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Owen Keegan

Council chief exec says 'there's a whole industry' sustaining homeless people sleeping in tents

Owen Keegan said that the policy of removing tents is “not very popular, but we do it because we don’t believe it’s appropriate.”

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL’S Chief Executive Owen Keegan has suggested that “well-intended” homeless volunteers are sustaining people sleeping in tents on the streets of the capital. 

Speaking to Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder today, Keegan was commenting on the perception that Dublin is unsafe after Irish Olympian Jack Woolley was assaulted in Dublin city centre on Friday night. 

Keegan told the programme that anti-social behaviour is a concern and said that the proliferation of tents in Dublin is adding to this. 

“There are other aspects, like the proliferation of tents – and I’ll get into trouble for saying this – but we don’t think people should be allowed sleep in tents when there’s an abundance of supervised accommodation in hostels.

“We’ve had up to 100/150 beds available every night for homeless people, and we would have thought that it’s not unreasonable that in those situations, if you’re homeless, you’d go into a professionally managed hostel.”

Keegan said there is “massive pressure” to allow people to camp on the street.

“And that adds to that perception of an edginess about the city”.

Asked about homeless people who may not feel safe staying in hostels he said: “I think being out on the street in a tent is objectively is much less safe than being in a professionally managed hostel.

“There is an issue that if you’re in a hostel, which is a congregated setting, there has to be some limits on your behaviour and some people find that very challenging.

“I still think you’re better off in there, where you can access services in a much safer environment than being out on the street.”

Keegan said that the Council’s policy of removing tents is “not very popular, but we do it because we don’t believe it’s appropriate.

“But there’s a whole industry out there about sustaining what we believe is a very unsafe and inferior form of accommodation for homeless people.

“There’s a whole lot of well-intended groups providing service and delivering services on the street.

“Our view is that people are better off accessing services in a controlled environment, where there is a full range of professional service,” he said. 

Speaking generally, Keegan said anti-social behaviour in Dublin city is a very legitimate concern.

“I think the Gardaí will probably say that, objectively, Dublin city is very safe in comparison with other city centres.

“It’s not just the frequency of media reports of lone individuals being attacked, but we’ve had evidence of groups of young people, congregating, drinking and causing a whole lot of low-level anti-social behaviour.

“So I think all that adds up and creates a perception that Dublin isn’t a family friendly place or friendly for women.

“And I think that’s something we have to be very concerned about.”

He adds: “It’s the perception that matters, and if people feel that it’s unsafe that’s enough”.

Keegan’s comments come after a Council-commissioned report last year found that additional on-street food services for homeless people “are not required” and has recommended that these services should be regulated. 

The review, drawn up by UCD’s School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice,  examined five statutory-funded day services for Dublin’s homeless population.

The review examined day services for homeless people pre-Covid and interviewed representatives from DRHE-funded services. Homeless people were not interviewed for the review nor were charitably-funded day services. 

According to the review, recent years have seen a “dramatic expansion” in on-street, voluntary food services which are unconnected to DRHE-funded day services like Capuchin Day Centre, Merchants Quay Ireland, Focus and Crosscare.

Service providers interviewed for the review said that an “excess provision” of food in Dublin is a result of an increase in soup runs and volunteers providing sandwiches.

They said that providing food at their day service was a “vital hook” to engage homeless people so that they are able to access additional, follow-on services, the review notes. 

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58 Comments
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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:23 PM

    Now it’s time to boycott this corrupt country….

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    Mute Martin Mac
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:54 PM

    You talking about Ireland?

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    Mute Seán Ó Briain
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:58 PM

    Martin, have a bit of common decency and stop using the murder of a poor woman to make a political point against your own nation.

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    Mute fotocrat™
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    Jul 15th 2012, 5:25 PM

    Reprehensible, appalling!!!! There’s no word low enough to qualify this action, on top of the blunders of the Mauritian authorities. Those photos should be in possession of the police, and these were surely given to journalists by the police. The Harte/McAreavey family should sue the government of Mauritius and the newspaper in question. Also, journalists and government here should definitely require more answers about this matter by contacting the Mauritius Police Press Office on +2302081212 / +230 2080034 / +2302080035. This matter shouldn’t be left unpunished.

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    Mute Strongbow62
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    Jul 16th 2012, 6:52 AM

    I was going to write that Mauritians should not be boycotted but then I asked myself would I go there if I won a holiday. The way I’m feeling now is no way. Maybe if anything the printing of the pictures brings home to us the general disrespect for life in the world media at present. The Internet is full of war and death images which are desensitising and turning us into mindless voyeurs. Free speech is important but respect for humanity is a higher ideal. Recently I sea some footage on TV of the war in Yugoslavia. A car was riddled with bullets. The driver fell out of the car dying having been shot numerous times pleading ” no pictures”

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:27 PM

    If this is accurate, that they allow a paper to publish police crime scene photos, this goes way beyond insulting the family. This is the country of Mauritius giving the two fingers to the Harte and McAreavey families and to the the entire nation. That’s unforgiveable.

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    Mute NorthSeaStar
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    Jul 16th 2012, 8:45 AM

    No, it’s some paper wanting to sell. But I agree the trial was a farce, but obviously they could not convict beyond reasonable doubt. I think this whole mess started because the government was eager to show the world the bad guys were caught and the country was safe for tourists. I do find the idea that people want to boycott a country because the police mishandled a murder investigation/ did not convict the people on trial quite scary. What happened to Michaela was horrendous and I can’t even start to imagine how life must be for her widower, family and friends after her death, but this talk about boycotting a country because of the outcome of a trial makes me feel extremely uncomfortable.

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    Mute Máire Egan
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    Jul 16th 2012, 10:19 PM

    @North Sea Star you would be singing a totally different tune if God forbid a member of your own family had the same fate as MIchaela on their honeymoon in Mauritius and pictures of her dead body were printed on the national newspaper!

    1
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    Mute Gavin McGuinness
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:29 PM

    How can any reputable news paper think this is a good idea. I’m appalled.

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    Mute fotocrat™
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    Jul 16th 2012, 7:49 AM

    It’s not a reputable newspaper fortunately.

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    Mute Gavin McGuinness
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    Jul 16th 2012, 10:06 PM

    Well I think we all know that now. Where is the journalism standards board on this? Is there even one in that location?

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    Mute Amy Chaney
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:25 PM

    I actually cannot believe what I’m reading.

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    Mute Mary Mc Carthy
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:31 PM

    Sick …. and shows a complete and utter lack of respect for the familes involved, as if they have not suffered enough . No way is this JOURNALISM in any shape or form. It still amazes me what people will do FOR MONEY ……..

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    Mute Niall Martin
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:30 PM

    What sort of human being publishes this kind of stuff? Absolutely galling, and yet another symbol of the cack handed way in which authorities (be they police or media) operate in that country.

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    Mute juliana
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:40 PM

    Disgusting.just disgusting.do people still think this country deserves tourisim?

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    Mute Deirdre Mc Donnell
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:42 PM

    First they jump for joy when acquitted in front of michaelas poor family now this.
    How utterly insensitive and poor of them.

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    Mute @emcg53
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:32 PM

    Couldn’t agree more. How disgusting is the treatment of those poor people? Let’s hear from those who took the moral high ground after Sean Kelly’s prophetic remarks. All comparisons between Ireland and this despicable country are now void. Well done to the Government for taking a hard line on this.

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    Mute LeeKelly
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:54 PM

    It defies belief that a small island nation heavily dependant on tourism (either by legitimate means or robbing them) can not only display complete imcompetence in handling the murder of a person there to help support their economy but can then go on and completely disgrace itself for the eyes of the world to see.

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    Mute Chris Coffey
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:05 PM

    Well said Lee, I was literally about to say the same. The eyes of the world (certainly Britain and Ireland) are on this country for a very negative reason, they should be absolutely terrified about the image they are putting across. And now they publish a photograph of the poor woman’s body…! I have no words… Utterly incomprehensibly disgusting, inconsiderate and damaging to themselves.

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    Mute Martin Grehan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:07 PM

    Lee could be talking about Ireland there, in fact he might actually be ;)

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    Mute Lucille Ball
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:30 PM

    LeeKelly. Best comment made today

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    Mute Seanbeag
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    Jul 16th 2012, 2:04 AM

    Who’s “they” Chris? Was the whole country in on it? I thought it was just a newspaper that published them.

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    Mute Chris Coffey
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    Jul 16th 2012, 10:12 AM

    Do journalists take pictures of intact crime scenes Sean, including the victims body? I was referring to the police and the other individuals whose job it is bring the people responsible for this crime to justice in a professional manner, which doesnt involve handing over sensitive and indescribably inappropriate images of the crime scene to the national newspapers!

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    Mute Seanbeag
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    Jul 16th 2012, 10:36 AM

    I’ve seen plenty of pictures published of car accident scenes Chris. Haven’t you? I’ve seen a lot of pictures publishedof buildings gutted after a fire. What about the scenes from Syria? Pretty horrific no?

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    Mute Máire Egan
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    Jul 16th 2012, 10:28 PM

    Martin Grehan GO TO BED and stop annoying us with your moronic comments total gombeen as far as I am concerned!!

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    Mute Martin Grehan
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    Jul 16th 2012, 10:33 PM

    Go to bed? Wow, very adult of you :)

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    Mute Faceless Man
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:44 PM

    The total lack of respect shown during and after the trial is shocking.

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    Mute juliana
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:46 PM

    Why are people giving thumbs down to comments condeming these pictures.you are just as sick as those who printed the pictures

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    Mute jackwigan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 7:25 PM

    Lol

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    Mute Máire Egan
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    Jul 16th 2012, 10:23 PM

    @Juliana just ignore the hideous folk who are giving thumbs down if it was a member of their own family by God they wouldn’t be thumbing down!!!!

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    Mute SL
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:50 PM

    I specifically didn’t give Mauritius consideration as a honeymoon destination last summer because of this case. I am doubly glad now. despicable behaviour. since the crime happened the whole government response has been inept and 2nd world. they should pay for their ineptitude and lack of consideration in the only way they understand. damage to their prized tourism industry and reputation as a honeymoon destination.

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    Mute Micheal Mac Suibhne
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:02 PM

    The Prime Minister of Mauritius is Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his e-mail address is: primeminister@mail.gov.mu
    Postal address Prime Minister’s Office, New Treasury Building, Intendance Street, Port Louis, Rep. of Mauritius.

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    Mute Phil Mc Donald
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    Jul 15th 2012, 4:32 PM

    Fionnuala, fetch me my Mont Blanc pen!

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    Mute Noirin Lynch
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    Jul 16th 2012, 1:19 AM

    Thanks Micheal. Message sent to him. Hope many more do the same.

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    Mute Martin Grehan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:50 PM

    Disgusting. But still people calling for a boycott of the country, will you just stop!

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    Mute juliana
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:58 PM

    Of course people should boycott Mauritius and todays reports are just confirmation.

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    Mute Martin Grehan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:05 PM

    Juliana, are you aware of the foreign people who have been killed in Ireland and those investigations which have been botched by the Irish police? And our press is just as bad. Google Sophie Du Plantier and educate yourself. The moral high-ground isn’t ours to have unfortunately.

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    Mute dublinlad72
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:07 PM

    Did we not allow French officials to come over and investigate the case?

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    Mute Petr Tarasov
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:15 PM

    It reflects badly on the court system and the newspaper involved, not the country generally. Simple really. No need for hysteria bordering on xenophobia.

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    Mute Tomy Iona
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:26 PM

    After something like this, to be fair it’s understandable that people would feel that way.

    Maybe Mauritians generally don’t deserve it but if action is not taken against this newspaper then I know I’ll never go there.

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:37 PM

    The Irish government have also cooperated with the FBI when they investigated the hacking activities of Anonymous and LulzSec here and made several arrests.
    Bear in mind Ian Bailey, an English man living in Ireland, was wanted for question by the french concerning the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, something he has alway denied any involvement in. The Supreme Court ruled it could permit Mr Bailey’s extradition only if French authorities charged him with murder, but the French warrant specified that Bailey was wanted only for questioning and potential prosecution, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that EU law would not permit his extradition on these grounds.
    So you see we do allow the police forces of other countries to investigate here and of course Interpol and its various agencies work alongside our gardai all the time, we’re told.

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    Mute juliana
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:14 PM

    Martin I am well aware of that case,it is never out of the news.I am not uneducated at all and find that highly offensive.I stand by my point that michaela mcareaveys case had been handled with the upmost insensitivity and disrespect and I do think people should stay away from Mauritius.

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    Mute Lucille Ball
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:40 PM

    @ Juliana.. Do you think that the people of Mauritius should suffer because of shoddy journalism & police? I don’t think so, but it does disgust me what was published in the papers today too.. At least let’s see what tommorrow brings newswise about the case/photos etc… See what the Mauritian people/police have to say for themselves before they are all condemned to an Irish free island…

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    Mute dublinlad72
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:05 PM

    Why doesn’t the Government pressure the Mauritian Government to allow a team of our best Gardai to travel to the Island and reinvestigate the case, allowing access to all original witnesses, evidence etc etc. I posted yesterday that Sean Kelly’s comment about boycotting the Island was a ‘Knee Jerk’ reaction but publishing photo’s of the crime scene is like a slap in the face to the Harte/McAreavey family. I think it is time for the Government to put pressure on our European partners to send a similar message out to their people about this Island. The Mauritian Government obviously have little or no respect for the families affected, and that includes the lads who were accused, beating confessions from them.

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:19 PM

    Allegedly beating confessions from them, was there any actual evidence of this? Remember their first suspect suffered no such treatment, John McAreavey himself was detained for several hours and questioned but nobody laid a finger on him.

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    Mute Ciaran Morgan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:20 PM

    Great idea. Maybe the Gardai who investigated the Du Plantier, Anthony Campbell and Raonaid Murray murders could be assigned to this investigation.

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    Mute Amy Chaney
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    Jul 15th 2012, 5:55 PM

    @ Brian not to mention the two doctors who checked them out found no signs of abuse

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    Mute Ger Harrington
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    Jul 15th 2012, 6:09 PM

    A person does not have to be beaten in order to be tortured. Sometimes mental torture can be worse than physical bearings.

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    Mute Ger Harrington
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    Jul 15th 2012, 6:10 PM

    Beatings!! Not bearings!

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 7:36 PM

    @Ger But the suspects didn’t claim mental torture, they claimed they were physically tortured. Something which the jury believed but there was absolutely no evidence presented to back up this claim.

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    Mute Martin Hanly
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:37 PM

    Well said!!!

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    Mute Ciaran Pollard
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:59 PM

    There appears to be a disrespectful, dismissive and inhuman attitude from the island journalists and justice system towards the grieving families involved, I find it very concerning and odd. The appalling decision by this “rag” to publish these photographs may have a positive/negative influential impact on the further necessary court proceedings, it makes no sense.

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    Mute Daniel R
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:47 PM

    Hang on a minute I remember reading an Irish newspaper with the crime scene photos. It had the room with a table and different items circled such as the hotel key. Can anyone verify?

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    Mute Paddy O Donnell
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    Jul 15th 2012, 5:46 PM

    i think peoples disgust is about the picture of michaela r.i.p.

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    Mute Amy Chaney
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    Jul 15th 2012, 5:47 PM

    This contained pictures of michaela herself.

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    Mute Aaron t
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    Jul 16th 2012, 12:31 AM

    The sun published images of an Irish guys body after he was shot dead by authorities in Venezuela pretty gruesome photos and the family was very upset.

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    Mute fotocrat™
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    Jul 16th 2012, 6:50 AM

    Michael Dwyer

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    Mute isabelle
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:07 PM

    This is appalling I totally agree but don’t think it’s fair to tar the whole country with the same brush. There are people who depend on tourism to put food on their table and are equally appalled by this case aswell. For this reason I find it hard to say boycott the whole country.

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    Mute Adrian quinn
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    Jul 15th 2012, 7:26 PM

    Would you go there?

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    Mute Smaointí
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    Jul 16th 2012, 8:40 AM

    I’d just be afraid being there with such a corrupt police force. Obvious someone in the police force sold those photos. Seems to be a distict lack of humanity/empathy.

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    Mute Smaointí
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    Jul 16th 2012, 8:41 AM

    I’d just be afraid being there with such a corrupt police force. Obvious someone in the police force sold those photos. Seems to be a distict lack of humanity/empathy.

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    Mute Paul Kane
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:16 PM

    When the FG MEP Sean Kelly suggested that Irish people boycott Mauritius after the trial verdict last week I thought it was a knee jerk reaction however with the insensitive publication of photos by this newspaper it is an appropriate and correct course of action.

    I have a feeling that the tainted Island of Mauritius will no longer be the luxury destination of choice for honeymooners from Ireland for quite some time now because of this situation.

    I really feel for the Harte and McAreavey families with the ongoing torture they are enduring from these callous people.

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    Mute Anasthasia Vargon
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:22 PM

    totally agree with you..i think it’s better that some experts from other country should come to mauritius to do the reinvestigation in the case of Michaela harte Mc Areavey…although i’m a mauritian but i was and will always be by John Mc Areavey and harte side. All my support to them….really want the case to re opened…let’s hope so….RIP beauty queen Michaela…♥ U a lot Princess…

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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:23 PM

    As no-one has been found guilty does that not mean that the criminal investigation is still open? If so, is this not undermining an on-going investigation and may result in a future case collapsing, especially if they are the official photos.

    I will not be boycotting the country due to the result, but rather as I have no faith in the local police being able to act appropriately or professionally

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    Mute Martin Hanly
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:42 PM

    @vocaloutrage My thoughts exactly. Raises major suspicions as to who leaked the pics. Could it be a pre-emotive strike by the defensive counsel against any future, fair case?

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    Mute Paddy Murphy
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:57 PM

    Eh has no one seen the Sunday World today? With similar pictures, What’s the difference?

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:13 PM

    I haven’t seen it but journalists have always used long lens etc. to attempt to get pictures of crime scenes, is it ok? I don’t know. The difference is the pictures in Mauritius were the actual black and white pictures taken by the police crime scene photographer and represent a serious breach of confidentiality and trust, to say the least. How they got those pictures is anyones guess but suggests someone on the Mauritian Police Force was open to bribes, again, even after the court case they still are managing to bungle it.

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    Mute Paddy Murphy
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:23 PM

    Thanks for the explanation Brian, I get it now. Ok, that’s messed up!!!

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    Mute Chuck Eastwood
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    Jul 15th 2012, 5:15 PM

    I am actually sick reading this and the fact that some people are saying we should relax. Make no mistake this will happen again there maybe not to an Irish person but to some poor unfortunate who will have to bring a dead loved one home while the locals take the piss. Untill I saw this today I gave them the benifit of the doubt and based on the lack of evidence (due to there own cock up’s) they couldnt convict anyone. But the fact that the whole island seems happy to see the back of the McAreavey family while not being to bothered about justice. The complete lack of empathy they showed while laughing during the court case. I wouldn’t bat an eyelid if that Island sank in the morning…or sooner

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    Mute Petr Tarasov
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    Jul 15th 2012, 5:28 PM

    I wouldn’t bat an eyelid if that Island sank in the morning

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    Mute Mary Kelleher
    Favourite Mary Kelleher
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:08 PM

    This news is absolutely Disgusting..How could anyone allow those pictures to be publiished Total disrespect ..Shame on Mauritius..,

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    Mute John Drennan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 5:03 PM

    Just when you think that country can’t shame itself any more it does. Sadly I don’t think these people from the ones who cheered in their thousands after the verdict, to the investigators to the appalling journalism can feel shame.
    The only way to hurt them is in their pockets. Boycott tourism to their country, I’d like to think most Irish people certainly will if not an international boycott. It’s obviously not a safe place to go anyway.
    Rip Michaela and thoughts to her poor family who’ve been badly let down by that country

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Jul 15th 2012, 4:03 PM

    My heartfelt sympathies to John , his family and the Harte family. This is such a devastating blow on top of all the other devastating blows they all have suffered since and including Michaela’s death. I am so so sorry for them , and I hope they find comfort from all our combined sympathy, shock and hurt that such photographs would be published .THey certainly do not deserve this final insult !
    To be honest , I do not know if or whether the island should be boycotted ,but I do think people will probably not go there for the forseeable future from Ireland , and at the end of the day people will make up their own minds as to what they want to do themselves. Suffice to say I will never go there .

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    Mute Sherbet Bell
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:32 PM

    it’s called a cover up …. no person can be caught for her murder now as no jury could ever be chosen on the island now with any degree of impartiality.

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    Mute Alan Curran
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    Jul 15th 2012, 4:02 PM

    Talk about rubbing the two families noses in it!…..disgraceful

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    Mute Chuck Eastwood
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    Jul 15th 2012, 6:40 PM

    Oh for god sake man do you really think I would be happy to see the Island sink. It was said in anger. A little bit of perspective and cop on when reading comments. Considering you just posted a comment feeling sorry for drug dealers in Galway which leads to the loss of life “Victimless ‘crime’. You also have a problem with Hilary clinton asking for democrocy in Egypt which would certainly lead to a government who would give a better standard of living to the entire country. I hate going off topic but your previous comments lead me to believe you are nothing more than a troll

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    Mute Adrian quinn
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    Jul 15th 2012, 7:32 PM

    Dont make the comment so. Things are are said in anger. whats written can and should be proof read. If you can check your spelling, you can keep your phrasing in check. Ok?

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    Mute Petr Tarasov
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:29 PM

    Moron.

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    Mute Paula Mcilwrath
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    Jul 15th 2012, 4:17 PM

    I think they have been leaked to media on purpose !

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    Mute Niall
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    Jul 15th 2012, 8:11 PM

    International boycott of Mauritius.

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    Mute john g mcgrath
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:42 PM

    Other Irish people murder all over the world over many years but no where as much publicity about them no rte on site reporter no pull out 12 page supplements as was on one red top yesterday.
    While this is a horrendous crime have we now adapted a tolerance of celebrity murder

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    Mute Joan Featherstone
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    Jul 15th 2012, 4:41 PM

    John
    I totally agree, this case is getting far too much coverage, it’s a terrible crime and someone should be held accountable, but really eight pages plus in some newspapers, it saturation. Our own gardai have bungled many similar cases here in Ireland over the years, and murderers have walked free. These men have been found NOT guilty and I know if that was a member of my family and he was not guilty, I would certainly be celebrating, also many others Irish citizens have been murdered in other countries, but none have gotten the coverage this has. Boycott the country…it’s a ridiculous idea, make others who have nothing whatsoever to do with this suffer?

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    Mute Aine Ní Chuanaigh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:38 PM

    I don’t so who wouldn’t or couldn’t empathize with there story regardless of there background. For me personally what struck a cord was that this was a young couple who had just married they obviously had dreams, hopes & had planned a bright future ahead of them it was so needlessly taken away & in a completely different environment & setting with no close family/friends surrounding them this is what people will remember.

    I think this would have gotten the media attention regardless I for one would like to think that that couple or any persons deserve the basic right to professional police investigation, empathy & respect in the event of any crime though there’s so tragic. Failures from day one has resulted in killer or killers freedom it just makes for tragic reading the family/friends of Michaella have faced a harrowing ordeal and then to have her photos published in such a manor is horrific

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    Mute Alan Dempsey
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    Jul 15th 2012, 3:43 PM

    Disgraceful.

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    Mute Karen Williams
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    Jul 15th 2012, 8:51 PM

    Saying you would never go to a country that had, at some point, 1) messed up a police investigation (thereby you wouldn’t feel safe in the country should something happen) 2) where a tourist had been murdered and 3) where there are some questionable journalists…. well sorry but that doesn’t leave a whole lot of countries you can visit…

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    Mute John Drennan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:03 PM

    Murdered in their hotel room by hotel staff members?
    Thousands cheering on the street when the suspects get off??
    Images of the murdered persons dead body on the front page of the newspaper with the headline “exclusive”??!
    I can’t think of many…

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    Mute Aisling Doyle
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    Jul 15th 2012, 6:54 PM

    Dirty b@star@s !!! Hit them where it hurts , boycott …… Mind u what do they supply anyone know ? Other than tourism whAt else is there ?

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    Mute Joann Reid
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    Jul 15th 2012, 9:12 PM

    From what I remember Dorothy Perkins & maybe Next have massive clothing factories there.

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    Mute Aisling Doyle
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    Jul 15th 2012, 9:17 PM

    ummm thats interesting joann never realised ,,,

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:42 PM

    It seems they earn their income mainly from sugar production, tourism, textiles and clothing, and financial services. A boycott on any clothing made in Mauritius would have a far bigger affect than one on tourism and would be easier to implement. How many of us go there, but we all wear clothes?

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    Mute tony duggan
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    Jul 15th 2012, 9:10 PM

    Id rather visit somalia than that hell hole!! (Mauritius )

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    Mute Peter
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:33 PM

    Spanner

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    Mute Holemaster
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:05 PM

    Idiot

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    Mute Niall Patrick Kennedy
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:54 PM

    We have every right to boycott. Why should any Irish person want to go to a country where the police won’t protect me, the media have no morals. And if I was involved in a trial the locals laugh as though it’s judge judy. I hope their tourism industry flops after this disgraceful carry on. The families involved have shown great dignity in the worst of times

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    Mute Dick Muncher
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    Jul 15th 2012, 4:26 PM

    I dont see the big deal…everyone should chillax.

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    Mute Tim Jackson
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    Jul 15th 2012, 2:56 PM

    The government wants censorship now?

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    Mute Patrick Minford
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:03 PM

    newspapers will print anything, as long as it sells more copies

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    Mute Aisling Doyle
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    Jul 15th 2012, 9:09 PM

    i wanna know who 1 ) actually leaked the photos , and 2) since when are photos taken in black and white of a crime scene ???

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:30 PM

    The police photographer was only on the job a short while, I forget exactly how long but I believe it was a few months, for some reason he used black and white film. There was no colour photos of the crime scene. To my knowledge it was these photos that somehow ended up in the paper in the Mauritian Sunday Times, clearly they were leaked to the paper by someone.

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    Mute John Cronin
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:49 PM

    this is a disgrace, dignity means nothing to some people, a boycot would not work, i hope the government takes a strong lead and help the familes in their plight to get justice. looking at this case from the start it was a shambles and now the mauritius authorities need to get their act together

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    Mute cjmalone1969
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    Jul 15th 2012, 7:29 PM

    I think it’s utterly disgusting but a lot of us saw similar at the original OJ Simpson case and nobody batted an eyelid.

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    Mute fizi_water
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:04 PM

    I think this is outrageous what they did however to boycott is bit silly. Only people hit with boycott would be those who have nothing to do with a case and try hard to make for living. Their police chiefs and officials would be still living a corrupted dream regardless if you boycotts tourism or not. They are going to find money elsewhere if the see less tourism income and the only suffering would be average people. The only way to deal with them in my opinion is at official levels and it should lead to some dimissions in Mauritius hopefully – it should be forced from up above.

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    Mute Nydon
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    Jul 16th 2012, 12:36 AM

    Is it common practice in mauritius:
    To cheer in court?
    To print such photographs?
    To threaten / beat suspects?
    To argue through the media?
    Maybe it’s the culture?
    If so, a boycott would not be appropriate just because an Irish family fell foul of this culture. However, until they change the culture, who would want to be the next Irish family in that situation?

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    Mute Rita Doherty
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:23 PM

    how stupid and ignorant some of the comments here are to say the least,utter disgrace,of course everyone is appalled at media printing the photo s,how terrible for the familys,but to boycott mauritius,god but look at the cataloge of murders commited here daily,lots of them against tourists,why try to punish pple who wouldnt be involved in crime, jesus wept,i personally am relieved two men PROVEN innocent are free, i hope that justice will be done !

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    Mute Brian Mulligan
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    Jul 16th 2012, 8:25 AM

    I have yet to see a court prove someone innocent!

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    Mute Lauren Halligan
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    Jul 16th 2012, 4:38 PM

    I’ll be boycotting it, not because of murders (they happen everywhere, every day unfortunately) but because of the lack of respect shown to the family of Michaela. They turned the whole thing into a panto, booing and cheering in court. How would you feel if it were your loved one who had been brutally murdered?
    And then for them to put her picture on the front page of a tabloid while still in the bath that she died in??!
    Hitting them in the tourism industry is the only way to get their attention and let them know this won’t be forgotten.

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    Mute Hammer Time
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    Jul 15th 2012, 9:34 PM

    That was very quick, pity they were not as quick on the Ulster Bank probleams, oh yeah thats right they are buddies.

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    Mute Frank O Shea
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:55 PM

    They print scenes after bombings in Omagh the morning after. They show car crashes the same day on TV. What is the difference. I feel for the 2 innocent men. How will they carry on their lives after being set up? Gerry Adems is quick to condem people for reaching wrong judgements and yet these 2 are innocent. No compassion for these guys. Where is the justice in that?

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    Mute Poppy
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:14 PM

    Innocent my ar$e…..he confessed in the presence of his solicitor !!

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    Mute Poppy
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:18 PM

    Innocent ??? There wasn’t enough evidence to convict them….why did his solicitor let him confess ?? & why did the same solicitor leave mid trial ??

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    Mute Srinu Sokappadu
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    Jul 15th 2012, 9:26 PM

    Sunday times is not a Mauritian newspaper !!

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    Mute John Cronin
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    Jul 15th 2012, 10:50 PM

    then who publishes it

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    Mute Holemaster
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:05 PM

    Who owns the Mauritian Sunday Times? I wonder is it an international group?

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    Mute fizi_water
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    Jul 15th 2012, 11:48 PM

    I cannot even find that bulls@#$% newspaper on the Internet, the only thing that comes up is Mauritius Times, maybe it’s the same paper then. And it looks like it belongs to “THE PRAKASH RAMLALLAH FOUNDATION” in Mauritius, 23 Bourbon Street Port Louis Port. So probably just some small local newspaper…unless I’m wrong with my search!

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    Mute Frank O Shea
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    Jul 16th 2012, 12:13 AM

    In Johns evidence he stated that when he entered the room and found her in the bath he ripped her skirt to see if she was raped. Anybody ever try to rip a wet cloth or fabric? Wouldn’t you lift her skirt up around her waist or remove it? It’s all very strange and nobody is allowed question anything. RTE took comments that were only negitive toward the 2 guys and made a full report on the case against the staff members. Not a full report on all the facts eg why would somebody walk out a front door when they could have gone out throught the patio doors of they were trying to get away. There are many things unanswered yet the people commenting have the hanging rope out and ready for innocent people.

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    Mute Wayne Yore
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    Jul 16th 2012, 1:44 AM

    Pictures of dead Syrians everywhere

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    Mute Mark O Flaherty
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    Jul 16th 2012, 6:16 AM

    this reminds me of the time The Star had a picture of a dead Joey Dunlop on the front page. disgraceful.

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    Mute Brian Walsh
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    Jul 16th 2012, 7:22 AM

    That picture was taken by a journalist, and I agree. The pictures in question here were the actual crime scene pictures taken by the police and leaked to journalists. Big difference.

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    Mute Dominick Lodola
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    Jul 16th 2012, 4:20 PM

    Some sick puppies on that Island. It’s not rocket science, either someone from the police, defense lawyers or prosecution and there teams gave it to journalist as seemingly the are the only ones to have had a copy. Sad day for world media in general.

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    Mute fizi_water
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    Jul 16th 2012, 7:23 AM

    How about creating website about all that disgrace – of course if both families OK that as they may not want it.
    Then promote it so can reach as many people as possible. Irish tourism there alone is like drop in the ocean and they won’t even notice. Support of UK, France, Germany, Australia is needed. They are biggest holidaymakers there and could do the difference. Another thing we could do is to mail bomb them authorities and that rag paper if someone wishes to post online their valid emails.

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    Mute Anasthasia Vargon
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    Jul 17th 2012, 2:13 PM

    although i’m a mauritian, i want justice to be done for Michaela McAreavey…and i’m sure that the case will re opened…all my support to John James McAreavey and Harte family….feeling very sad for them…all my sympathie with John and harte family…and not all the mauritian people are like this…..LOVE u MICHAELA and JOHN

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    Mute Graham Mace
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    Jul 16th 2012, 5:23 PM

    I thought the tabloid journalists of the Daily Mail were bad. And the Murdoch paper’s journos even worse. But this is about as low as you could possibly get.
    Newspapers cater for a public demand. This drives some of them to overstep the mark, as happened with the phone tapping. However, the sort of public that would find this acceptable are the kind of people I would not care to visit.
    The material must have been corruptly obtained from the country’s police. This, on top of the fiasco of a botched investigation, shows that law and order in that country is non-existent and cannot be trusted.

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    Mute Dhruv Awotar
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    Jul 19th 2012, 8:29 PM

    From Mauritius : We are very shocked with the death of M.Harte.Our country Mauritius weep today for such an atr0cious crime. on M. Harte. The Prime Minister will not leave any stone unturned to help the irish . I will be on the side ou TRUTH and Justice MAY GOD SAI BABA of SHIRDI help to find the real culprit in real TIME
    Awotarsing Mauritius
    [ Recite the name –invoke 7 Thursdays –Aum Sai Ram 108 times ‘ the family will find hope and TRUTH– This none family member to do

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    Mute Dhruv Awotar
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    Jul 19th 2012, 8:53 PM

    I have learnt lots of comments from our brothers and sisters from Ireland to boycott Mauritus. Please ! dont do that b’cause of such a mishap. Now we know the murderer is in the free air> By God grace the demon will be caught.
    But we ask GOD Grace from the world not to boycott Mauritius .There.’s still 1.5 miilion souls who depend upon you to live. How could you do more sins. Cant you pardon. ? Jesus did ! Not to pardon the Criminal pl. But the 1.5 souls .
    May God brtng some positive thoughts !

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    Mute Dhruv Awotar
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    Jul 19th 2012, 8:19 PM

    We convey our condoleances to the bereaved family and the brotrhers and siaters of irelang

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    Mute john o'rourke
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    Jul 18th 2012, 11:39 PM

    An absolute disgrace! What happened to Michaela was tragic, but this even added more hurt and pain to the whole family.

    I would like to see an offical govermental apology from Mauritius to the family and the Irish people.

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    Mute Dhruv Awotar
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    Jul 19th 2012, 8:18 PM

    Dhruv from Mauritius : We convey our sincere sympathy to family and brothers and sisters of Ireland
    From D.Awotarsing

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