ON
March 4 last an Irish night was held in Sigerson's
GAA Club in Strabane, Co. Tyrone. During the function
the Provisionals, despite the fact that none of
them was causing any trouble, ejected several people.
A number of people (who had nothing to do with organising
the function) came around the tables with lottery
tickets - the proceeds of which were said to be
going to Provisional prisoners. When those sitting
at one table (including a former H-Block hunger
striker) said they were not interested, they were
told that this would be their "last time in
the Club".
Meanwhile another person, seeing that tickets were
being sold, went around with sponsorship cards for
a head shave on St. Patrick's Night in aid of CABHAIR
(Irish Republican Prisoners Dependants Fund). He
was approached by a man and told to "put [these]
in [his] pocket or get out".
When asked under what authority this was being said,
he was told that it was on behalf of the management
of the Club, and so he complied. However he was
still forced to leave, and the person issuing the
threat added that he represented the Provisionals'
military body in Strabane. Others in the Provo's
company also became aggressive.
This
represents a clear abuse of power by the Provisionals.
Furthermore it must be asked whether Cumann Lúthchleas
Gael is to allow itself to be used in such a blatantly
partisan manner.
