is clear that the RUC have been engaged in media manipulation as they attempt to minimise the effect of the shooting of yet another Northern nationalist.
It has taken the RUC almost 36 hours to indicate that Ms Martin's death ``may'' be sectarian.
In some media quarters reaction to Ms Martin's death demonstrated, again, that even in death Catholics in the North are second class citizens.
Some British news bulletins didn't even carry reports of the shooting, while others highlighted the death of fashion designer Gianni Versace and relegated Ms Martin to a brief mention five places down the agenda.
Obviously then the moral indignation we were subjected to in recent weeks and the clamour to condemn and sign books of condolence is something nationalists are not worthy of.
Thousands of nationalists all over the Six Counties decided that the march on the Garvaghy Road was a march too far. And their determination and political conviction proved to be more than a match for a state which has trampled over nationalist rights for too long.
By their actions, nationalist people have brought closer the day when the marching issue is once and for all settled. They must urge the Orangemen to take the next logical step and enter into dialogue with the communities through whose areas they plan to march. Continued determined opposition to coat-trailing can lead to a progressive resolution of the issue.
Nationalists must also take the unity that has been forged further into the political arena. By resolutely facing up to injustice and inequality and being prepared to assert their demands on the streets nationalists can help move into an era of justice and lasting peace.
Moral double standards
Since 18 year old Bernadette Martin was shot dead in the early hours of Tuesday morning it is clear that the RUC have been engaged in media manipulation as they attempt to minimise the effect of the shooting of yet another Northern nationalist.
It has taken the RUC almost 36 hours to indicate that Ms Martin's death ``may'' be sectarian.
In some media quarters reaction to Ms Martin's death demonstrated, again, that even in death Catholics in the North are second class citizens.
Some British news bulletins didn't even carry reports of the shooting, while others highlighted the death of fashion designer Gianni Versace and relegated Ms Martin to a brief mention five places down the agenda.
Obviously then the moral indignation we were subjected to in recent weeks and the clamour to condemn and sign books of condolence is something nationalists are not worthy of.