British papers are attacked by Boothman

IN HIS address to Congress, GAA President Jack Boothman - departing frequently from his script - dwelt on political matters in a little more detail than usual and launched a feverish attack on British papers which editionalise into the Irish market.

Taking as his starting point, the closure of the Press group he said: "One of the saddest days in media history for the newspaper industry, for the GAA and for Ireland was the tragic demise of the Irish Press Group of newspapers. This had a traumatic effect on all who worked in the Press group but it also changed the equilibrium and balance, perhaps irreversibly, of the newspaper scene in Ireland.

"It stimulated the predatory instincts of many overseas newspapers, some of who never had the interest of Ireland or anything Irish at heart, but who now, though (sic) published and printed abroad, masquerade as `Irish' newspapers for the purpose of gaining a share of the market and if necessary putting other Irish newspapers out of business.

"Indeed, in some cases their veils are so transparent that they do not even carry a GAA content in their six-county editions. I make no apologies for asking our membership to support Irish newspapers and Irish media where possible or we will face a situation in the years to come where opinion and policy is decided in Fleet St or Wapping."

In a passage on the peace process. Boothman re-iterated GAA policy on the process and Rule 21 which bans members of the northern security forces from joining the association. "While peace remains attainable on our island, the GAA is determined to play whatever role it can . . . we are committed to the cause of reconciliation among the people of all Ireland based on mutual understanding and respect.

"...We are not a political body. With two major field sports on the island and several other national sports and cultural activities to promote, with many thousands of teams to put in the field every Sunday, we cannot afford to be. What restrictions we place on membership of the GAA are a reaction to political circumstances.

"...In the context of an acceptable political settlement in which the national and cultural traditions of the people of all Ireland are equally recognised and respected, the concept of an exclusion rule will not have any relevance to us.

I hope sincerely that the time will come, sooner rather than later, when we will be in a position to welcome them (the RUC) into our organisation as members of a community police force rather than a minority-based political one."

Staying on northern issues he made reference to the situation in Crossmaglen where the British Army continue to occupy the local club's property. The return of the requisitioned-grounds, he said should be acted on not as a condition for bargaining" but "giving back what is rightfully theirs".

Boothman also undertook that the GAA would make a submission to the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation when it resumes. The association declined an invitation to appear before the Forum earlier this year.

On the question of government policy on sport, he charged that "planners (had) put concrete before playing fields" and stressed the role that sport and the GAA in particular had in tackling crime. He also called for future Ministers for Sport to be accorded full cabinet status.

Referring to one of the knottier problems on the association's plate, Boothman re-iterated the association's policy on amateurism.

"The GAA is sustained because it continued to recognise that its foundation and very fabric was based on voluntary effort and the pursuit of the glory of the club and county, without the expectation of any other reward. If we are to maintain our place as an integral part of Irish society, these ideals must be preserved."