Anti-war blockade planned for Shannon airport on Saturday, 6th December

by tommy - none Mon Nov 17, 2003 16:38

If you manage to successfully blockade the airport all you will be doing is hurting, mainly, irish citizens trying to go somewhere or returning from somewhere.

One delayed or missed flight could have an extremely detrimental and costly effect on people.
and you know what, the USA won't care.

tom

by .. Wed Nov 05, 2003 14:56

It's serious
Be on your best behaviour,
Whatever urges you have to act as you have done in the past, resist them and then do the opposite

by Fintan Lane - IAWM Wed Nov 05, 2003 02:56 087 1258325

It is wonderful to hear that the SWP have decided to support the Shannon blockade.

Perhaps the blockade might now also serve to bring the various sections of the anti-war movement together in a very practical sense. There seems to be a momentum developing, which if it continues could bring enough numbers to Shannon to allow us to physically shut down the airport and make the blockade a tangible success.

by Aoife Ní Fhearghail - IAWM - personal capacity Mon Nov 03, 2003 20:27 aoifenf at yahoo dot co dot uk D6w 087 7955013

The swp is supporting the demonstration in Shannon on December 6th.

Those who want to book seats on the iawm bus can contact me on 087 7955013. The bus price will probably be about €15 (less for unwaged) and I would ask people to pay in advance (as we have to pay for the bus up front).



There was a comment earlier on this thread by an unnamed individual who referred to Belfast and the demo at the Dail earlier this year. If this is who I think it is I really would have thought you would be a bit too busy for bickering on indymedia.

That aside, no-one was insulted by any IAWM stewards at the demo outside the Dáil, those who asked about the Merrion entrance we told that there was already a small demonstration at that entrance and that there was regular phone contact with that demo, and that the people at the Merrion entrance did not want more people to go round, that they were free to do as they chose but that there was no sense in splitting a demonstration just as the riot police were getting organised.

Regarding Belfast, people going back to Dublin had to get back by a certain time to get connections to Bray, Malahide & other places. The bus had to leave at an appointed time. If staying longer at the police line would have served any purpose or if we had a chance of actually getting within 2 miles of Bush, people might have been willing to miss their connections. As it was people voted with their feet and went back to the buses.

If you're going to have a go at particular individuals you might at least check your facts and give your own name.

Aoife Ní Fhearghail

by Degenerate Fri Oct 31, 2003 10:57

Of course the SWP will be taking part in the blockade. They will just be waiting for Shannon airport to come to their own particular street before getting involved in it.

by SWPer Thu Oct 30, 2003 22:42

As usual there's a lot of slagging of the swp on this thread - whats new :( - but i dont know where peopole are getting the impression that we're not supporting the blockade. It hasnt been brought up at my branch yet but i cant see it not being supported. We are part of the iawm. The swp will support it or at least the ordinary members will if the leadership doesnt.

by Dominic Carroll - Clonakilty Against the War Thu Oct 30, 2003 22:08 clonakiltyagainstthewar at eircom dot net

It's very encouraging to read the contributions here regarding the Shannon Blockade. While people are still reading this thread, I think it worth saying that the December blockade, if it's successful, can be followed up by more blockading and whatever it takes to stop the Shannon stop-over. But, it goes without saying, first we must make December effective. And from the sound of things, it will be. Just as long as everyone turns up. See you there.

by Sylvia Pankhurst - Eco Soc Thu Oct 30, 2003 20:29

Err I am taking "a postive view of this development" and arguing that 'look who this is coming from' therefore whatever the IAWM have done in the past we can surely give these people recently added to the steering committee a fair go, i.e. I agree with you, so where's the problem?

by Anon Thu Oct 30, 2003 20:07

I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. But getting back to the issue its important that people take a postive view of this development and organise to make it a success. This is the sort of action that we - indymedia-type heads - have been arguing for months and months and months. Now that its happening it would be self-defeating to take a half-hearted approach.

by Voltarine Thu Oct 30, 2003 12:09

Sylvia is giving the IAWM the benefit of the doubt because of the presence of Tim, Fintan, etc on the steering committee. This takes for granted the excellence of these chaps, though she seems to have some doubts about others, perhaps our Trotskyite friends, and previously the IAWM as a whole.

But a new dawn beckons!

by Anon Thu Oct 30, 2003 05:36

Fintan is facing gaol for the October 12th trespass when the fence took a dive not december 8th as Andrew says. Respect to them all.

by Cork Anti-War Campaign Wed Oct 29, 2003 21:27

A Cork Anti-War Campaign meeting to organise for the Shannon blockade will be held above O'Donoghue's on Drawbridge Street on Thursday, 6th November, beginning at 8pm.

Bring your ideas as well as yourself. Jugglers, pavement artists, fiddlers, and members of the IFA especially welcome!

by Anon Wed Oct 29, 2003 20:02

"give them the benefit of the doubt".

Sylvia Pankhurst sez she's giving Tim and Fintan the benefit of the doubt (that's big of ya!:). Don't mean to be smart, but who are you to be giving either of them the benefit of the doubt? Sounds a bit condesending, don't ya think?

The blockade should be supported in my opinion and this doubting Thomas stuff is a bit of an unfunny laff.

by Rory Wed Oct 29, 2003 17:24

Sincere apologies to Andrew and the WSM. Yes, I did misread his comment (this is it below). I failed to realise that the heading “What he should have said” was refering to Richard Boyd Barrett of the SWP. I kinda took no notice of the heading and no simply read Andrews comment as though it were his position. Obviously this is not the case, and I’m delighted that the WSM seem to be on board for the blockade at Shannon.

From indymedia February
What he should have said
by Andrew Friday, Feb 28 2003, 10:53am

Look David I can't really comment in detail on this because it is being organised by a group I'm not involved with. But from their publicity material its very clear that they intend this to be a non-violent protest. We've seen Gardai in the past attack non-violent protests like the Reclaim the Streets back in May, I hope they don't do this on the day.

As to whether its a good idea the organisation I represent doesn't think it is. So we are not going to be involved. But the anti-war movement is very broad and different groups favour different tactics. We respect the freedom of GNAW to determine how they will act on the day. I think you can uderstand their planned direct action as arising from fustration with the fact that most Irish people are against the war but the government continues to allow refuelling. What else can the government expect when they are so blatantly ignoring the will of the people.

RBB is a fairly smart guy who likes to talk about the 'Spirt of Seattle'. He could have thought of the above response. Draw your own conclusions from the way he choose to respond.

Ends

by Andrew Wed Oct 29, 2003 16:24

Firstly that quote was me saying 'if I disagreed with this protest I would say ... ". Seeing as I was not only there on the day but one of the organisers I think its safe to assume I agreed with it (March 1st).

As to Dec 6th we have not has a chance to discuss this as an organisation as yet but seeing as we've supported all anti-war protests to date we will be supporting this too I expect. The WS editoral group has decided to put an ad in the next Workers Solidarity for it and Cork WSM have decided to support it.

There are of course issues of trust in relation to the IAWM which a lot of people have expressed on this thread. However I would point out that the IAWM people posting most on this are people with a proven record on anti-war direct action. They have taken part in it and Fintan is currently facing jail over non-payment of fines arising out of the Dec 8th mass tresspass.

So while there are others on the IAWM committee that I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them this doesn't apply here. If problems arise then the source will be the trots on the committee putting the party first.

by Ray Wed Oct 29, 2003 15:54

The WSM were very involved in GNAW, and strongly supported the March 1st action. Several of their members have been very critical of the SP and SWP for their antics around that protest.
If you post a link to the message in question we should be able to see whether its a case of impersonation, mistaken identity, or you've misunderstood what Andrew was saying.
As for the upcoming IAWM blockade, I don't think the WSM have come up with a position yet. The next Grassroots Gathering is in a couple of weeks, and I'm sure it will be a topic of discussion there, and perhaps there'll be a GNAW statement afterwards.

by Chekov - WSM Wed Oct 29, 2003 15:51

It refers to what Andrew thinks RBB should have said about March 1st on Morning Ireland if he didn't support it (rather than attacking the action). The WSM was very involved in the organisation of March 1st and many of our members took part in the attempt.

Regarding the blockade in December, we haven't discussed it yet, but will do so this weekend. Personally I think that it's a good idea, a good chance to see if we can get the anti-war movement rolling again and I'll probably try to make it down.

by Rory (an anarchist) Wed Oct 29, 2003 15:39

Where does the Workers Solidarity Movement stand on the Shannon Blockade? As far as I can tell, there’s been nothing from them yet on Indymedia, but a trawl through the indymedia archives re. March 1st GNAW action at Shannon produced this statement by Andrew (Friday, Feb 28 2003, 10:53am):

“As to whether its a good idea the organisation I represent doesn't think it is. So we are not going to be involved.”

Which raises two immediate questions:
1. Was this Andrew of the WSM? (Sorry if it’s a case of mistaken identity but shouldn’t take long to clear it up.)
2. Does the WSM support the call for a blockade of Shannon on December 6th?

by xxx Wed Oct 29, 2003 14:45

maybe people speaking of insurrection aren't cops,
i know i'm not. They're probably just ppl with beliefs who know that this system has gone too far and that there are too many people dying.
Of course the revolution won't happen if we're all so afraid of talking about it.

Please stop taking liberties and assuming that everyone who is up for taking on the state is a cop, they (the gardai) going to presume the worst anyway so a few comments on indymedia won't change a thing

by Sylvia Pankhurst - Eco Soc Wed Oct 29, 2003 13:14

Yes what Acid says is spot on and the following post can be considered in the same category:

"friend of GNAW Tuesday, Oct 28 2003, 11:44am

Dont gnaw the direct action foot off just yet.. all the activists who got involved with the GNAW direct action demos are still here, they havent gone away you know!

The next Grassroots Gathering is the weekend after next, taking place in Galway this time. All individuals interested in non-hierarchical, TRUE democratic ways of organising, protesting and living should attend.

I dont have a URL handy for more info but there are loads of brilliant workshops and talks on - and all building towards genuine resistance, insurrection, and (whisper it).. revolution..."

People are obviously attempting to promote division etc... I have an open mind as to current IAWM situation - but on current steering committee is Tim H., Fintan (about to go inside) and another guy faciing charges for mass NVDA - which should be good enough for any genuine person to give them the benefit of the doubt. In regard to the galway gathering people on the steering committee of the IAWM have been invited to speak ....and anyone talking of insurrection etc... (yeah sure in this country - what centuary are u living in) must be seeking unwanted media/police attention. F'off!

by Acid Wed Oct 29, 2003 00:07

Mother of god, the boys in blue really know how to get things rolling. Right, I'll start off by saying that I speak on behalf of noone but myself.

The post made by fff is fake, and is most likely linked to the police as a scare tactic to discourage others from attending. Knowing that alot of people were annoyed/scared/humoured ect, by the so called 'ninjas' last Sept, it is only expected that this kind of thing happen.

If people do 'mask up', which I personally think a few might, then that is their own buisness. They have their reasons, as others have theirs not to. I dont think there is anything to fear, and noone should be disscouraged, if a black bloc is formed, (which can only be decided on the day). Most people I know that went on the last bb had absolutly no intention of using violence. That is all I wish to make clear. I wish to make it clear that I strongly doubt violence will be used by anyone, including people in the bb.

On another note, I wish to bring up the fact that this IMC is being monitered and most likely used by the police. They're not idiots. They know EXACTLY what they're doing. By random anonymous posts, they stir up shit between groups, post negative messages to others and quite simply brake the 'movement' down so noone works together and all demonstrations fail. I think the time is coming to set up an online forum, where socialists, anarchists, communists, unafiliated people ect., can disscuss the ideas and messages that come up as 'comments'.

Please dont take random or anonymous posts seriosly.

by Adam - Gluaiseacht Legal Support Wed Oct 29, 2003 00:05

Something to get you started anyway

by David Tue Oct 28, 2003 23:48

I appreciate your answers and they have re-assured me, and hopefully others that at the very least there are the best intentions for this demonstration.
For all calls to action in the last few years i had been hoping and urging that the words be inclusive and in a spirit of solidarity with an aim of acomplishing something firmly at its heart. I have asked many times that if certain ideological tactics cannot be actively promoted, that they at least are not condenmed and that the different groups respect one anothers aims and beliefs once they are consistant with a shared goal.
I am very heartened that this event appears to be non sectarian and apparently inclusive and that a common voice will be heard from all activists supporting this action.

by Slodziaszek Tue Oct 28, 2003 23:16

I applaud the above initiative, undoubtedly being organised by new members of the IAWM.

It's important we lend much support as internal wranglings are undermining their attempts to make this excellent albeit well over-due progress.

Shannon Airport is the most symbolic site for NVDA(non-violent direct action).
100,000 troops have gone through since Jan.1st

Those who desire to boost their image pre-local & European elections next year will continue their attempts to centralise protest. Their leader's unwillingness to take a simple arrest, as regards Shannon Airport and Dail complicity unfortunately seemed to trickle down to grassroots members and stewards, who did everything in their power to undermine alternative leadership and initiative towards civil disobedience at Shannon.....and lest we forget RBB's lack of solidarity in Belfast with those willing not to be coralled.....and lest we forget that the Rind around the Dail and that serious human rights activists were insulted when they suggested some should go around to the Marrion gateside(as that is where most of them left that evening)

Despite what has happened there is not much point in lulling over what could have been...Let's make another go at it...If the warmongers and our government are in it for the long-term then we need to have a long-term strategy also. The NVDA peace camp is a very welcome move. I would appeal to those who have experience in NVDA at other military sites

Those who are wondering whether this will be a replay of all the other protests, i can only urge you to be present, to show leadership, and make sure it does not fail. It will be almost one year after 2 planes were diverted from Shannon after a few hundred marched, some Catholic Workers set up a shrine at the fountain (Aeroplane tailfin) & a few tried to gain access to the fields.

Small is beautiful. Lets keep it small consistent, and full of solidarity for those willing and able to put their neck on the line. Even if some are not able to, for various reasons, there is so much support we can give to those who amy be detained.

Let the transformation of Shannon Airport from a miltary stopoff to a civilian Airport begin.

Siochain

by fff Tue Oct 28, 2003 22:51

there is a black/anarchist bloc planned to back up the blockade.

by Fintan Lane - IAWM Tue Oct 28, 2003 22:37 087 1258325

I'd like to answer a number of questions put by David.

David: "Blockade can mean anything from a full scale siege of the airport, having a presence on every entrance to and from the terminal, to just standing on the main road behind the gardai barriers. I would like somebody from the IAWM to clarify if there will be a stage for prepared speeches and if this stage will distract the activists from the primary task of blockading the airport."

The object of the exercise is to shut the airport. Obviously, numbers will be crucial if this is to happen and a full-scale siege is hardly possible if people don't turn up. If significant numbers turn up (and a momentum is developing), we have a real chance of blocking every road leading into the airport. No, it is not intended to have a stage with speakers, though we may have a open 'speak-out' with a megaphone. The focus will be on effecting the blockade, not on speeches.

David: "I would like to know if the "organisers" will consult with the gardai before hand and agree to gardai terms and conditions?"

We will be informing the gardai that we intend to blockade the airport, though I suspect they know this already. We will not be agreeing to terms and conditions with regard to civil disobedience, which would be rather silly, wouldn't it?

David: "I would like to know if the Buses that will carry activists from dublin will be scheduled to leave at the convenience of the "leaders" when things look like they might be slightly different to the master plan."

The blockade will last as long as those present want it to last. The blockade will belong to those present, not to any organisation.

David: "What will the IAWM leadership do if the gardai start to arrest peaceful blockaders who refuse to move when they are told to?"

Support them absolutely.

David: "How will the IAWM "leadership" respond to the inevitable media speculation that there will be violence perpetrated by the protestors.
Will the IAWM distance themselves from groups who would prefer to engage in action beyond the blockade, for example attempts to enter the airport or even paint on the road."

This is a non-violent protest and if violence occurs (and I sincerely hope it doesn't), that will be the responsibility of the State. The IAWM will not distance itself from people who paint on the road etc. - the anti-war movement is a diverse movement and we should all be respectful of other people's approaches. That should be true equally of those who want to engage in road-painting etc. with regard to those that don't. It cuts both ways.

David: "Does the IAWM intend to shut the airport down. Will the action be classed as a failure if the airport operates normally during this action?"

The objective is to shut the airport down and we're not planning for failure. However, nothing effective will occur unless people turn up! Will it be a failure if the airport continues to operate? Well, I can't see it operating "normally" with Gardai swamping the place, but seriously it will only be in retrospect that we can judge whether it was a failure or not. If we fail to shut the airport, but cause massive disruption, it's a beginning. Let's just concentrate on getting the numbers there so that we can establish an effective blockade! If people don't make the effort, it's not going to happen. Be there.

Finally, I notice that a number of organising meetings have begun to emerge organically. I think that's the way to go. The usual procedure in the build up to a march/demo is to have a spate of public meetings; in my opinion it would be much better if localities/workplaces/groups etc. held 'organising meetings' focused on mobilising for Shannon and on how those present want to contribute.

We'll post legal information closer to the date, though if anybody has information re. rights following arrest to hand, please feel free to post it on indymedia. People should be informed of their legal rights prior to the blockade.

by Eoin Dubsky - Refueling Peace Tue Oct 28, 2003 19:52 087 6941060

A statement of principles, or guidelines, for the action would be helpful I think. Could the IAWM put something together? Trident Ploughshares and CND for example use these for their anti-nuke blockades: http://www.cndscot.dial.pipex.com/protest/bbbrief2.html (at the end of the page)

GGGGreat to see we're back here again! :-)

I have some videos with me in DCU of anti-nuclear, animal rights, and eco-related blockades, and other direct actions. I'll try to organize a screen and discussion next week (I'll put it on the IMC calendar).

If anyone would like me to facilitate a nonviolence workshop in preparation for the Shannon blockade, I'd be happy to do it for free if you pay my transport.

by David Tue Oct 28, 2003 18:47

As used by activists around the world for years, Use Flags to identify those prepared to be active to lesser and greater degrees. The same thing that the GNAW organised on march the 1st, the same system that the SWP chose to ignore instead choosing to scare the public away with rhetoric that anybody who marched under any flag was at risk of violence and that no responsible parents would attend or allow their children to attend. A blockade necessarily implies a confrontation with those who wish to keep the airport from being blockaded. This will result in some risk to those who take part.The flag system allows people to engage in the action in a safe way as moral support and witnesses to the actions of the state, It allows people to show clear intention to the police and avoids any innocent arrests.
It allows people to participate in the protest to whatever level they feel is appropriate in a spirit of solidarity.

by Dominic Carroll - Clonakilty Against the War Tue Oct 28, 2003 18:46 clonakiltyagainstthewar at eircom dot net

The question of arrests inevitably arises with regard to the Shannon Blockade. The cops (aka the state) seem to need little excuse for making arrests these days (witness the Black Pope’s arrest for walking on grass at Killarney). On several occasions it would appear as if an arrest quota had been decided on beforehand (around 10) with a view to intimidating other protestors and disrupting the protest.

This is a nettle the anti-war movement must grasp. Though nobody is eager to be arrested, it’s not the end of the world when it happens. Though most people would have an understandable anxiety about the prospect of being arrested, ask anyone who has been arrested and I think you’ll meet with a common response: “Not as bad as I feared. Inconvenient at most.”

More than that, arrests at an anti-war protest can be said to attest to the effectiveness of the protest itself (not the sole gauge, of course – the criteria for establishing the effectiveness of an action are surely many and varied).

As we build for the Shannon Blockade, the “danger” of arrest will of necessity be a factor for some people with regard to their attendance. Without wishing to sound moralistic, I would encourage people not to be intimidated. The cops rely on the fear of arrest to put people off protesting. Furthermore, if the cops attempt to arrest blockaders, we need others to immediately fill vacated positions. Need I bleat on about the notion of solidarity?

Finally, those few individuals among the tens of thousands who have protested against the war in Ireland who have been arrested are entitled to think of it as an anti-war “badge of honour”. I say this to again stress that arrest for anti-war activity is no shame but something to be proud of.

by lish Tue Oct 28, 2003 17:46

reckon questions are fair enough especially given past experience. at the dail "blockade" for eg. only one exit was blocked. tds went out the back.

i welcome the iawm calling a blockade. it's a start.
are you planning to meet with members of other groups & interested individuals to plan this action? obviously there's no need to post all details here but how much input is the iawm looking for and how serious are you about a blockade, how long is it for & what is it intended to achieve? ( these could be sorted out in the meantime)

the participants need to be clear about what action they're taking.eg. are they willing to be arrested? (if necessary, not for the sake of it) i suggest a clear delineation based on tactics so everyone knows what they're doing & a delegate system so no-one's "leading" this.

by Steelie Tue Oct 28, 2003 16:43

then why the hell are you a member of the SWP???? They have shown time and again that their sole goal is to APPEAR to be the leadership of left wing opposition in all spheres. This means that they try to control EVERYTHING. So when you say that the SWP aren't trying to control everything, you are either lying to us, or your leaders are lying to you.

by Not a party hack - SWP Tue Oct 28, 2003 16:29

Why is there so much confusion regarding the involvement of the Socialist Workers Party. We are actively involved in the Irish Anti War Movement and since the IAWM has called the blockade we will of course be there. I for one welcome the chance for a bit of direct action, though I accept that weve not been clear on the need for this in the past. And dont worry, we don’t intend to control anything. You can do what you want.

by Henrietta Street mouse Tue Oct 28, 2003 15:04

Unfortunately the SWP will be unable to join ye moralising, red-baiting and desperate people in Shannon on the 6th December.

We will be doing far more revolutionary work!!
I.E. Blockading Des Derwin's front door.

by Ciaron - Dublin Catholic Worker Tue Oct 28, 2003 14:55

A mass movement doesn't mean we all have to be in the one place at the one time. Don't worry about the "mass" bit...it's been the lack of consistency of nonviolent resistance at Shannon that's been the problem. This sounds like a great initiative as does the disarmamentt camp in March.

We will be vigiling on the border (as we are bailed from Clare and not ready to return to jail just yet) in solidarity with the blockade and in opposition to the ongoing war on Iraq.

by BlackPope Tue Oct 28, 2003 14:30 BlackPope at operamail dot com

An ORGANISING MEETING will be held at 3pm Saturaday 1st November, Halla Íde, Thomas St, Limerick

Delegates from the various groups around the country who are interested in organising transport, planning local meetings and workshops etc. are warmly invited to participate.

If you only want to know how this can/will work, this meeting is not for you. But don't worry, further meetings in your local area during November will be planned on that day and the details posted here.

At the LOCAL MEETINGS ALL DETAILS will be available. What you can do now is contact your local group and organise sending those delegates. Next week they will report back.

Schalom, BlackPope

by David Tue Oct 28, 2003 13:25

I wanted to see what level of support it had outside of the career "revolutionaries"
Blockade can mean anything from a full scale siege of the airport, having a presence on every entrance to and from the terminal, to just standing on the main road behind the gardai barriers. I would like somebody from the IAWM to clarify if there will be a stage for prepared speeches and if this stage will distract the activists from the primary task of blockading the airport. I would like to know if the "organisers" will consult with the gardai before hand and agree to gardai terms and conditions?
I would like to know if the Buses that will carry activists from dublin will be scheduled to leave at the convenience of the "leaders" when things look like they might be slightly different to the master plan.

What will the IAWM leadership do if the gardai start to arrest peaceful blockaders who refuse to move when they are told to?
How will the IAWM "leadership" respond to the inevitable media speculation that there will be violence perpetrated by the protestors.
Will the IAWM distance themselves from groups who would prefer to engage in action beyond the blockade, for example attempts to enter the airport or even paint on the road...
Does the IAWM intend to shut the airport down. Will the action be classed as a failure if the airport operates normally during this action?

by Narc - Anarchomedia Tue Oct 28, 2003 13:06

Just copy this address into your browser address bar

http://flag.blackened.net/af/Undercurrents/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1067189340&archive=&cnshow=news&start_from=&ucat=14&

by friend of GNAW Tue Oct 28, 2003 12:44

Dont gnaw the direct action foot off just yet.. all the activists who got involved with the GNAW direct action demos are still here, they havent gone away you know!

The next Grassroots Gathering is the weekend after next, taking place in Galway this time. All individuals interested in non-hierarchical, TRUE democratic ways of organising, protesting and living should attend.

I dont have a URL handy for more info but there are loads of brilliant workshops and talks on - and all building towards genuine resistance, insurrection, and (whisper it).. revolution...

by John O'Carroll Tue Oct 28, 2003 12:39

I am interested in going along seeing as how the IAWM have (finally) decided to raise the bar a bit.

I am just curious about how a blockade will be done. Is it going to be a blockade of people, or objects as well (such as barrels, dumpsters, etc?)

Where is going to be blocked? The entrance to the terminal? The runway? The road leading to the airport?

How many people will be required to make the blockade a success? If there are not that many people (a distinct possibility considering the miniscule amount of people that have showed up for recent Shannon demos - and the one on Dec 6th will be in the thick of winter) then all the Garda will do is just push us out of the way.

Are the IAWM encouraging mass arrests/jail solidarity actions?

If the blockade doesnt work are we going to try something else, or will we get someone in a megaphone saying "OK everyone, we tried our best, we'll be back again next time, everyone get on the bus, come on now we've had a great day here lets not spoil it" ???

Why have the IAWM only now decided to up the ante a bit, nearly two years after the first moves happened to shut down Shannon as a refuelling stopover? Why not March 1st?

by Dominic Carroll - Clonakilty Against the War Tue Oct 28, 2003 12:10 clonakiltyagainstthewar at eircom dot net

Undertandably, the reaction to the Shannon Blockade is mixed: there has been support, guarded support and some rejection. My own view is that the Blockade must be supported as it will be the first protest at Shannon since June (yes, hard to believe, isn’t it?) and if it fails, the prospect of further demos at Shannon this side of the next US invasion can be effectively ruled out.

A contributor elsewhere on Indymedia says that the “IAWM has lost the trust of sections of the peace movement in Ireland” (Shannon: Long Term Resistance: see related link).
In a contribution to that thread, I agreed but also argued that the situation is fluid. The IAWM has recently undergone a degree of democratisation and also taken a “new” turn towards civil disobedience (I say “new” because, of course, the IAWM did call the blockade of the Dáil, but this seems to have been a “one-off” and did little to alter the antipathy towards civil disobedience on the part of leading members of the IAWM, and by extension, the Socialist Workers’ Party and the Socialist Party). Regarding the democratisation of the IAWM, very little has changed in terms of how the IAWM is structured, and this is something that needs to be remedied. However, the recent AGM saw an injection of new blood into the Steering Committee. Control has been wrested from the SWP (despite that organisation having 4 places on the Steering Committee along with I member from the Socialist Party), and currently lies with the the various “non-aligned” members of the Steering Committee. Their very first initiative has been to call for a blockade of Shannon Airport on 6th December, and I’m sure this is something many anti-war activists will welcome.

Despite my criticisms of the IAWM, I generally support its initiatives (an exception being March 1st at Shannon, when I joined the GNAW protest in “opposition” to the IAWM. I am now given to understand that the GNAW has effectively ceased to exist, which is a pity and possibly open to correction). I’m of the view that the IAWM is undergoing an overhaul and is already considerably improved. The significance of the Shannon blockade on 6th December is not just that it’s a worthwhile protest, but that the initiative has come from the “new, improved” IAWM. It might sound crude, but the fact that the SWP and SP no longer control the IAWM is something that will, in and of itself, allow the IAWM to reestablish trust with anti-war activists. Us activists, however, must now ensure a big presence in Shannon for the blockade, or else a lot of effort will have been wasted.

by Cop Watcher Tue Oct 28, 2003 11:53

Thanks Inpector Keenan for tipping us off about the “Gardaí, soldiers, razor wire, ditches etc.” This will make out planning much easier. In fact, would you mind digging a trench across the road up to the airport and throwing down a few coils of razor wire. Thanks. Any more info, and you know where to post.

by Inspector Keenan - An Garda Síochána Tue Oct 28, 2003 11:33

Thinks for the information on your planned blockade of Shannon on December 6th. I'll make sure I get plenty of Gardaí, soldiers, razor wire, ditches etc. I really think Indymedia is a great resourse, all we do is come on here and see exactly what the Crusties are planning. It's amazing how some think that IMC isn't open to me and others in the Gardaí.

by Michael Tue Oct 28, 2003 09:03 michael_mcgroarty at hotmail dot com

Any ideas as to how "big" it might be? I was thinking about a trip to the island over the holiday, but maybe I could come sooner to join you. I'm in LA.

by Shut Down Shannon - Party of One Tue Oct 28, 2003 04:45

Sad how some people get their kicks...if they're actually real people at all. Might be a troll-machine operating from aer rianta central. Any mention of a protest at Shannon and off it whirrs: Oh yes my children, blockades are bad for you and no fun at all at all. Hah!

by Anon Tue Oct 28, 2003 04:15

Just struck me that both the negative contributions above could be from cops or Aer Rianta trolls trying to undermine the blockade before it gets off the ground. Spread bad vibes and put people off, that sort of thing.

Beware of trolls. Could be a pro-refuelling agenda behind this shite.

by Somebody who's not you Tue Oct 28, 2003 04:07

Yah, that'll be striking a blow against US imperialism! Excuse me, but what is feeble about a BLOCKADE??

Dunno who you and David are (perhaps the same person) but I find your attitude(s) to be incredibly cynical and negative. This protest is an attempt to shut down the airport and all you can do is whinge about how the IAWM isn't perfect. It's not perfect but it's also not the same organisation that funked it during March and April. Or maybe you think you'll achieve something by sitting at home watching TV?

We need more protests at Shannon airport not less. If this protest isn't to your liking then get some mates together and organise your own Shannon protest! If you're not interested in doing that, then fuck off and let the rest of us get on with it.

by Mnemosyne Tue Oct 28, 2003 03:09

I agree with David. I attended all the rallies at Shannon before the war and I was always disappointed by how tame we were. This is not direct action.

I'm not going to Shannon this time either if it's just a waste of time, we have to make this government hurt before anything will change.

by Somebody who's not you Tue Oct 28, 2003 01:56

David, get over it! It's completely obvious what's been organised here - a mass blockade - and your previous experiences with the SWP and their sidekicks are hardly relevant. Deal with that chip on your shoulder my friend before it deals with you.

And if you're not interested in supporting the blockade, well fine. But don't come on here trying to drag everybody down with you and your negativism. This blockade is an excellent idea and needs everybody's active participation!

by David Tue Oct 28, 2003 00:20

I have direct experience of IAWM sponsored events promising much delivering nothing and pissing over activists in the process. I wanted to know if there would be others there prepared to actually be active.
If there were other groups involved other than the IAWM steering committee

by Dan Mon Oct 27, 2003 23:35

Why don't you try reading the other threads to see where this is coming from? It's got fuck all to do with RBB and the SWP. They may not even turn up.

Grow up David and try looking at the bigger picture. This is larger than your vendetta with the SWP.

by David Mon Oct 27, 2003 23:08

Glad to know that i'm wanted

by Goliath Mon Oct 27, 2003 22:52

Don't suppose anyone will miss you

by David Mon Oct 27, 2003 22:30

Or is it SWP brand direct action, march to the garda designated protesting area, speeches for a couple of hours, possible sit down protest well out of the way (so as to avoid inconveniencing people) and then get the imminently protesting buses back to trotskyland?

I will only attend this demonstration if i can get assurances that there will be people prepared to actually shut down the airport. It's a long drive to just re-enforce my hard earned conceptions of the RBB appreciation society