2 | December 14, 2013
The Irish Post
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Nelson Mandela in Dublin in 1990
As the world prepares for his funeral, Irish figures pay tribute to the Mandela legacy
Thatcher’s intransigence gave Sinn Féin valuable time Page 5 Irish in Britain help fund twins’ surgery Page 6 Ex London Met commander pounding the beat in Ireland Page 7 ‘People just don’t go out to places like the Bradford Irish Club anymore’ Page 8-9
PAPERclips
BY NEMESHA BALASUNDARAM MICHAEL D Higgins, Enda Kenny and Bono have been among the Irish figures to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela as South Africa prepares for its former President’s funeral in Qunu this Sunday. Irish President Michael D Higgins described Mandela as one of “history’s greatest leaders”, adding that he was “a man whose unprecedented courage and dedication
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Rapist’s arm ‘was cut off after death’
BUSINESS
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Gourmet meal service that’s back to basics
ANALYSIS& OPINION
broke down the cruel barriers of apartheid in South Africa and led the nation into a new and democratic age.” Taoiseach Enda Kenny also paid tribute, saying: “A great light has been extinguished.” U2 frontman Bono said that “Mandela would be remembered as a remarkable man just for what happened - and didn’t happen – in South Africa’s transition.” Mr Mandela – South
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Joe Horgan: Tribunal suggests story of the North is far from over Page 13 Sharon Ní Chonchúir: Who are the heroes of our time? Page 13
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Nelson Mandela
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Thanks for a great year – The Gathering Ireland 2013
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Back On The Lash with The Pogues
GARDENING
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Inspiring writers
PROPERTY 41 CLASSIFIEDS 42 RECRUITMENT 42 SPORT 44-56 Exiles return to form with Stade victory Pages 47 Do Rangers lack the financial muscle to ever challenge Celtic again? Page 49 Irish soccer right to shun bookies and back players Page 51 Kingdom primed for power of Ballinderry Page 54-55 For a new subscription, subscription queries, or to order a recent issue, call 020 7001 9390.
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Police probe child sex abuse allegations against retired priest BY NIALL O’SULLIVAN AN IRISH priest is being investigated by British police over allegations of child sexual abuse during a 20-year period. Canon Mortimer Stanley, 82, who retired home to Ireland from his Manchester parish in 2002, has been quizzed by detectives under caution. The move by Greater Manchester Police comes after three women claimed they were indecently assaulted by Canon Stanley when he was a parish priest at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Norden, Rochdale. Hundreds of parishioners packed into the church this weekend as the Salford Diocese sought to support people with concerns. The women, now aged 41, 35 and 21, were between the ages of 8 and 10 when the alleged offences happened between 1980 and 2000. They were pupils at nearby St Vincent’s Primary School at the time. It is claimed the abuse was committed in a presbytery next to the school. Canon Stanley joined the church as parish priest in 1972 and retired to Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, in 2002. Police are now appealing for former pupils of St Vincent’s to come forward with information. Detective Constable Christian Chivers said he wanted to ensure parents of children currently at St Vincent’s that the allegations related to historical incidents. “While we do not believe there is any reason for current pupils or their families to be unduly concerned, this is extremely serious and upsetting for the victims in this case, who we are continuing to provide specialist support to,” he added. In a statement, the Salford Diocese said it was aware of the police investigation and is co-operating fully. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
SOLIDARITY: Dunnes strikers including Mary Manning (centre) sign the book of condolence. In 1984 Ms Manning refused to handle goods from South Africa because of apartheid, she was subsequently fired and 10 of her co-workers went on strike with her in solidarity
‘Slaves’ freed from Traveller sites Investigations into forced labour and human trafficking uncover ‘slaves’ during Bristol raids BY NIALL O’SULLIVAN THREE men thought to have been kept as ‘slaves’ have been freed following police raids on Traveller sites at the weekend. Detectives investigating forced labour and human trafficking stormed three sites, a business unit and a house in South Gloucestershire, as well as a residential property in Bristol. Three alleged victims, one in his 30s, one in his 40s and one in his 50s, were taken to safety and two people were arrested for slavery offences. Officers detained a further five on suspicion of offences including failing to appear, cannabis production, money laundering and handling stolen goods. All seven have been bailed pending further enquiries. Police said a “significant quantity” of cash was also found at one of the addresses.
The Irish Travellers Movement in Britain said these most recent allegations would lead to an increase of racist abuse directed at Travellers. “When these types of stories break, there is a fear in the community that they are going to feel the effects of this,” said ITMB’s Mike Doherty. “We know, for example, that there is increased bullying because we have links with teachers who teach Traveller children.” He added that most Travellers would be as shocked by the weekend’s arrests as anyone else. Mr Moss said: “It’s important to recognise that the actions of a small minority of people are not reflective of the wider travelling community.” Chief Superintendent Julian Moss from Avon and Somerset Constabulary said the force’s primary aim was to protect the vulnerable victims.
“Victims in such cases are often forced to live and work in poor and unsanitary conditions, sometimes with little or no pay,” he explained. “Some will not view themselves as victims and, even if they do, may have been unable to speak to the police or any other authorities for a variety of reasons.” Mr Moss added: “To the outside world, the fear and intimidation faced by victims of forced labour on a daily basis are difficult to comprehend.” This weekend’s arrests come 12 months after five Travellers were jailed for keeping their own private workforce in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and paying them as little as £5 a day for their work. Special arrangements have been made to help the alleged victims with medical treatment, accommodation and employment.