Sean Kelly Sent Back To Prison by British Direct Ruler in north of Ireland
Published: 20 June, 2005
POLITICAL ACTION ALERT
I. Background
Sean Kelly, prominent North Belfast Republican, has had his "license" revoked by N. I Secretary of State Peter Hain. The result, unless Hain's decision is reversed, is that Mr Kelly will be sent back to prison. He was released several years ago under the Good Friday Agreement.
Unionists/Loyalists have long been targeting Sean because of his role in promoting the peace process and helping to calm the situation at various North Belfast flash points. His involvement has been effective and nothing but positive.
While the PSNI and other British government agencies have done virtually nothing to stop illegal marches and other violations by Loyalists, they are now targeting Irish republicans known to be acting for the best interests of public safety and the peace process.
In a press release today, Sinn Fein MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly stated:
"This was a calculated decision that will increase tensions in North Belfast and elsewhere in the middle of the marching season. It was a cynical decision.
"It was a serious mistake for Peter Hain to acquiesce to the demands of unionists and securocrats opposed to the Peace Process in signing the order for Mr Kelly's license to be revoked.
"Mr Hain will compound this error of judgment unless he acts to reverse this decision. Deliberate attempts by anti-agreement securocrats and unionists to undermine the peace process should be resisted by the Irish government."
II. Political Action
Bertie Ahern has become positively involved today in asking questions of the British government regarding Sean Kelly's arrest and license revocation.
We need to put pressure on the British government through our members of congress, the US administration and State Department, as well as by encouraging action by the Dublin government.
* Demand that the British government reverse Hain's decision:
Prime Minister Tony Blair can be reached through the British Embassy in Washington, DC. Let them deal with it.
The British Embassy, 3100 Mass. Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: 202-588-7800; Fax: 202-745-0359
The Northern Irealnd Office in DC [good people to ask for details, status, etc: press.nio@nics.gov.uk
Tony Blair can be faxed from the US at: 011-44-2079250918
* Ask your Members of Congress to express their concerns over this serious provocation or to at least ask the British government to explain its actions. Contact the US Administartion with the same message, particularly the Special Envoy Mitchell Reiss at the Department of State :
President George W. Bush, 1600 Pennsylvania AvenueNW, Washington, DC 20502
Phone: comments, 202-456-1111; swithchboard, 202-456-1414.
Email: president@whitehouse.gov
Fax: 202-456-2461
Dr Mitchell Reiss [Special Envoy] Director Policy Planning
Main Switchboard Policy Planning: 202-647-5225
Email direct to Dr Reiss: policyplanning@state.gov
All US Senators and Representatives can all be reached through the Capital Switchboard:
202-225-3121
* Contact Bertie Ahern through the Irish Embassy and local US Consulates to insist on good answers from the British government for this outrage.
The Irish Ambassador to the US is Noel Fahey. Contact him at
The Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Mass Ave NW, Wahington DC 20008
Phone: 202-462-3939; Fax: 202-232-5993