PR: Shorthall Claims Unfair
01.11.1997
"Claims that Youth Defence acted improperly outside Roisin Shortall's house on Wednesday evening are absolutely scurrilous", a spokesman for the group said today.
To clarify some points made in today's article:
- There was no megaphone present
- Roisin Shortall was not and never has been called a murderer during this picket or at any other time.
- The policy during pickets is not to enter into dialogue with neighbours of the TD and this policy was strictly adhered to. It is an absolute lie to claim that neighbours were intimidated.
- About 20 of her neighbours were out watching the picketers for the hour long duration. They fact that they remained there for the entirety of the picket belies the claim that they were terrified.
- Neighbours went to and from their houses in the usual fashion. Cars passing up and down the road were accommodated by the picket participants at all times.
- What ever claims and counter claims are made, the fact remains that the Gardai who were present at the picket saw no need to either stop the picket or detain any of the participants
- It was a peaceful picket, as all our pickets are.
Roisin Shortall was picketed because of her treatment of the traveller parents with regard to a private visit with their daughter. Some members of the family were present on the picket and are outraged at the allegation that they acted improperly.
As head of the Eastern Health Board, Roisin Shortall refused to facilitate a visit for the parents. The Eastern Health Board have intimidated this family beyond measure and this picket was in protest at their disgraceful behaviour towards a distressed, traveller family who she claims, as a member of the Labour Party, to represent.
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