State attacks its own citizens in Corrib stand-off

THE latest distasteful incident involving the Corrib gas controversy has brought out the usual character attacks on those opposing the project, with vague mutterings of “left-wing activists” and “professional protesters” being bandied about.

This is part of an attempt to smokescreen what is going on in northwest Mayo which, in my opinion, is a sustained attack by the State on a community for acting in what it believes to be the best interests of itself and of Ireland.

Readers who are curious or interested to know what is going on there should not be swayed by sound bite accusations from politicians, senior gardaí or vested business interests.