Old enemies smuggle fuel together
By Mark Simpson
BBC Ireland Correspondent



Fuel smuggling and diesel laundering is proving so lucrative in Northern Ireland that traditional enemies are working together to make money.

Loyalists and republicans are setting aside their political differences for a common aim - financial profit.

To those involved, pounds are more important than politics.

In the latest raid by customs officials, illegal fuel was seized in a loyalist area, which had been supplied by a gang from a republican area.

The scam broke a range of political boundaries.

The diesel came originally from the Irish Republic, was smuggled across the border into Northern Ireland, to the republican south Armagh area. It was then driven north to Belfast, into the loyalist Shankill Road district.

As one insider put it: "There's no religion on a £10 note."

This little news snippet illustrates the progress that has been made as we all work together.

It also shows that claims of DUP and Sinn Fein working together for years may not be so "ridiculous" as some claim.

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 26/09/2008 21:38:49    109177

Patrique, to be quite honest I think I'd prefer to be insulted by you than be patronised. I do not need a history lesson on the British miners' strike, of which I also had some personal experience which I do not need to bring to the attention of a GAA website, nor do I need to be told about books you have read that detail the path to the peace process in the north. I probably have read them all and indeed may also have written some of them. I am perfectly aware that things have changed and, for your information, I do not live in Israel, nor do I throw flags at ducks. My declaration on this site of the county team I support tells you as much about where I live as does the Dublin affiliation of posters such as Dubupnorth or the countless Kerry fans who have told us they live in Dublin. I may even be living on your street or next door to you; I may be standing behind you next time you line up at a Belfast coffee-shop counter. Oh, and even after all your twists and turns you are still wrong about Gregory Campbell.

Borderboy (Monaghan) - Posts: 277 - 27/09/2008 11:29:19    109262

Well Border my old son, I tried.

But you'd best not throw sticks at ducks in Israel, could be misinterpreted.

And like all things, there is no right or wrong, it is belief. If I think Shefflin is a good hurler, and you do not, that is a matter of opinion.

Unless you are very young and into a "I'm right" syndrome.

As for Gregory, hardly know him, most of my dealings these days are with Willie McCrea. Gets things done instantly.

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 27/09/2008 13:54:58    109318

As an even wiser and more erudite man than me, CP Scott, once remarked, "Comment is free, but the facts are sacred."
Say whatever you like, Patriqe, but don't f*** with the facts.

Borderboy (Monaghan) - Posts: 277 - 27/09/2008 20:00:59    109393

patrique this is a gaa site so quit talkin rubbish as usual...crying in your bed were u wen tyrone won??

ffgg (Longford) - Posts: 2571 - 27/09/2008 20:49:24    109409

When Tyrone won what?

If Mayo had won, I was going to work on Monday. With Tyrone winning, I am going to work on Monday.

With Lancashire enjoying an amazing escape from relegation in the cricket, I am elated.

"Lancashire, la-la-la-la, Lancashire.....

Do you remember those great days in the 70s?

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 27/09/2008 21:11:02    109420

The facts? Like Martin waving the documentary evidence of the "ridiculous" clandestine meetings.

Border, when in a hole, stop digging.

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 27/09/2008 21:17:36    109425

sure ian paisley said the same thing when armagh won their AI.
would not give that type of comment much time, tounge and cheek or having a sly dig, who cares??
a reaction to crap like that is not the way forward

milhouse (Cavan) - Posts: 469 - 28/09/2008 03:41:52    109503