SDLP MLA criticised for funeral role

[Sam Lord]

Foyle SDLP MLA Colum Eastwood has been criticised for carrying the coffin of Derry republican Seamus "Chang" Coyle, flanked by a colour party, shortly before a volley of shots was fired over it. Coyle had been a member of the Official IRA and the INLA. The shots were not fired by the INLA, who have decomissioned, but by another republican grouping. Their offer apparently reflected the high standing of Coyle in republican circles in the city.

Eastwood has stood his ground on the matter saying that, despite political differences, Coyle was a personal friend and that he was obliged to pay his respects.

[Saoirse go Deo]

Been a while since we have seen an armalite.

Don't see anything wrong with giving the man a proper send off.

[Sam Lord]

Been a while since we have seen an armalite.

Don't see anything wrong with giving the man a proper send off.

Could you see a Sinn Fein MLA doing this?

[Saoirse go Deo]

Could you see a Sinn Fein MLA doing this?

Going to a republicans funeral and giving a lift?

Of course.

[Sam Lord]

Going to a republicans funeral and giving a lift?

Of course.

With colour party and a volley of shots....?

Hmmmmmm ...

[Saoirse go Deo]

With colour party and a volley of shots....?

Hmmmmmm ...

With a colour party yes, but I don't imagine them inviting the RIRA along to fire a few volleys.

[Fraxinus]

Which IRA? The Officials? They were one of the last ceasefire groups to not decommision...unless they did recently.

[Saoirse go Deo]

Which IRA? The Officials? They were one of the last ceasefire groups to not decommision...unless they did recently.

It was the Real IRA apparently. The Stickies did have a few armalites though.


That said I don't recall the Reals ever using an armalite, generally they have used the AK47?

[Fraxinus]

It was the Real IRA apparently. The Stickies did have a few armalites though.


That said I don't recall the Reals ever using an armalite, generally they have used the AK47?

Don't know my guns at all, apart from the two coming from my shoulders (joking!) so don't know.

Strange the Reals would be the one's...was the deceased involved with the Reals before he died?

[Sam Lord]

Strange the Reals would be the one's...was the deceased involved with the Reals before he died?

No. It appears to have been a gesture of respect.

[Sam Lord]

That said I don't recall the Reals ever using an armalite, generally they have used the AK47?

You are only likely to get an informed opinion on that from someone who has observed all their operations. And I suspect you are unlikely to find such an individual here.

[Saoirse go Deo]

Don't know my guns at all, apart from the two coming from my shoulders (joking!) so don't know.

Strange the Reals would be the one's...was the deceased involved with the Reals before he died?

No, he was involved with the Stickies and the INLA - and apparently supported the peace process.

You are only likely to get an informed opinion on that from someone who has observed all their operations. And I suspect you are unlikely to find such an individual here.

I was just going on media/court reports and I can't remember an armalite being mentioned. (It's not a big deal or anything, I just thought it was interesting!) For example they used AK47s at Massereene.

[Trow]

You'll note the red Starry Plough, a personal request of the deceased, may he rest in peace.

Some photos from the funeral.....http://www.flickr.com/photos/7885737...40503033/show/