Donation of Natural Resources

Thomond Pk

Kenny urges resolution to Rossport jailings
From:ireland.com
Thursday, 1st September, 2005


The Fine Gael leader has urged lawyers for five Mayo men jailed over their resistance to a gas pipeline to meet legal representatives from Shell to reach a compromise.

Enda Kenny, who today visited the men in Cloverhill prison for third time, said both sides should examine whether the men's release could be secured by varying the High Court injunction.

"Shell has previously indicated to me that they are open to suggestions and proposals aimed at resolving this situation. I am, therefore, also conveying this suggestion to the company," the Mayo TD said.

"I very much hope that direct engagement between both legal teams can bring about a compromise solution which would see the families reunited and these men making a full contribution to the crucially important safety review which is about to commence."

Work on the pipeline form the Corrib gas field in the Atlantic to an offshore refinery has stopped.

Mr Kenny said this could be the key to finding a solution by varying the court order. He noted a ruling laid down in the High Court by Mr Justice Finlay, President of the High Court in 1977, which drew a distinction between civil and criminal contempt.

Mr Kenny said lawyers should examine whether a compromise could be achieved by Shell consenting to the men's release.

The men, Willie Corduff, Micheal O'Seighin, Brendan Philbin, and brothers Vincent and Philip McGrath, agreed that Mr Kenny should convey his suggestions to their legal advisers.

Mr Kenny said lawyers should look at the Finlay ruling to establish if it offered the possibility of Shell consenting to the men's release and applying to have its injunction varied on the grounds that work on the project has been temporarily halted. He said this would not prejudice Shell's right to seek the same order if it needed to in the future.

"Such a gesture could facilitate the men going before the court to seek their release," he said.

Mr Kenny said the men had a vital role to play in assessing whether the pipeline met strict safety standards. All five were jailed 65 days ago for refusing to comply with an injunction stopping them from protesting against the onshore section of the line. The men fear it will put their lives at risk as it runs just 70 metres from some of their homes.

"I am anxious to ensure that these Rossport men return to their families and community without further delay so that they can participate in the safety review of the onshore element of the Corrib gas project," Mr Kenny said.

Enda we will allow the Norwegian people decide thanks;

Henry can take his council vote position back to the electorate.

Keeks

Moved here because it is more of a political argument being made (if any argument at all).

Thomond Pk

The argument is simple; Kenny can't have it both ways. IE moving a motion through Mayo County Council through his brother in favour of the pipeline whilst claiming to be assisting the Rossport 5 at the same time. His position is clear he should stick to it.