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This
project was rooted in long-standing concern for the
plight of republican prisoners in various jails. It
gained even deeper significance as a result of the
recent controversy surrounding the terms for compassionate
parole granted to Mr. Ciaran McLaughlin, (serving
18 years at Maghaberry), to attend his two and a half
year-old grandson's funeral. This case figured prominently
in the media, and in this publication, soon afterwards.
Such was mainly due to the fact that Mr. McLaughlin
did not return to the prison, and remained at large
for almost 72 hours. He insisted, as did many others
including the civil rights' veterans, that this was
the normal period associated with the death of a close
relative.
The
OFA communicated directly on a number of occasions
with the Prison Service and the NIO, on diverse issues
and cases. The group worked closely with both families
directly involved, over an extended period. During
that time the condition of the child, Kyle McMonagle,
steadily declined. Protest activities, some organized
by the Irish Republican Prisoners' Welfare Association,
included a joint families & OFA presentation to
Derry City Council, various press releases and TV
interviews, and a public advert supported by numerous
community groups. The families believe that Ciaran
would not have obtained two periods of compassionate
parole, but for that high-profile campaign. However,
when the child was at death's door, this prisoner
and grandfather was not granted leave to join the
families at Kyle's hospital bedside.
Over
the period of campaigning on this one case, the veterans
became enlightened as to many facts that largely are
not in the public domain. It was felt that their practical
solidarity should be extended to include all republican
and socialist prisoners, on both sides of the border,
and in English gaols. This was viewed as a matter
of great urgency.
The
OFA, which is not affiliated to any political party
or militant grouping, feels that its independence
may help to bring together diverse elements on the
basis of humanitarian concerns. Above all, at this
time, they argue, the focus should be on health, establishing
rights on compassionate parole, education and physical
safety. The latter factor is foremost in the minds
of the families of prisoners held at Maghaberry, where,
as a result of non-segregation, and being greatly
outnumbered, republican prisoners have been subjected
to a number of vicious, life-threatening attacks.
A
document drafted by Maghaberry prisoners on the issue
of 'Human Rights', real or imagined, has been sent
out to the OFA in recent days for its consideration,
amendment and possible recommendations. Although the
veterans are critical of the current state of affairs
within the Human Rights Commission, they have opened
up dialogue with that body on the question of prisoners'
rights, and intend to highlight further the urgent
need for segregation, especially within Maghaberry.
In the week ending September 14th two high-profile
commissioners, resigned from the HRC - a drastic action,
publicly supported by the CR Vets.
The
CR veterans have stated that they are prepared to
sponsor meetings of concerned relatives and their
supporters, initially in the NorthWest. That initiative
has been conveyed to other interested individuals
and groups. However, it is noteworthy that the document
now in circulation, which contained the proposal to
establish the FSNC, did not sound over optimistic.
It stated:
"It
is the believe of many that such a campaign is long
overdue, but can only be built from the grass roots,
upon whom its success or failure will depend. The
relatives, we believe, should form the vanguard of
any mobilization or organizational structure. All
we can do at this stage is to act as a springboard,
to promote, and lobby for, the FSNC project. "
In
a follow-up communication , the OFA's sub-committee,
set up to spearhead the FSNC, clearly spelt out a
stark reality:
"We
cordially invite your response, for without some measure
of support from those directly or indirectly concerned,
the FSNC is unlikely to make any further progress."
The
veterans' carefully-chosen words reveal that they
are fully conscious of their limited strength and
resources. They, nor others inside or out, can no
longer anticipate the support of a mass movement,
as in the days of NICRA, People's Democracy or the
Derry Citizens' Action Committee.
But
there is something about the FSNC's initial documents
that evoke more than an echo of Duke Street, Burntollet
or Bloody Sunday, and struggles going even further
back.
The
letter to the gaols bears the signature of one of
the last surviving spouses of the veterans of the
War for Independence (1916-23). This elderly woman
is also the FSNC's first patron, and a central contact
point. In recent years, and in spite of her age, she
remains the assistant secretary to the civil rights
veterans association.
The
OFA has formulated its own independent pro-active
ideas which are now in circulation. Some were implemented
within a few days of establishing the FSNC steering
group.
The
CR veterans continue to debate their "Strategy
2003+ " document, but published all of an "Action
List." The lattert includes the following items:
1.
Create an Internet forum as a matter of urgency.
2. Produce an inexpensive periodic newsletter.
3. Agree on a logo for a Full Status Now
badge/button ASAP.
4. Write to all known political prisoners
[ affiliated, 'abandoned' and/or 'independent' ].
This direct communication would invite the views
of prisoners themselves, seek reports from each
gaol, and any other matters deemed relevant by relatives
or supporters.
5. Issue an invitation, publicly and/or on
a one-to-one basis, to like-minded individuals and
mutually concerned groups to join the FSNCampaign's
Patrons List.
Those
wishing to put forward other ideas, send messages
of support to the FSNC steering group have been cordially
invited to communicate via
fsncampaign@hotmail.com
OR
oct5th_vets68@hotmail.com
ASAP.
UPDATE
The
FSNC have agreed a logo and is circulating a 'business
card' bearing such. Plans for a badge/button, with
the logo as its centrepiece, are going ahead with
the help of supporters in the U.S. The letter to non-remand
prisoners in Belmarsh, Full Sutton, Maghaberry, Portlaoise,
Whitefield and Whitemoor has been agreed and individually
signed. Delivery of such, to between 50-60 sentenced
prisoners, is anticipated before the end of September.
Probably,
the most significant step taken at such a formative
stage in the FSNCampaign was the speedy creation of
an Internet forum. Being the first item on the released
OFA "Action List" , such reveals an understanding
of the need for international exposure, communication
and solidarity. Appropriately October 5th has been
chosen as the official launch date. However, readers
of The Blanket can access it now via http://www.voy.com/102812/
Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh was a Co-founder
of NICRA (Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association)
(1967)
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