irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 17:31
Norris 'remains committed' to presidential campaign
Senator David Norris had admitted his campaign is in trouble following the latest controversy.
Related
Date set for presidential poll | 26/07/2011
Key staff quit Norris campaign | 30/07/2011
Norris confident of winning nomination | 26/07/2011
Norris ahead of Mitchell and Higgins in race for presidency | 20/07/2011
CHARLIE TAYLOR and STEPHEN COLLINS
David Norris has said he will continue to seek a presidential nomination despite the resignation of many of his campaign team members amid controversy over a clemency letter sent by the senator in 1997 on behalf of his former partner.
Mr Norris, who was favourite to win the presidential race according to most polls, admitted that his campaign was in trouble after claims emerged about a court case in Israel involving his former partner, Ezra Yizhak Nawi, who was convicted of having sex with an underage Palestinian youth in 1992.
The two men have remained close friends and continue to meet regularly and are in frequent phone contact.
A letter written on Seanad notepaper in which the Trinity Senator seeks clemency for Mr Yizhak was published online and in some newspapers today.
In the letter, Mr Norris describes Mr Yizhak as "an intelligent, honest trustworthy, good and moral person." It goes on to claim that Mr Yizhak was "lured into a carefully prepared trap" and had "unwisely" pleaded guilty to the charges against him
Director of communications Jane Cregan and director of elections Derek Murphy are among those to resign from Mr Norris’s campaign team following the latest revelations.
In an interview in today's Sunday Independent the Senator admitted his campaign was in trouble but said he was "absolutely committed" to running for the presidency.
Mr Norris’ campaign was embroiled in controversy earlier in the summer when comments he made about sexual activity between older and younger men and boys in Magill magazine in January 2002 resurfaced.
The interview with restaurant critic and columnist Helen Lucy Burke was circulated to county councillors in May following Mr Norris’ announcement that he was going to seek a nomination to run for the presidency.
Ms Burke said Mr Norris’ “dangerous” and “shocking” views on sexuality made him an unsuitable person to be president of Ireland.
Mr Norris told the Irish Times at that stage that he had engaged in an academic discussion on sexual relations between older men and younger men and boys arising from Plato’s Symposium and ancient Greek classical literature.
“I made a distinction between paedophilia and pederasty, which is a totally different thing. To the average person it would not make any difference I suppose but to me it did because I knew what I was talking about. That got mixed up and stayed mixed up.
“I abhor with every fibre of my being the idea of interference with children, sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional abuse. My record on that speaks for itself.”
The controversy was revived a few weeks later when an interview Mr Norris gave to the Daily Mail last year covering much of the same ground was reprinted.
While they set back Mr Norris’ prospects of getting a nomination from county councils he appeared to have recovered in recent weeks following an Irish Times poll that showed him leading the presidential race with 25 per cent support.
By this week 15 Oireachtas members had pledged to sign his nomination papers and he only needs another five names to get on the ballot paper.
Senator John Crown has said he will continue to give his backing to Mr Norris as have Independent TDs Maurenn O'Sullivan and Stephen Donnelly. However, some of the senator's other backers have asked for further clarification from him over the controversy.
Independent TD John Halligan said today he would be consulting with his advisors before deciding whether to continue backing Mr Norris.
“I’m meeting my campaign over the next couple of days and I’ll make a decision then,” he said.
“I think David Norris is a very good man, and I’m disappointed but I’m troubled by what has happened,” he added.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Mayo deliver knockout blow
irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 18:47
Mayo deliver knockout blow
Mayo's Kevin McLoughlin celebrates his goal with Enda Varley. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Cork 2-6 Mayo 1-13: Croke Park, so often a graveyard for Mayo football, was the scene of one of the county’s finest hours this afternoon as the rank outsiders deposed defending champions Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
It was a victory even the most one-eyed of diehards west of the Shannon would not have predicted, not least when Conor Counihan’s side raced into an early five point lead.
But Mayo kept plugging away and finally hit the front in the 42nd minute. Having got their noses in front, the Connacht champions would never be behind again as Cork’s misfiring attack was restricted to just a single score in the entire second half.
By the end, Cork’s increasingly desperate attacks were easily repelled as Mayo ran out thoroughly deserving four-point winners.
There was a much different complexion to a fascinating contest – the perfect antidote to Kerry’s procession earlier at GAA headquarters – after an opening 15 minutes which went perfectly according to the script.
An early penalty was expertly dispatched by Donnacha O’Connor before he added a brace of points while Paul Kerrigan also found his range.
Mayo had mustered just a the one point at that stage but their challenge ignited with a stunning strike from Kevin McLoughlin six minutes later. McLoughlin gathered the ball on the 45 metre line and made a beeline for the Cork goal before hammering it past Alan Quirke.
Kerrigan threatened to snuff out the revival with Cork’s second goal moments later but Mayo were not in the mood to be pushed around and turned just two points down.
And James Horan’s side carried that momentum into the second half, with goalkeeper Robert Hennelly among those on the scoresheet as the scores were swiftly tied.
Alan Dillon fired his side in front soon after and although Cork would level matters through John Miskella, the wear and tear of an injury-ravaged campaign began to tell as the Rebel’s challenge faded.
Their only chance of a lifeline was wasted when Fintan Goold sidefooted his effort badly wide and scores from Keith Higgins, Jason Doherty and Cillian O'Connor (2) ensured it would be Mayo’s day.
“We’re delighted,” admitted Horan afterwards. “Cork are superb All-Ireland champions so we’re delighted to get the better of them.”
It doesn’t get any easier for Mayo, with 2009 champions Kerry now waiting in the semi-finals.
“Look at the team Kerry have, the players they have available,” conceded Horan. “We’ll just do out own thing as we have done all year despite all the criticism. We’ll get on with it and be ready for the semi-final.
Mayo deliver knockout blow
Mayo's Kevin McLoughlin celebrates his goal with Enda Varley. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Cork 2-6 Mayo 1-13: Croke Park, so often a graveyard for Mayo football, was the scene of one of the county’s finest hours this afternoon as the rank outsiders deposed defending champions Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
It was a victory even the most one-eyed of diehards west of the Shannon would not have predicted, not least when Conor Counihan’s side raced into an early five point lead.
But Mayo kept plugging away and finally hit the front in the 42nd minute. Having got their noses in front, the Connacht champions would never be behind again as Cork’s misfiring attack was restricted to just a single score in the entire second half.
By the end, Cork’s increasingly desperate attacks were easily repelled as Mayo ran out thoroughly deserving four-point winners.
There was a much different complexion to a fascinating contest – the perfect antidote to Kerry’s procession earlier at GAA headquarters – after an opening 15 minutes which went perfectly according to the script.
An early penalty was expertly dispatched by Donnacha O’Connor before he added a brace of points while Paul Kerrigan also found his range.
Mayo had mustered just a the one point at that stage but their challenge ignited with a stunning strike from Kevin McLoughlin six minutes later. McLoughlin gathered the ball on the 45 metre line and made a beeline for the Cork goal before hammering it past Alan Quirke.
Kerrigan threatened to snuff out the revival with Cork’s second goal moments later but Mayo were not in the mood to be pushed around and turned just two points down.
And James Horan’s side carried that momentum into the second half, with goalkeeper Robert Hennelly among those on the scoresheet as the scores were swiftly tied.
Alan Dillon fired his side in front soon after and although Cork would level matters through John Miskella, the wear and tear of an injury-ravaged campaign began to tell as the Rebel’s challenge faded.
Their only chance of a lifeline was wasted when Fintan Goold sidefooted his effort badly wide and scores from Keith Higgins, Jason Doherty and Cillian O'Connor (2) ensured it would be Mayo’s day.
“We’re delighted,” admitted Horan afterwards. “Cork are superb All-Ireland champions so we’re delighted to get the better of them.”
It doesn’t get any easier for Mayo, with 2009 champions Kerry now waiting in the semi-finals.
“Look at the team Kerry have, the players they have available,” conceded Horan. “We’ll just do out own thing as we have done all year despite all the criticism. We’ll get on with it and be ready for the semi-final.
Mayo without hype are Mayo with hope
The Irish Times - Saturday, July 30, 2011
Mayo without hype are Mayo with hope
Trevor Mortimer has impressed at wing back for Mayo and will be a key man against Cork.
In this section »
Sideline machinations could decide this battle of self-belief
Understrength champions still a formidable prospect
Red Hand trust in heady mix of youth and experience
Tyrone have that renewed hunger
Pressure piling up on the men in white coats
Kerry to give no quarter here
KEITH DUGGAN
GAA : IT HAD to be. Four possible teams for Mayo, the Connacht champions, to draw from the qualifier lottery but there was a groan of inevitability across the county when Cork appeared. Just as it is Limerick’s fate to be linked with Kerry, so Mayo have an affiliation they don’t particularly want with Cork.
The obvious reference points are the 1989 All-Ireland final between the teams, which Cork won narrowly and an ill-fated semi-final some four years later when Cork amassed a staggering 5-15 against a Mayo team which was nothing like that bad.
They last met in the championship in 2002, when a late Ciarán McDonald penalty pre-empted a frantic scramble for a late goal: Cork hung on, 0-16 to 1-10.
Among the Mayo forwards that day was James Horan, the current manager. The Ballinrobe man is naturally understated in his reaction to Mayo performances, a quality that has served him well in a county where football enthusiasms are prone to over-excitement.
He kept his counsel during Mayo’s league run, kept calm after the near slip-up against London in Ruislip and was equally businesslike after Mayo dispatched their perpetual foes: Galway in the Connacht semi-final and then Roscommon on a dismal afternoon in Hyde Park.
After last Sunday night’s draw, he approached the prospect of facing the All-Ireland champions as if pulling them from the hat was a bonus. “This is a great opportunity for us,” he said during the week.
“It’s a great chance for us to see where we are at, to see if there is a gap between us and the likes of Cork. It’s a huge chance, a huge game and we are really looking forward to it. It’s not often that you get a chance like this to get a crack at the big guns at this stage of the season. We intend to meet them head on and to go toe-to-toe.”
Playing Cork has several advantages for Mayo. It guarantees there will be none of the attendant hype and expectation that too often followed Mayo on visits to Croke Park. And even though Horan was duty-bound to strike a note of optimism about this match, there is truth in what he says. Mayo can come into this match with absolutely no expectation.
Horan has wasted little time in refashioning the Mayo team. Most of the personnel are the same but the duties are radically different, from the deployment of the O’Shea brothers at midfield to the use of Trevor Mortimer in the half- back line.
Mayo’s championship has been strange because both of their wins in Connacht have been gained on wintry afternoons reminiscent of league Sundays. They have yet to discover just what it is in them on a dry, summer afternoon. In the league, their promise seemed to revolve around their ability to scores goals. Jason Doherty, who scored goals for fun in the league, has not been able to carry that form into the championship and has been replaced by Enda Varley.
And although nobody is saying it, it may not be the worst time to be playing Cork; their comfortable win over Down may have left them back in the comfort zone and the injury to Daniel Goulding in that game adds to the terrible run of luck that Conor Counihan’s team has had with its marquee players.
Cork still have formidable depth but the absence of Goulding along with Colm O’Neill and Ciarán Sheehan means they are not quite as fearsome as they looked this time last year.
But those absences will not diminish Cork’s best quality: their remorselessness. Cork just keep on coming and do not panic. Mayo only have to think to their most recent Croke Park meeting, the league final of 2010, to remind themselves of just how punishing the current Cork model can be. Goulding scored 1-5 of the 1-17 that Cork posted that day, to Mayo’s 0-12.
They managed to beat Cork in the league to save their skins in Division One this year and have grown as a team since then. But can they possibly beat Cork? Nobody believes it outside the Mayo dressingroom. As Horan said, it’s a great opportunity
Mayo without hype are Mayo with hope
Trevor Mortimer has impressed at wing back for Mayo and will be a key man against Cork.
In this section »
Sideline machinations could decide this battle of self-belief
Understrength champions still a formidable prospect
Red Hand trust in heady mix of youth and experience
Tyrone have that renewed hunger
Pressure piling up on the men in white coats
Kerry to give no quarter here
KEITH DUGGAN
GAA : IT HAD to be. Four possible teams for Mayo, the Connacht champions, to draw from the qualifier lottery but there was a groan of inevitability across the county when Cork appeared. Just as it is Limerick’s fate to be linked with Kerry, so Mayo have an affiliation they don’t particularly want with Cork.
The obvious reference points are the 1989 All-Ireland final between the teams, which Cork won narrowly and an ill-fated semi-final some four years later when Cork amassed a staggering 5-15 against a Mayo team which was nothing like that bad.
They last met in the championship in 2002, when a late Ciarán McDonald penalty pre-empted a frantic scramble for a late goal: Cork hung on, 0-16 to 1-10.
Among the Mayo forwards that day was James Horan, the current manager. The Ballinrobe man is naturally understated in his reaction to Mayo performances, a quality that has served him well in a county where football enthusiasms are prone to over-excitement.
He kept his counsel during Mayo’s league run, kept calm after the near slip-up against London in Ruislip and was equally businesslike after Mayo dispatched their perpetual foes: Galway in the Connacht semi-final and then Roscommon on a dismal afternoon in Hyde Park.
After last Sunday night’s draw, he approached the prospect of facing the All-Ireland champions as if pulling them from the hat was a bonus. “This is a great opportunity for us,” he said during the week.
“It’s a great chance for us to see where we are at, to see if there is a gap between us and the likes of Cork. It’s a huge chance, a huge game and we are really looking forward to it. It’s not often that you get a chance like this to get a crack at the big guns at this stage of the season. We intend to meet them head on and to go toe-to-toe.”
Playing Cork has several advantages for Mayo. It guarantees there will be none of the attendant hype and expectation that too often followed Mayo on visits to Croke Park. And even though Horan was duty-bound to strike a note of optimism about this match, there is truth in what he says. Mayo can come into this match with absolutely no expectation.
Horan has wasted little time in refashioning the Mayo team. Most of the personnel are the same but the duties are radically different, from the deployment of the O’Shea brothers at midfield to the use of Trevor Mortimer in the half- back line.
Mayo’s championship has been strange because both of their wins in Connacht have been gained on wintry afternoons reminiscent of league Sundays. They have yet to discover just what it is in them on a dry, summer afternoon. In the league, their promise seemed to revolve around their ability to scores goals. Jason Doherty, who scored goals for fun in the league, has not been able to carry that form into the championship and has been replaced by Enda Varley.
And although nobody is saying it, it may not be the worst time to be playing Cork; their comfortable win over Down may have left them back in the comfort zone and the injury to Daniel Goulding in that game adds to the terrible run of luck that Conor Counihan’s team has had with its marquee players.
Cork still have formidable depth but the absence of Goulding along with Colm O’Neill and Ciarán Sheehan means they are not quite as fearsome as they looked this time last year.
But those absences will not diminish Cork’s best quality: their remorselessness. Cork just keep on coming and do not panic. Mayo only have to think to their most recent Croke Park meeting, the league final of 2010, to remind themselves of just how punishing the current Cork model can be. Goulding scored 1-5 of the 1-17 that Cork posted that day, to Mayo’s 0-12.
They managed to beat Cork in the league to save their skins in Division One this year and have grown as a team since then. But can they possibly beat Cork? Nobody believes it outside the Mayo dressingroom. As Horan said, it’s a great opportunity
RE: Sponsorship Opportunity--- Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2011
RE: Sponsorship Opportunity--- Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2011
Dear
My name is Thomas Chambers and once again I am participating of the Strasbourg Freedom
Drive campaign organised by the European Network on Independent Living and the Centre for Independent Living, Carmichael Centre, Dublin 7. The Centre for Independent Living is an organisation supporting people with physical disabilities in order to achieve independent living.
The Independent Living movement is a world-wide community fighting for equal rights, opportunities, choices and responsibilities of disabled people around the world. It is indeed a very strong European movement liaising with MEPs since 2003.
Strasbourg Freedom Drive is a lobbying campaign attended by people with disabilities from all Europe aiming to establish a relationship between the participants and their national Members of EU parliament. It is a unique lobbying exercise happening every second year since 2003. A rally on the building of the EU Parliament takes place as well and usually results in a meeting with the Disability Intergroup.
The Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2011 will take place in Strasbourg from 14th September to 16th September. All participants of the campaign have to cover the costs related to the trip to Strasbourg individually by fundraising or out of their own pocket. This is especially difficult task during the economic downturn Ireland is facing at the moment. My target is to fundraise €2,000 to cover mainly the costs related to the transport and accommodation in Strasbourg. I would very much appreciate if you could support me in any possible way.
I would like you to consider me and my Personal Assistant in participation of this year’s rally as in any way you can. Donations can be paid to the above address.
Check www.freedom driver short story for DVD of 2009 Freedom Drive
Thank you for giving this your consideration
Yours Sincerely
…………………………………….
Tom Chambers
Dear
My name is Thomas Chambers and once again I am participating of the Strasbourg Freedom
Drive campaign organised by the European Network on Independent Living and the Centre for Independent Living, Carmichael Centre, Dublin 7. The Centre for Independent Living is an organisation supporting people with physical disabilities in order to achieve independent living.
The Independent Living movement is a world-wide community fighting for equal rights, opportunities, choices and responsibilities of disabled people around the world. It is indeed a very strong European movement liaising with MEPs since 2003.
Strasbourg Freedom Drive is a lobbying campaign attended by people with disabilities from all Europe aiming to establish a relationship between the participants and their national Members of EU parliament. It is a unique lobbying exercise happening every second year since 2003. A rally on the building of the EU Parliament takes place as well and usually results in a meeting with the Disability Intergroup.
The Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2011 will take place in Strasbourg from 14th September to 16th September. All participants of the campaign have to cover the costs related to the trip to Strasbourg individually by fundraising or out of their own pocket. This is especially difficult task during the economic downturn Ireland is facing at the moment. My target is to fundraise €2,000 to cover mainly the costs related to the transport and accommodation in Strasbourg. I would very much appreciate if you could support me in any possible way.
I would like you to consider me and my Personal Assistant in participation of this year’s rally as in any way you can. Donations can be paid to the above address.
Check www.freedom driver short story for DVD of 2009 Freedom Drive
Thank you for giving this your consideration
Yours Sincerely
…………………………………….
Tom Chambers
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
“Let’s meet them head on”
Let’s meet Cork “head on”, says Mayo manager
TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2011 07:11
“Let’s meet them head on”
James Horan issues battle-cry ahead of clash with champions
Mike Finnerty
MAYO manager James Horan has called on his players to seize ‘a great opportunity’ and meet the reigning All-Ireland champions Cork ‘head on’ in next Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park (throw-in at 4pm).
The Connacht champions have been rated as 5/1 outsiders to beat Cork for the first time in the championship for 95 years next weekend. However, Horan is approaching the game in a positive frame of mind.
“This is a great opportunity for us,” he told The Mayo News last night. “It’s a great chance for us to see where we’re at, to see if there is a gap between us and the likes of Cork. It’s a huge chance, a huge game, and we’re all really looking forward to it.
“It’s not often you get a chance like this to get a real crack at one of the big guns at this stage of the season. We intend to meet them head on, and go toe-to-toe with them.
“This group of Mayo players want to do well in every single game and that’s the attitude we’ll be bringing into next weekend too.”
The Mayo boss was in Croke Park last Saturday evening to see Cork beat Down in their Round 4 All-Ireland Qualifier.
“Cork were strong and pacy,” he admitted. “It’s a very hard game to interpret though. Down were very open defensively, they didn’t really perform, and I’m sure they’re disappointed with how they played.
“Cork dominated around the middle and have some dangerous forwards. But I think we’ve done okay around the middle and have some good forwards too.”
Meanwhile, Mayo are expected to name their team after training tonight (Tuesday) and James Horan admitted that there are ‘one or two tough calls’ that will have to be made by the team management.
Ger Cafferkey and Enda Varley are both believed to be pushing hard for inclusion, but Ronan McGarrity, who is still not ‘fully fit’ according to the manager, will have to be content with a place on the substitute’s bench.
TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2011 07:11
“Let’s meet them head on”
James Horan issues battle-cry ahead of clash with champions
Mike Finnerty
MAYO manager James Horan has called on his players to seize ‘a great opportunity’ and meet the reigning All-Ireland champions Cork ‘head on’ in next Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park (throw-in at 4pm).
The Connacht champions have been rated as 5/1 outsiders to beat Cork for the first time in the championship for 95 years next weekend. However, Horan is approaching the game in a positive frame of mind.
“This is a great opportunity for us,” he told The Mayo News last night. “It’s a great chance for us to see where we’re at, to see if there is a gap between us and the likes of Cork. It’s a huge chance, a huge game, and we’re all really looking forward to it.
“It’s not often you get a chance like this to get a real crack at one of the big guns at this stage of the season. We intend to meet them head on, and go toe-to-toe with them.
“This group of Mayo players want to do well in every single game and that’s the attitude we’ll be bringing into next weekend too.”
The Mayo boss was in Croke Park last Saturday evening to see Cork beat Down in their Round 4 All-Ireland Qualifier.
“Cork were strong and pacy,” he admitted. “It’s a very hard game to interpret though. Down were very open defensively, they didn’t really perform, and I’m sure they’re disappointed with how they played.
“Cork dominated around the middle and have some dangerous forwards. But I think we’ve done okay around the middle and have some good forwards too.”
Meanwhile, Mayo are expected to name their team after training tonight (Tuesday) and James Horan admitted that there are ‘one or two tough calls’ that will have to be made by the team management.
Ger Cafferkey and Enda Varley are both believed to be pushing hard for inclusion, but Ronan McGarrity, who is still not ‘fully fit’ according to the manager, will have to be content with a place on the substitute’s bench.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Norway suspect 'admits' twin gun and bomb attacks
ishtimes.com - Last Updated: Sunday, July 24, 2011, 15:33
Norway suspect 'admits' twin gun and bomb attacks
Anders Behring Breivik: Lawyer says he believed his actions 'were atrocious, but that in his head they were necessary'
Related
Up to 20 now feared dead in Oslo bomb and gun attacks | 22/07/2011
Profile of 32-year-old suspect | 23/07/2011
Norway mourns as toll from twin attacks reaches 92 | 23/07/2011
Witnesses tell of island horror | 23/07/2011
Profile of 32-year-old suspect | 23/07/2011
World reacts to attacks in Norway | 23/07/2011
McAleese sends message of sympathy | 23/07/2011
Norway Attacks slideshow
Norway Attacks
The man suspected of carrying out Friday's bomb and gun attacks in Norway that killed 93 people has admitted responsibility, his lawyer has said.
The death toll rose to 93 after one of theinjured died in hospital this morning.
In his first comment via a lawyer since he was arrested, 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik expressed willingness to explain himself in court at a hearing likely to be held tomorrow.
"He has said that he believed the actions were atrocious, but that in his head they were necessary," lawyer Geir Lippestad told independent TV2 news, adding that his client admitted to both the shootings and the bombing.
Police said Breivik gave himself up to armed officers when they arrived on the small island of Utoeya in a lake about 42km northwest of Oslo where at least 85 people were gunned down. Most were teenagers and young adults attending a summer camp of the youth wing of Norway's ruling Labour Party.
While some on the island reported that there was a second assailant and police said they were looking into that, Mr Lippestad said his client claims to have acted alone.
About 650 people were on the island when the gunman, wearing a police uniform according to witnesses, opened fire. Police said it took them one hour to stop the massacre from when they first received information about the shootings, the worst by a single gunman in modern times.
Authorities are investigating whether a possible second gunman took part in the shooting massacre and bomb attack.
Memorial services are being held across Norway including one at Oslo's Lutheran cathedral.
King Harald, his wife Queen Sonja and the prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, attended the Oslo memorial along with grieving relatives of those killed and wounded in the twin attacks.
Meanwhile, Norwegian police have detained several people in Oslo this morning in a raid linked to their investigatino into Friday's shootings and bomb attack.
Police defended the speed of their response to the second stage of the attack when the gunman was able to shoot unchallenged for a prolonged period on an island outside Oslo, shortly after the huge bomb went off in the capital.
"The response time from when we got the message was quick. There were problems with transport out to the island," police chief Sveinung Sponheim said, defending the delay.
Witnesses said the gunman picked off his victims at will, forcing youngsters to scatter in panic or to jump into the lake to swim for the mainland.
Breivik was also arrested for the bombing in Oslo's government district that killed seven people hours earlier. Norway's toughest sentence is 21 years in jail. Police believe Breivik drove to Utoeya after the explosion in the capital.
Survivors, relatives of those killed and supporters planned a procession to mourn the dead at Sundvollen today, near the island where the massacre took place.
King Harald is due to attend a service in Oslo cathedral, a few hundred metres from where a bomb devastated government buildings including the offices of Labour Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.
Police said they were seeking several missing people and the toll could rise to 98, in the worst case.
Mr Lippestad, speaking late yesterday, did not give more details of possible motives by Breivik.
Breivik hated "cultural marxists," wanted a "crusade" against the spread of Islam and liked guns and weightlifting, web postings, acquaintances and officials said.
A video posted on the YouTube website showed several pictures of Breivik, including one of him in a scuba diving outfit pointing an automatic weapon.
"Before we can start our crusade we must do our duty by decimating cultural marxism," said a caption under the video called "Knights Templar 2083" on the YouTube website, which took down the video on Saturday.
A Norwegian website provided a link to a 1,500 page electronic manifesto which says Breivik was the author. It was not possible to verify who posted the video or wrote the book.
"Once you decide to strike, it is better to kill too many than not enough, or you risk reducing the desired ideological impact of the strike," the book said.
Norway has traditionally been open to immigration, which has been criticised by the populist Progress Party, of which Breivik was a former member. The Labour Party, whose youth camp Breivik attacked, has long backed multi-culturalism to accommodate Norway's different ethnic communities.
About 100 people stood solemnly early today at a makeshift vigil near Oslo's main church, laying flowers and lighting candles. Soldiers with guns and wearing bullet-proof vests blocked streets leading to the government district
Norway suspect 'admits' twin gun and bomb attacks
Anders Behring Breivik: Lawyer says he believed his actions 'were atrocious, but that in his head they were necessary'
Related
Up to 20 now feared dead in Oslo bomb and gun attacks | 22/07/2011
Profile of 32-year-old suspect | 23/07/2011
Norway mourns as toll from twin attacks reaches 92 | 23/07/2011
Witnesses tell of island horror | 23/07/2011
Profile of 32-year-old suspect | 23/07/2011
World reacts to attacks in Norway | 23/07/2011
McAleese sends message of sympathy | 23/07/2011
Norway Attacks slideshow
Norway Attacks
The man suspected of carrying out Friday's bomb and gun attacks in Norway that killed 93 people has admitted responsibility, his lawyer has said.
The death toll rose to 93 after one of theinjured died in hospital this morning.
In his first comment via a lawyer since he was arrested, 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik expressed willingness to explain himself in court at a hearing likely to be held tomorrow.
"He has said that he believed the actions were atrocious, but that in his head they were necessary," lawyer Geir Lippestad told independent TV2 news, adding that his client admitted to both the shootings and the bombing.
Police said Breivik gave himself up to armed officers when they arrived on the small island of Utoeya in a lake about 42km northwest of Oslo where at least 85 people were gunned down. Most were teenagers and young adults attending a summer camp of the youth wing of Norway's ruling Labour Party.
While some on the island reported that there was a second assailant and police said they were looking into that, Mr Lippestad said his client claims to have acted alone.
About 650 people were on the island when the gunman, wearing a police uniform according to witnesses, opened fire. Police said it took them one hour to stop the massacre from when they first received information about the shootings, the worst by a single gunman in modern times.
Authorities are investigating whether a possible second gunman took part in the shooting massacre and bomb attack.
Memorial services are being held across Norway including one at Oslo's Lutheran cathedral.
King Harald, his wife Queen Sonja and the prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, attended the Oslo memorial along with grieving relatives of those killed and wounded in the twin attacks.
Meanwhile, Norwegian police have detained several people in Oslo this morning in a raid linked to their investigatino into Friday's shootings and bomb attack.
Police defended the speed of their response to the second stage of the attack when the gunman was able to shoot unchallenged for a prolonged period on an island outside Oslo, shortly after the huge bomb went off in the capital.
"The response time from when we got the message was quick. There were problems with transport out to the island," police chief Sveinung Sponheim said, defending the delay.
Witnesses said the gunman picked off his victims at will, forcing youngsters to scatter in panic or to jump into the lake to swim for the mainland.
Breivik was also arrested for the bombing in Oslo's government district that killed seven people hours earlier. Norway's toughest sentence is 21 years in jail. Police believe Breivik drove to Utoeya after the explosion in the capital.
Survivors, relatives of those killed and supporters planned a procession to mourn the dead at Sundvollen today, near the island where the massacre took place.
King Harald is due to attend a service in Oslo cathedral, a few hundred metres from where a bomb devastated government buildings including the offices of Labour Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.
Police said they were seeking several missing people and the toll could rise to 98, in the worst case.
Mr Lippestad, speaking late yesterday, did not give more details of possible motives by Breivik.
Breivik hated "cultural marxists," wanted a "crusade" against the spread of Islam and liked guns and weightlifting, web postings, acquaintances and officials said.
A video posted on the YouTube website showed several pictures of Breivik, including one of him in a scuba diving outfit pointing an automatic weapon.
"Before we can start our crusade we must do our duty by decimating cultural marxism," said a caption under the video called "Knights Templar 2083" on the YouTube website, which took down the video on Saturday.
A Norwegian website provided a link to a 1,500 page electronic manifesto which says Breivik was the author. It was not possible to verify who posted the video or wrote the book.
"Once you decide to strike, it is better to kill too many than not enough, or you risk reducing the desired ideological impact of the strike," the book said.
Norway has traditionally been open to immigration, which has been criticised by the populist Progress Party, of which Breivik was a former member. The Labour Party, whose youth camp Breivik attacked, has long backed multi-culturalism to accommodate Norway's different ethnic communities.
About 100 people stood solemnly early today at a makeshift vigil near Oslo's main church, laying flowers and lighting candles. Soldiers with guns and wearing bullet-proof vests blocked streets leading to the government district
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
UK ticket wins £161m Euromillions lottery jackpot
13 July 2011 Last updated at 08:45 GMT Share this pageEmail Print Share this page
3,211ShareFacebookTwitter.UK ticket wins £161m Euromillions lottery jackpot The jackpot had been capped at 185 million euros after a series of rollovers Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
£113m Euromillions prize claimed
A single UK ticket has won Europe's biggest-ever lottery prize, the £161m Euromillions jackpot.
The winner matched all five main numbers and both the Lucky Stars to scoop the jackpot, which had been capped after a series of rollovers.
It is not known whether the ticket belongs to an individual or syndicate, or where they come from in the UK.
The winning Euromillions numbers were 17, 19, 38, 42 and 45, and the Lucky Stars were 9 and 10.
The exact amount to be claimed is £161,653,000.
'Champagne on ice'
A National Lottery spokesman said: "This is amazing news - we are absolutely delighted that a UK ticket holder has scooped the entire 185 million euro jackpot, which at the current exchange rate is a massive £161m.
"This is the biggest winner this country and Europe has ever seen and follows hot on the heels of the anonymous ticket-holder who last October scooped £113m.
"In addition, two UK ticket holders in the next prize level down won £1.7m for matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star.
"We've got the champagne on ice and look forward to welcoming the ticket holders into the National Lottery millionaires' club."
Winners have to apply through a phone line that reopened at 0900 BST after closing overnight, but as yet no-one has come forward.
No details have ever been revealed about last October's Euromillions winner and it is not known whether the winning ticket was held by an individual or a syndicate.
3,211ShareFacebookTwitter.UK ticket wins £161m Euromillions lottery jackpot The jackpot had been capped at 185 million euros after a series of rollovers Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
£113m Euromillions prize claimed
A single UK ticket has won Europe's biggest-ever lottery prize, the £161m Euromillions jackpot.
The winner matched all five main numbers and both the Lucky Stars to scoop the jackpot, which had been capped after a series of rollovers.
It is not known whether the ticket belongs to an individual or syndicate, or where they come from in the UK.
The winning Euromillions numbers were 17, 19, 38, 42 and 45, and the Lucky Stars were 9 and 10.
The exact amount to be claimed is £161,653,000.
'Champagne on ice'
A National Lottery spokesman said: "This is amazing news - we are absolutely delighted that a UK ticket holder has scooped the entire 185 million euro jackpot, which at the current exchange rate is a massive £161m.
"This is the biggest winner this country and Europe has ever seen and follows hot on the heels of the anonymous ticket-holder who last October scooped £113m.
"In addition, two UK ticket holders in the next prize level down won £1.7m for matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star.
"We've got the champagne on ice and look forward to welcoming the ticket holders into the National Lottery millionaires' club."
Winners have to apply through a phone line that reopened at 0900 BST after closing overnight, but as yet no-one has come forward.
No details have ever been revealed about last October's Euromillions winner and it is not known whether the winning ticket was held by an individual or a syndicate.
California woman cuts off husband's penis Catherine Kieu
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12 July 2011 Last updated at 20:59 GMT Share this pageEmail Print Share this page
7,748ShareFacebookTwitter.California woman cuts off husband's penis Catherine Kieu Becker allegedly laced her husband's dinner with a drug
A US woman drugged her estranged husband, tied him to a bed and cut off his penis, police in California say.
The woman then threw the penis into the waste disposal and told police who attended the incident in Garden Grove, near Los Angeles: "He deserved it."
Catherine Kieu Becker, 48, has been charged with poisoning and assault with a deadly weapon.
The 51-year-old victim, who has not been named, is in a serious condition following surgery.
Lt Jeff Nightengale, of Garden Grove police, said the two are going through a divorce.
He said the woman had drugged the man's dinner on Monday night.
"He believed something was wrong with his food," he said.
"The victim went to lie down and he woke up tied to the bed with his wife tugging his clothes off.
"The female cut off his penis with a knife... tossed the penis in the garbage disposal and turned the disposal to the 'on' position.
"The suspect called 911 and told responding officers that he 'deserved it'."
He added: "Officers arrived and located a male victim tied to the bed and bleeding from his groin area."
Ms Becker was arrested on suspicion of aggravated mayhem, false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon, administering a drug with intent to commit a felony, poisoning and spousal abuse.
She is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
12 July 2011 Last updated at 20:59 GMT Share this pageEmail Print Share this page
7,748ShareFacebookTwitter.California woman cuts off husband's penis Catherine Kieu Becker allegedly laced her husband's dinner with a drug
A US woman drugged her estranged husband, tied him to a bed and cut off his penis, police in California say.
The woman then threw the penis into the waste disposal and told police who attended the incident in Garden Grove, near Los Angeles: "He deserved it."
Catherine Kieu Becker, 48, has been charged with poisoning and assault with a deadly weapon.
The 51-year-old victim, who has not been named, is in a serious condition following surgery.
Lt Jeff Nightengale, of Garden Grove police, said the two are going through a divorce.
He said the woman had drugged the man's dinner on Monday night.
"He believed something was wrong with his food," he said.
"The victim went to lie down and he woke up tied to the bed with his wife tugging his clothes off.
"The female cut off his penis with a knife... tossed the penis in the garbage disposal and turned the disposal to the 'on' position.
"The suspect called 911 and told responding officers that he 'deserved it'."
He added: "Officers arrived and located a male victim tied to the bed and bleeding from his groin area."
Ms Becker was arrested on suspicion of aggravated mayhem, false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon, administering a drug with intent to commit a felony, poisoning and spousal abuse.
She is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Damages for disabled man over sewage in council flat shower
The Irish Times - Friday, July 8, 2011
Damages for disabled man over sewage in council flat shower
In this section »
Phone linked to suspect in use on night of friend's killing
Court to rule on documents in alleged corruption case
Police diary entry queried at Harte murder hearing
Men within their rights to have church building demolished
Arrested man's inquest adjourned
Man who denies murder had said 'family is in jeopardy', court told
RAY MANAGH
A BURNS victim who needs to shower several times a day because of his injuries was left by Dublin City Council to live in conditions unfit for human habitation at Dolphin House flats, a judge said yesterday.
Circuit Court president Mr Justice Matthew Deery said Anthony Gannon (54) had complained for years about sewage welling up in his shower tray and spilling over into his bathroom before anything was done about it.
The judge awarded Mr Gannon, who is registered as disabled, €15,000 damages against the local authority. The case was seen by lawyers as a test case and could apply to hundreds of the other flat dwellers.
“The evidence leads me inevitably to conclude that his apartment at Dolphin House was unfit for human habitation and in breach of the council’s contractual duty of care under the Housing Act,” Mr Justice Deery said.
Barrister Peter Maguire said it was hard to imagine circumstances which could be more degrading than being forced to live amid the foul sewage from other people’s apartments.
Mr Gannon, who was severely burned as a child of seven when he fell on to a white-hot electric cooker, told the court he had lived at Dolphin House for 25 years until he was eventually rehoused at Blackditch, Ballyfermot, Dublin, only a month ago.
He said he had complained for years when sewage started backing up into his bath. The bath had been replaced and a shower, with full safety attachments for a disabled person, had been installed.The problem returned, however, with raw sewage filling up his shower tray and spilling over on to the bathroom floor. From time to time the problem had been inspected, but little or nothing was done.
Mr Gannon said shortly after his solicitor Thomas Loomes had threatened to sue the council in 2010, some works had been carried out, and he had told Deborah Ryan, the council’s senior liability and risk control officer, he was “happy” with the situation.
Ms Ryan told John P Kehoe, for the council, there had been problems with the shower, but they had been rectified. When shown pictures of sewage in the shower, she said it was unacceptable.
Mr Justice Deery said civil engineer Ronald Bergin had taken the pictures during an unscheduled visit to Mr Gannon’s apartment and had identified the waste in the shower tray as sewage.
“If it looks like it and smells like it, then . . .” Judge Deery said.
Mr Bergin told the court Mr Gannon’s apartment was otherwise spotlessly clean, and he was certain what he had seen was raw human effluent in the shower.The bottom of the shower curtain had been stained from overspills.
He said the 436-flat complex had been due for redevelopment, but the plans had fallen through due to the banking crisis.
Mr Justice Deery said he accepted Mr Gannon had complained of the problem over a long period, and that he had been distressed by the conditions because of his personal and health issues
Damages for disabled man over sewage in council flat shower
In this section »
Phone linked to suspect in use on night of friend's killing
Court to rule on documents in alleged corruption case
Police diary entry queried at Harte murder hearing
Men within their rights to have church building demolished
Arrested man's inquest adjourned
Man who denies murder had said 'family is in jeopardy', court told
RAY MANAGH
A BURNS victim who needs to shower several times a day because of his injuries was left by Dublin City Council to live in conditions unfit for human habitation at Dolphin House flats, a judge said yesterday.
Circuit Court president Mr Justice Matthew Deery said Anthony Gannon (54) had complained for years about sewage welling up in his shower tray and spilling over into his bathroom before anything was done about it.
The judge awarded Mr Gannon, who is registered as disabled, €15,000 damages against the local authority. The case was seen by lawyers as a test case and could apply to hundreds of the other flat dwellers.
“The evidence leads me inevitably to conclude that his apartment at Dolphin House was unfit for human habitation and in breach of the council’s contractual duty of care under the Housing Act,” Mr Justice Deery said.
Barrister Peter Maguire said it was hard to imagine circumstances which could be more degrading than being forced to live amid the foul sewage from other people’s apartments.
Mr Gannon, who was severely burned as a child of seven when he fell on to a white-hot electric cooker, told the court he had lived at Dolphin House for 25 years until he was eventually rehoused at Blackditch, Ballyfermot, Dublin, only a month ago.
He said he had complained for years when sewage started backing up into his bath. The bath had been replaced and a shower, with full safety attachments for a disabled person, had been installed.The problem returned, however, with raw sewage filling up his shower tray and spilling over on to the bathroom floor. From time to time the problem had been inspected, but little or nothing was done.
Mr Gannon said shortly after his solicitor Thomas Loomes had threatened to sue the council in 2010, some works had been carried out, and he had told Deborah Ryan, the council’s senior liability and risk control officer, he was “happy” with the situation.
Ms Ryan told John P Kehoe, for the council, there had been problems with the shower, but they had been rectified. When shown pictures of sewage in the shower, she said it was unacceptable.
Mr Justice Deery said civil engineer Ronald Bergin had taken the pictures during an unscheduled visit to Mr Gannon’s apartment and had identified the waste in the shower tray as sewage.
“If it looks like it and smells like it, then . . .” Judge Deery said.
Mr Bergin told the court Mr Gannon’s apartment was otherwise spotlessly clean, and he was certain what he had seen was raw human effluent in the shower.The bottom of the shower curtain had been stained from overspills.
He said the 436-flat complex had been due for redevelopment, but the plans had fallen through due to the banking crisis.
Mr Justice Deery said he accepted Mr Gannon had complained of the problem over a long period, and that he had been distressed by the conditions because of his personal and health issues
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Ballerina loses right to overnight carer to help her use bathroom
Health News
Ballerina loses right to overnight carer to help her use bathroom
A former prima ballerina left disabled by a stroke lost her Supreme Court battle today for an overnight carer to give her ''dignity and independence''.
Ms McDonald was left with reduced mobility after a stroke in September 1999 Photo: ALAMY
10:20AM BST 06 Jul 2011
Justices at the highest court in the land dismissed an appeal by 67-year-old Elaine McDonald in a majority ruling.
Last October Ms McDonald, who was once a star of Scottish Ballet and received the OBE in 1983, lost her case at the Court of Appeal in London and suffered a further defeat today.
Ms McDonald was left with reduced mobility after a stroke in September 1999 and needs to use a wheelchair outside.
She had argued that the care package she received from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to cover her assessed needs during the day and night, should include assistance at night to use a commode.
John Wadham, group director (legal) at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "We are disappointed with today's ruling which is a significant setback for people who receive care in their home.
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02 Jul 2011
"Ms McDonald is not incontinent. However, this judgment means she will be treated as such.
"Local authorities will now have greater discretion in deciding how to meet a person's home care needs and will find it easier to justify withdrawing care.
"This means that older people's human rights to privacy, autonomy and dignity will often be put at serious risk.
"The court has missed a significant opportunity to interpret the law to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.
"The Commission's inquiry into care in the home has already highlighted some of the problems with the current system of home care.
"This judgment will only fuel those problems."
Ms McDonald said she is not incontinent and has a horror of using incontinence pads, which she considered an "affront to her dignity".
Her plea was for help to use a commode at night.
She had challenged the borough's decision to reduce the amount allocated to her weekly care.
Age UK believes Ms McDonald's human rights have been breached and that there could be "extremely adverse and devastating consequences for many thousands of older people if other councils take similar decisions to save money".
After the Supreme Court ruling, Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK said: "Today's decision is shameful.
"Older people have a fundamental right to dignity and forcing someone to sleep in their own urine and faeces could not be more undignified.
"This judgment opens the door to warehousing older people in their own homes without regard to their quality of life.
"Care should not be just about keeping people safe. It must enable them to live dignified and fulfilled lives."
Alex Rook of Irwin Mitchell solicitors, who represented Age UK, said: "The submissions Age UK made to the Supreme Court in this case sought to ensure that local authorities follow the correct assessment procedures to establish an older person's needs and to then put in place a lawful package of care.
"Whilst Age UK is acutely aware of the current difficult economic climate, the right balance must be struck between the rights of the individual and the interests of the community, and Age UK continues to find it difficult to understand how it can be rational or reasonable to expect an older continent person to use incontinence pads rather than to assist them to access a toilet
Ballerina loses right to overnight carer to help her use bathroom
A former prima ballerina left disabled by a stroke lost her Supreme Court battle today for an overnight carer to give her ''dignity and independence''.
Ms McDonald was left with reduced mobility after a stroke in September 1999 Photo: ALAMY
10:20AM BST 06 Jul 2011
Justices at the highest court in the land dismissed an appeal by 67-year-old Elaine McDonald in a majority ruling.
Last October Ms McDonald, who was once a star of Scottish Ballet and received the OBE in 1983, lost her case at the Court of Appeal in London and suffered a further defeat today.
Ms McDonald was left with reduced mobility after a stroke in September 1999 and needs to use a wheelchair outside.
She had argued that the care package she received from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to cover her assessed needs during the day and night, should include assistance at night to use a commode.
John Wadham, group director (legal) at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "We are disappointed with today's ruling which is a significant setback for people who receive care in their home.
Related Articles
Lansley: care of the elderly is 'key priority'
04 Jul 2011
'Pensioners should pay more tax to fund care'
04 Jul 2011
Elderly care costs should be capped at £35,000, Andrew Dilnot says
04 Jul 2011
Care of the elderly: new problems ahead
02 Jul 2011
"Ms McDonald is not incontinent. However, this judgment means she will be treated as such.
"Local authorities will now have greater discretion in deciding how to meet a person's home care needs and will find it easier to justify withdrawing care.
"This means that older people's human rights to privacy, autonomy and dignity will often be put at serious risk.
"The court has missed a significant opportunity to interpret the law to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.
"The Commission's inquiry into care in the home has already highlighted some of the problems with the current system of home care.
"This judgment will only fuel those problems."
Ms McDonald said she is not incontinent and has a horror of using incontinence pads, which she considered an "affront to her dignity".
Her plea was for help to use a commode at night.
She had challenged the borough's decision to reduce the amount allocated to her weekly care.
Age UK believes Ms McDonald's human rights have been breached and that there could be "extremely adverse and devastating consequences for many thousands of older people if other councils take similar decisions to save money".
After the Supreme Court ruling, Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK said: "Today's decision is shameful.
"Older people have a fundamental right to dignity and forcing someone to sleep in their own urine and faeces could not be more undignified.
"This judgment opens the door to warehousing older people in their own homes without regard to their quality of life.
"Care should not be just about keeping people safe. It must enable them to live dignified and fulfilled lives."
Alex Rook of Irwin Mitchell solicitors, who represented Age UK, said: "The submissions Age UK made to the Supreme Court in this case sought to ensure that local authorities follow the correct assessment procedures to establish an older person's needs and to then put in place a lawful package of care.
"Whilst Age UK is acutely aware of the current difficult economic climate, the right balance must be struck between the rights of the individual and the interests of the community, and Age UK continues to find it difficult to understand how it can be rational or reasonable to expect an older continent person to use incontinence pads rather than to assist them to access a toilet
UK Government Orders Immediate Enquiry Following the Abuse, Harassment and Violence against People with Challenging Behaviour in Bristol
UK Government Orders Immediate Enquiry Following the Abuse, Harassment and Violence against People with Challenging Behaviour in Bristol
On 30 May the BBC Panorama programme[1] revealed a series of abuse in residential care for people with intellectual disabilities and autism near Bristol, UK. The programme showed residents, labelled as having challenging behaviour, being kicked, violently restrained, drenched in water by the care staff, and treated in ways which arguably amount to torture. Winterbourne Unit, where the programme was secretly filmed, is owned by a private company which receives 3,500 pounds per week from public funding for each person referred to them by the National Health Service. The same company, Castlebeck, runs 56 similar institutions for people with intellectual disabilities in the UK.
Revelations of abuse of disabled people in residential care are by no means new. Not so long ago Europe was shocked by the treatment of a young man in a residential institution in Holland and many will still remember the horrifying images from institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. This most recent case in the UK resulted among other in the suspension of thirteen employees, arrest of four people and a Government ordered enquiry into the abuse at Winterbourne Unit. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which failed to act on information about abuse by a former staff member, apologised for its failure and scheduled a set of unannounced inspection visits of similar units.
The response to this case and similar cases from other European countries has been to call for better monitoring and inspection of residential institutions. However, while adequate monitoring and inspection might have stopped or prevented residents from suffering abuse, they would have done nothing to ensure they receive the quality of life and care they are entitled to. Instead of placing disabled people in residential care, the relevant authorities should provide appropriate support services to the individuals and their families, so they can live as independently as possible in the community. Even though Winterbourne Unit was advertised as an 'assessment hospital' for people with challenging behaviour, the reality is that most residents spent over a year living there. The large amounts of public funding that went to companies like Castlebeck, so they could 'treat' people with challenging behaviour, would have been much better spent on person centred community-based services.
The case of the Bristol-based institution, and the violence suffered by its residents, is all the more alarming given the cuts to independent living services faced by disabled people across Europe. In countries such as the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Hungary, but also Denmark, Sweden and Norway, disabled people and their families are losing the services which enabled them to live independently or with their families, to work and receive education. As a result of cuts to public spending, many disabled people, especially those with higher support needs, will be forced back into residential care. The Winterbourne Unit case should serve as a reminder to Governments across Europe of dangers of relying on the institutional care model. It is about time that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which requires countries to ensure full inclusion and participation of disabled people in society, stops being just a piece of paper.
For additional comment, please contact Jamie Bolling, ENIL Executive Director, at j.bolling@enil.eu.
[1]BBC Panorama, 'Undercover Care: The Abuse Exposed', http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011pwt6.
Contact ENIL
Jamie Bolling
ENIL director
j.bolling@enil.eu
ENIL's Secretariat
Marisol Fojas
ENIL Secretary
secretariat@enil.eu
About ENIL
The European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) is a Europe-wide network of people with disabilities and organisations that promote and practise Independent Living.
ENIL website: www.enil.eu
Confirm that you like this.
Click the "Like" button.
On 30 May the BBC Panorama programme[1] revealed a series of abuse in residential care for people with intellectual disabilities and autism near Bristol, UK. The programme showed residents, labelled as having challenging behaviour, being kicked, violently restrained, drenched in water by the care staff, and treated in ways which arguably amount to torture. Winterbourne Unit, where the programme was secretly filmed, is owned by a private company which receives 3,500 pounds per week from public funding for each person referred to them by the National Health Service. The same company, Castlebeck, runs 56 similar institutions for people with intellectual disabilities in the UK.
Revelations of abuse of disabled people in residential care are by no means new. Not so long ago Europe was shocked by the treatment of a young man in a residential institution in Holland and many will still remember the horrifying images from institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. This most recent case in the UK resulted among other in the suspension of thirteen employees, arrest of four people and a Government ordered enquiry into the abuse at Winterbourne Unit. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which failed to act on information about abuse by a former staff member, apologised for its failure and scheduled a set of unannounced inspection visits of similar units.
The response to this case and similar cases from other European countries has been to call for better monitoring and inspection of residential institutions. However, while adequate monitoring and inspection might have stopped or prevented residents from suffering abuse, they would have done nothing to ensure they receive the quality of life and care they are entitled to. Instead of placing disabled people in residential care, the relevant authorities should provide appropriate support services to the individuals and their families, so they can live as independently as possible in the community. Even though Winterbourne Unit was advertised as an 'assessment hospital' for people with challenging behaviour, the reality is that most residents spent over a year living there. The large amounts of public funding that went to companies like Castlebeck, so they could 'treat' people with challenging behaviour, would have been much better spent on person centred community-based services.
The case of the Bristol-based institution, and the violence suffered by its residents, is all the more alarming given the cuts to independent living services faced by disabled people across Europe. In countries such as the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Hungary, but also Denmark, Sweden and Norway, disabled people and their families are losing the services which enabled them to live independently or with their families, to work and receive education. As a result of cuts to public spending, many disabled people, especially those with higher support needs, will be forced back into residential care. The Winterbourne Unit case should serve as a reminder to Governments across Europe of dangers of relying on the institutional care model. It is about time that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which requires countries to ensure full inclusion and participation of disabled people in society, stops being just a piece of paper.
For additional comment, please contact Jamie Bolling, ENIL Executive Director, at j.bolling@enil.eu.
[1]BBC Panorama, 'Undercover Care: The Abuse Exposed', http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011pwt6.
Contact ENIL
Jamie Bolling
ENIL director
j.bolling@enil.eu
ENIL's Secretariat
Marisol Fojas
ENIL Secretary
secretariat@enil.eu
About ENIL
The European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) is a Europe-wide network of people with disabilities and organisations that promote and practise Independent Living.
ENIL website: www.enil.eu
Confirm that you like this.
Click the "Like" button.
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