- Christy Burke
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Christy Burke is a Dublin city councillor and former member of Sinn Féin.[1] After winning a seat in the 2009 local election, he left the party 3 days after winning the seat as a Sinn Féin candidate, leading to criticism by Aengus Ó Snodaigh[1] that Sinn Féin had promoted him in the campaign as its longest serving councillor.[2]
In the early 1980s he was released from jail after being jailed for IRA membership.[2]
He was involved in anti-illegal drug activism in Dublin and criticised the Garda Síochána for their treatment of anti-illegal drug activists.[2][3][4]
In 1986 he was jailed along with Tony Gregory for fourteen days for campaigning on behalf of Moore Street traders.[2]
In 1996 he was awarded ₤7,500 for distress caused by false statements after a member of the Special Branch had warned Burke he was in danger of being assassinated.[5]
He was involved in peace talks in the 1990s and supported the ceasefires.[2]
In 2010, the Sunday World newspaper was forced by the High Court to apologise to Burke for a 2007 (pre-general election) article by sensationalist crime journalist Paul Williams which falsely accused him of involvement with the IRA.[6]
He was first elected to Dublin City Council in 1985.[7] He ran for the Dáil seven times in Dublin Central without being elected.
References
- ^ a b Burke quits Sinn Féin, Patrick Logue, The Irish Times, 9 June 2009
- ^ a b c d e Much respected councillor a rare Sinn Fein beast, Ciaran Byrne, Irish Independent
- ^ Adams urges alliance on drugs, Mark Brennock, The Irish Times, 18 October 1996
- ^ Pushers Out: The Inside Story of Dublin's Anti-drugs Movement, André Lyder, p.32
- ^ Burke awarded £7,500 in action against former detective garda, The Irish Times, 11 Nevember 1996
- ^ Sunday World apologises to councillor. RTÉ. 9 November 2010.
- ^ Councillor Christy Burke's Profile, dublin.ie
Categories:- Local councillors in Dublin (city)
- Independent politicians in Ireland
- Living people
- Sinn Féin politicians
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