31 July 2003 Edition

Cuba rejects EU criticism

31 July 2003

Cuba's president, Fidel Castro, has announced his government's intention to reject humanitarian aid from the European Union after the its 15 member states - along with the 13 countries queuing to join - expressed indignation at Havana's decision to sentence 75 dissidents to lengthy jail sentences and slap the death penalty on three hijackers who kidnapped a ferry in an unsuccessful attempt to reach US territory. Free article

Sectarian intimidation drives Catholics out

31 July 2003

For many years, Antrim was used by the statutory agencies as a dumping ground for anti-social elements excluded from housing in Belfast. A few years ago, drug dealers, armed, ruthless and apparently beyond the law, had held sway, intimidating families and frequently forcing them out. Free article

Taoiseach's Dáil mandate is to demand autumn election - Cavan patriot remembered in Killnaleck

31 July 2003

Speaking in Killnaleck, Co Cavan, at the unveiling of a monument to IRA Captain Edward Boylan, who was killed in the Civil War, Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the Taoiseach's clear mandate from the Dáil was to demand of Tony Blair that the postponed Assembly elections be held in the autumn. Free article

Man charged with feud killing

31 July 2003

Twenty-three-year-old Stephen Dowie appeared at Belfast Court on Saturday 16 July charged with the murder of Jonathan Stewart in December 2002 during the loyalist feud. Dowie, whose address was given as c/o Magilligan Prison, was charged with murdering 22-year-old Stewart at a house in Manor Street in North Belfast, two days after Christmas last year. Free article

British Army flies UVF flag

31 July 2003

Sinn Féin councillor Pat McGinn has accused the British Army of glorifying loyalist violence after it was discovered that a UVF flag was hoisted on a stanchion supporting a military spy camera at one of the North's largest British Army bases in Bessbrook in South Armagh. Free article

Irish activist shot by Israeli forces

31 July 2003

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign has slammed the shooting of an Irish human rights activist by Israeli forces. Belfast man Terry McNeill, along with several other activists and local Palestinians, were shot at with rubber coated bullets by Israeli forces while attending a protest against the separation wall currently being built by Israelis that will enclose the West Bank. Free article

Drogheda Hospital scandal - Michael Neary struck off - Minister should establish public inquiry

31 July 2003

The Minister for Health and Children Mícheál Martin should establish a full public inquiry into how dozens of unnecessary caesarean hysterectomies were carried out at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, according to Sinn Féin Health spokeperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD. He was commenting on the news that Dr Michael Neary has been struck off by the Medical Council following an investigation into his practice at Our Lady of Lourdes. Free article

Report falls far short of Monaghan's needs

31 July 2003

In the space of a week, the birth of two children highlighted the need for the reopening of the Maternity Unit at Monaghan General Hospital. Free article


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