Let’s have the rule of law at Bellanaboy — not the rule of the baton

THE Taoiseach said the “rule of law had to be implemented” when responding to questions about events in Co Mayo on November 10.

This is ironic given what we witnessed on our TV screens that day. As a taxpayer and a law-abiding citizen, I was appalled at what I saw. Since when has the rule of law in this State become supplanted by the rule of the baton.

If it is alleged that when a law is being broken, the proper way to deal with it is through judicial procedures in an open court of law, not at the end of a truncheon.

According to reports, one protester was hospitalised with substantial bruising. I’m surprised many more were not hospitalised as a result of the beatings of unarmed citizens who believe they have a constitutional right to peaceful protest.

I saw no petrol bombs or bricks being hurled at gardaí. Neither have we heard of any such charges being laid in the courts.

There are wholly legitimate safety concerns for the people living in the Bellanaboy area — none of which has been dealt with.

It is well documented that Mr Ahern’s good friend, Ray Burke, reduced royalties from mineral resource extraction from 50% to zero against the advice of his own senior civil servants.

This is just one of many elements of the Shell deal that has never been clarified. But what has been clarified is that another law appears to exist in Co Mayo.

Instead of Mr Ahern hanging tough with Shell against the people of Mayo, he should at the very least insist on the rule of law and due process.

A public inquiry into the terms of the Shell deal and policing standards in Co Mayo might illuminate some truths. Are Mr Ahern and Mr McDowell up for such home truths?

John Kelly

4 Frankfort Ave

Rathmines

Dublin 6