22 October 1998 Edition
FAIT in fraud and porn probe
The NIO-funded anti-republican group, Families Against Intimidation and Terror, FAIT, has been pitched into further controversy after two forged cheques drawing on the group's bank account were discovered last week. A computer at the group's office has also been seized by the RUC after pornographic material was discovered by a member of staff trying to log onto the internet.
The new scandals surrounding the group left FAIT's plush Washington House headquarters closed for two days last week, when staff, including Glyn Roberts, abandoned the office taking sick leave due to stress.
`Development officer' Roberts and administrator Muriel Martinez were subsequently suspended on full pay on their return at the end of last week.
The group's current troubles follow an earlier break up with prominent spokesperson Nancy Gracey amidst allegations of financial irregularities and Director Sam Cushnahan's resignation three weeks ago after a public fallout with Roberts over Alliance Party member Roberts' use of FAIT to raise his own political profile.
Cushnahan claims he resigned after discovering a large overdraft in FAIT's account and two cheques drawn against the account with his signature forged. Scrutiny of the group's bank account was blocked by Martinez, the other signatory, after she refused to give the bank the go ahead to release information to Cushnahan.
The row escalated two weeks ago after Cushnahan and Roberts were barred from the group's office. In a further blow to the group, Tom Campbell, FAIT's solicitor, has let it be known that he no longer wishes to act for the group.
Vincent McKenna has emerged as the acting development officer. McKenna first came to the public's attention when research he claimed to have carried out in the Ormeau Road was used by Orangemen and Apprentice Boys to justify their failure to talk with the Lower Ormeau Concerned Community. The research was dismissed as ``seriously flawed'' by his tutor at Queen's University, Professor Ecclestone.
McKenna's appointment was greeted with derision by South Belfast Sinn Fein councillor Sean Hayes. He said, ``McKenna has attempted to promote himself as everything ranging from authority on marches to well supported political activist. When he stood against me in last year's election he polled 12 votes.''
The group, set up in 1990 with British government money, has in the last two years lost ten members including three key members in the last ten months. The group has suffered numerous controversies in its brief history.
Hayes said, ``FAIT has a history of ignoring the abuses of their state sponsors. They have done nothing to encourage the process of building peace and the appointment of McKenna only confirms that FAIT are intent on following their old anti-Republican agenda.''
The new scandals surrounding the group left FAIT's plush Washington House headquarters closed for two days last week, when staff, including Glyn Roberts, abandoned the office taking sick leave due to stress.
`Development officer' Roberts and administrator Muriel Martinez were subsequently suspended on full pay on their return at the end of last week.
The group's current troubles follow an earlier break up with prominent spokesperson Nancy Gracey amidst allegations of financial irregularities and Director Sam Cushnahan's resignation three weeks ago after a public fallout with Roberts over Alliance Party member Roberts' use of FAIT to raise his own political profile.
Cushnahan claims he resigned after discovering a large overdraft in FAIT's account and two cheques drawn against the account with his signature forged. Scrutiny of the group's bank account was blocked by Martinez, the other signatory, after she refused to give the bank the go ahead to release information to Cushnahan.
The row escalated two weeks ago after Cushnahan and Roberts were barred from the group's office. In a further blow to the group, Tom Campbell, FAIT's solicitor, has let it be known that he no longer wishes to act for the group.
Vincent McKenna has emerged as the acting development officer. McKenna first came to the public's attention when research he claimed to have carried out in the Ormeau Road was used by Orangemen and Apprentice Boys to justify their failure to talk with the Lower Ormeau Concerned Community. The research was dismissed as ``seriously flawed'' by his tutor at Queen's University, Professor Ecclestone.
McKenna's appointment was greeted with derision by South Belfast Sinn Fein councillor Sean Hayes. He said, ``McKenna has attempted to promote himself as everything ranging from authority on marches to well supported political activist. When he stood against me in last year's election he polled 12 votes.''
The group, set up in 1990 with British government money, has in the last two years lost ten members including three key members in the last ten months. The group has suffered numerous controversies in its brief history.
Hayes said, ``FAIT has a history of ignoring the abuses of their state sponsors. They have done nothing to encourage the process of building peace and the appointment of McKenna only confirms that FAIT are intent on following their old anti-Republican agenda.''