18 December 1997 Edition

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All aboard the Saoirse train!

Departing Belfast Central on 3 January 1998, calling at Lurgan, Newry and Dundalk before arriving at Connolly station in Dublin the first ever Saoirse train will set off on its historic trip.

Saiorse Chairperson Martin Meehan who has enthusiastically called ``all aboard'', expects up to 800 Saiorse supporters to enjoy a carnival atmosphere on the journey before being joined by other supporters in Dublin for a march to the GPO for a rally at 1.30pm.

From there, a delegation of POWs' families will go to the British Embassy. The event aims to keep the prisoners issues high on everyone's agenda and Martin hopes the day will focus on the plight of the Balcombe Street four, who have spent 23 years incarcerated in England, and Roisin McAliskey, now over one year on remand despite there being no substaintial evidence against her.

Meanwhile Irishman Tomas MacStiofain will hold a 24 hour fast outside Downing Street, starting at 12 midday on Christmas day.

Said Peter Middleton of the London based Wolfe Tone Society, ``Tomas will be away from his family over Christmas and is fasting to support Roisin McAliskey and her baby who will spend this Christmas, in a British prison, under the threat of extradition. He is calling on Tony Blair to act immediately and stop the extradition proceedings''.

 


Train tickets £5 each from your local Saoirse committee

 

Hundreds support Saoirse in Enniskillen



By Marcas Mac Rauiurí

A thousand protestors took to the streets of Enniskillen on Sunday calling for the release of republican prisoners.

The Saoirse demonstration was addressed by Sinn Féin Alderman Sean McManus of Sligo Corporation, civil rights campaigner Father Joe McVeigh and Martin Meehan.

McManus told the crowd that more than any other single issue over the last 30 years, the prisons have brought people onto the streets in protest.

``One in 60 of the nationalist population has been imprisoned and that is the reason why everyone in this community knows someone who is or who has been in prison for their political beliefs,'' he said.

``Sinn Féin's participation in the Stormont talks alone will not secure this demand. What is required is a traditional response, a strong protest on our streets. That is why I welcome this gathering here today.''

Calling for both the Dublin government and the British to release political prisoners, he said, ``We all must take up this demand for the freedom of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, neighbours and friends.''

McManus further said that this should be their last Christmas in prison. He added, ``Protests must be increased in all areas, public opinion must be informed, we must build within our communities and across all aspects of these communities.''

Fr Joe McVeigh raised the case of Róisín McAliskey and pointed out that her baby had served longer in prison than Lee Clegg did.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland