Police Enquiries Hit Dead End As Manx Graffiti Campaign Goes On
POLICE ENQUIRIES HIT DEAD END AS MANX GRAFFITTI CAMPAIGN GOES ON
Further slogans promoting Manx Nationalism have appeared at several locations in the west of the Isle of Man.
In what is the most sustained expression of discontent with the current relationship between Mann and the UK for almost two decades giant lettering has been painted on roads in several locations. In a new development large makeshift banners have appeared on bridges.
The reaction of the authorities mirrors that taken in previous campaigns over the years with desperate efforts made to swiftly remove the graffiti and suitably `gruff' statements from the police.
Although all of the slogans reported are clearly expressions of non-violent protest a police spokesperson is quoted on the BBC (IOM) website saying "We hope…..it has no sinister reasons behind it".
The official reactions show a remarkable disconnect from underlying nationalist sentiment that exists on the Island and also suggest that police efforts to combat the campaign have hit a dead end.
Attitudes towards the Islands remaining links with the UK have hardened over recent months following a serious of initiatives taken by the UK to sever fiscal and health links.
The new campaign has caught Manx authorities and indeed the media on the hop as in recent years Manx nationalism has been to a considerable degree sidelined.
The irony for police who are now calling for informants to come forward and help them nail the perpetrators is that any action against those responsible is, in the current fractious climate of relations with the UK, likely to simply engender support for the campaign.
Full BBC (IOM) report here:
Also Energy FM report here:
Related links on Celtic News at:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
21/12/09
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