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Eirigi to protest at army tribute to Massereene soldiers

By David O'Dornan
Sunday, 27 September 2009

Republicans last night confirmed that they are set to mount a protest at next Saturday’s parade in Antrim for the colleagues of two soldiers murdered at Massereene army base in March.

High-level security will be in place in the town next weekend as troops from 38 Engineer Regiment march through the town in a half-hour parade to the barracks at midday.

Eirigi spokesman Eamann MacManais said: “We have been consistent in our peaceful protests against the army even though the barriers against the protests have been quite forthright and quite stringent.

“For example, on the Armed Forces Day the RUC blocked the road at Castle Street and blocked shoppers going into the town as well as peaceful protestors going into the town just for the case of a flag being raised at the City Hall.

“We in Eirigi have actively opposed the homecoming parade, which we see as a cover, a way of normalisation of the British Army’s presence in the six counties and their presence in other areas throughout the world.

“The British troops still aren’t welcome here in Ireland. There’s 5,000 troops here in the north of Ireland who are not welcome and any attempt to normalise the British army’s presence here or throughout the world is cynical and is being opposed by Eirigi.”

Colin Duffy was among the frontline republicans in Eirigi’s protest at the homecoming parade through Belfast city centre last year.

Duffy, 41, was charged with the murder of sappers Mark Quinsey, 23, and 21-year-old Patrick Azimkar in what was the deadliest attack in the province in more than a decade. The group said after he was arrested for the murders that he was longer a member.

South Antrim MP William McCrea said: “I do believe that soldiers who have served the United Kingdom bravely with great distinction and have gone into the very heart of the world’s troublespot in Afghanistan, that they should be appropriately received by the people of the United Kingdom.

“And as their base has been in Antrim, that would certainly be a great honour to the people of Antrim that they came back and were recognised.

“I believe it would be important for the soldiers but I also do believe it’s important for the people of Northern Ireland also to show them how we deeply appreciate their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their colleagues before they left to go on service in Afghanistan in the murder of the two soldiers.

“And therefore I do think that is a very fitting way, in a quiet and very dignified way, to just express our appreciation to them for their courage and their dilligence to duty.”

It is understood that the familes of the two murdered soldiers will be flying to Ulster for the event. Mark Quinsey’s sister Jaime has condemned his killers as ‘cowards’.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Antrim Council have graciously invited members of 38 Regiment to the civic Forum to mark their return following the widespread cross-community outcry after the murders of the young sappers.

“The 38 Regiment are part of the Corps of Engineers, who were given the Freedom of the Borough of Antrim in the eighties, so they will move back to barracks for the medal parade, not as a homecoming parade but as exercising as Freemen of the Borough, so this is not a triumphalist parade by any stretch of the imagination.”

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Republican agitators won't let the rest of us live in peace.

Posted by napper | 28.09.09, 12:15 GMT

Shows how bitter these folk are. Cross community outcry after the murders from both protestants and catholics, so what little minority are these Eirigi people representing???

And the British Army not welcome in the North of Irland. Ha. Why can't Northern Ireland be used, and is Eirigi blind to the border, the different currency, the different head of state, the different flag, the different road signs??? The fact that Northern Ireland is as much part of the UK as Scotland, Wales or England

Posted by here we go again | 28.09.09, 11:30 GMT

They're right. A homecoming parade is indeed a way of normalisation of the British Army’s presence here in our wee country. They are our soldiers afterall. Get over it. Get used to it.

I hope this pathetic rabble of protestors do not hide their faces behind scarves, hoodies, caps and whatnot.

Posted by Mc | 28.09.09, 10:57 GMT

Let Eirigi protest, its a democracy, what the troops have been figting for here & in many foreign lands & if Eirigi want to express the minority view let them but i can assure them that a large percentage of the law abiding folk in this wee country wholeheartly support the rule of law & the British army.

Posted by stephen GFC | 28.09.09, 10:54 GMT

ridiculous! I loathe republicans. I can't believe I used to be one.

Posted by Ihatedissidents.com | 28.09.09, 09:41 GMT

I dont understand. Are some people devoid of life? Jobs, friends, family to take up their time.
Immigrants are treated appalingly here by some sections. Treated as scum. yet they have bothered to get off their butts and travel 1000's of miles for a percieved better life and most work all the hours they can on min wage. yet you have people like this over here. You want to be 'ruled' by ireland then sell your house, get in your car and travel 60 miles or so for your better life (and twice the debt that the tin pot republic has to offer you). You were born in the country of NI, a country which is increasing devolved from Westminster and making its own way in the world. Have you really nothing better else to be getting on with in your pitiful existence? Do you need a cause like some sort of middle class student needs a cause? Is your life that empty?

Posted by soarer | 28.09.09, 09:07 GMT

These Erigi are bloody idiots. Go away we don’t want or need you in Antrim.

Catholic

Posted by Chris | 28.09.09, 08:54 GMT

Eirigi should starved of publicity and, like the BNP in England (who actually have a policitcal mandate), be completely shunned by the Community and the body politic. The right to protest is not absolute and it will be interesting to see how the Authorities handle this insulting and provocative plan. If the disruptions to the DPP in Derry are anything to go by, I am not hopeful.

Posted by Tangled Web | 28.09.09, 08:37 GMT

i as a protestant would appeal to my r.catholic neighbours as a show of friendship and common sense let this parade go onmolested indeed support it ,when we are taken wholly into eu north and south we will all be united as a nation within eu these soldiers are ours and there are faiths of every religion within the ranks even roman catholics, dont let dissidents who have nothing to offer drive us apart

Posted by william | 28.09.09, 08:17 GMT